Audition Tips and Training
Q: I’ve never auditioned before. Where do I start?
A: We offer audition workshops throughout the year that teach you the basics about auditioning. Select from Audition Monologue, Musical Audition, or Callback Audition workshops, or take all three for a well-rounded look at the full audition process.
Q: How do I know when auditions will be held?
A: Audition information will be posted on our website well before the audition dates, and will be listed in the quarterly brochure.
Q: How do I sign up for an audition?
A: Just call the Studio East main office at 425-820-1800 and we will schedule an audition time for you. The office can also answer any questions you have about auditioning.
Q: What do I need to prepare?
A: A memorized monologue, 1 minute or less. For a musical, you will also need to prepare a memorized song, 1 minute or less.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: Sheet music for your song, a resume listing your performing experience and performing arts training, and a recent photo. The photo can be a school picture.
Q: How do I find a good monologue?
A: For younger students, any piece of text that tells a story is appropriate. You can find these in monologue books at the library, on websites, or take a passage from your favorite novel. You can come to the Studio East office and ask to look through our “Young Actor Audition Book” for ideas. Please come before 4:00 to allow enough time to peruse the materials. We charge $.50 per monologue copy. For older students (12 and up) you can find monologues from plays appropriate to your age, again in books at the library, on websites, or from plays with young characters (Anne of Green Gables, Annie, Oliver, A Little Princess, Alice in Wonderland, etc.). Come to our quarterly Audition Monologue Workshops for examples and more details!
Q: How do I choose a song and find sheet music?
A: This can be tricky, so it’s best to find a musical person to help you. You should choose a song that you enjoy, that fits your vocal range, and that is of a similar style to the show you’re auditioning for. It’s best not to use songs from the show you are auditioning for. You can use YouTube to see other performers sing the songs you’re interested in. You can come to the Studio East office and ask to look through our “Young Actor Audition Book” for songs from summer camps you might have performed in. Please come before 4:00 to allow enough time to peruse the materials. We charge $1.00 per song copy. You can often find scores or song books at the library or sheet music on websites. You can also find songbooks to purchase online that come with accompaniment CDs that are very helpful. Come to our quarterly Musical Audition Workshops for examples and more details!
Q: Can I sing my song a cappella (without piano)?
A: We would prefer you have sheet music in the correct key for your song. If you cannot get sheet music, tell the Directing Team you’d like to sing a cappella. The Musical Director may ask you to sing “Happy Birthday” or some other simple song with piano accompaniment after you sing your prepared song.
Q: What happens after the audition?
A: You’ll receive a phone call letting you know if you’ve been “called back”. Callbacks are the second round of auditions, when you’ll read scenes and/or sing songs and/or learn a dance from the show. After callbacks, you’ll receive a call letting you know whether or not you’ve been cast. To help you prepare, come to our quarterly Callback Workshops for practice reading scenes and more details!
Q: How can I get feedback on my audition?
A: Studio East staff will always be happy to give you feedback from the Directing team. Call and ask to speak with Lani Brockman for details.
Sign up for our Audition Workshop series for more information!
Resources
Musical Theatre Audition—a great web page to learn about auditioning.
An About.com page with good information on auditioning for plays
