How to audition successfully

Introduction

 

Before I offer a few advice on do’s and don’ts of a successful audition you need to know one thing: the auditioning panel WANTS you to SUCCEED. I know it most often doesn’t look like it but you need to consider a few things: the panel members are there morning to evening often for days, they get not enough air and too much coffee, they have heard the same piece 20 times just today, they too need (bathroom) breaks and they never have quite enough time for them due to things usually running late and they are constantly watched as much as you are in your 10 minute time slot.

They are human and as all of us prone to headaches, personal issues etc. But they want you to succeed. Because if you prove to be the person they are looking for it means their search and pressure to find that person is over and they too have done their job and done it well.

That said, it also doesn’t mean that if you have done an amazing audition, feel good about it, the panel seamed very excited and enthusiastic about your performance and you still don’t get the job – that you weren’t any good. It’s the complete opposite most of the time. It just means that you aren’t quite what they were looking for to complete the cast they (for instance) already have.

So, take a deep breath, try to calm those nerves, keep your focus and do your best by:

1. Be confident. NOT arrogant just confident. When you enter the room, smile, speak clearly and concisely, make eye contact, wear appropriate attire (don’t wear a “costume” or show too much flesh for auditioning for Carmen) do not wear short trousers or very short skirts, do not go crazy with colors. First impressions count a lot so, if you are not naturally confident, practice your entrance with colleagues, family and friends or, even better, consult an acting teacher. If you suffer from performance anxiety, follow these tips. You don’t need to entertain the panel, be super funny etc. but you do need to show you are able to properly communicate with people in the production and creative team.

2. Arrive to your audition early and ready to sing. That way if they have had any last minute cancellations you can fill in the slot without feeling rushed. I know this is a standard but the opposite happens more often than not: always inform yourself about the show you are auditioning for, so if you are asked question you can answer them properly. Know your music inside out. Sing with proper pronunciation and know your text word for word. Use proper ornamentation for the period.

4. Always start your audition with the aria that is the most solid in your voice and heart. Something that really shows off your personal talent your, voice technique and unique personality. A piece you have performed before and are very much at ease with. Of course that is not always possible. The panel might politely ask/insist you start with a different piece from your list in which case you will have an opportunity to show them who you are.

5. Congenial. If asked to perform a piece from your list which you weren’t intending to start with, do not make a scene. Smile politely take a few moments and DO it. After all the piece requested IS on your list so you were prepared to perform it. It will show the panel that you are willing and able to compromise, which is a good trade in any potential coworker.

If the panel request a piece that is possibly not on your list but it is on your repertoire you will have to think quick on your feet and decide if you are willing to sing it. It probably means they are interested in you doing that piece but if you are not comfortable doing it decline as politely as you possibly can. Do NOT lie and say you don’t have the music with you as it might happen that they have the music on hand or the pianist knows the piece by heart which will put you in more trouble.

6. Choose your repertoire wisely. Know what you are auditioning for. Your list will vary depending on if you’re auditioning for a position in an opera studio or you are auditioning for a specific role. Houses under the “German system” are quite set on staying within one FACH. Make sure you take up the advice of your teachers and coaches on this – they have a lot more experience with it than you do.

7. As I mentioned above it often happens that the panel hears the same piece over and over again. After a while all the interpretations blend into one so make sure yours is a unique one. That doesn’t mean you have to stand on your head while singing a very difficult passage, it means you have something to say a little bit different form the others. It is your unique point of view on the same pages of music that will separate you from the others and make a difference of possibly getting the job.

Last but not least:

9. Do not under any circumstances badmouth your colleagues and people you have worked with in an audition room. This world of music is very small and you never know if you will offend someone’s feelings. Besides it is highly unprofessional!

10. Very last and most important: have fun!

What about you? Do you have any particular tips?