Audition for a Broadway Show
Do you long to see your name up in lights? If the marquees on the Great White Way are beckoning you to fame and fortune, there are a few things that you will want to know about the road to Broadway stardom.
Instructions
Audition for Broadway
1. Enroll in an acting course and/or voice and dance lessons. Even the most seasoned professionals keep up their chops by continuous training. The performer's body is her instrument, and the more finely tuned it is kept, the better able it is to play roles.When choosing an acting or singing course, make sure the teachers are trained professionals with a background in theatre or music. Never pay an acting school for headshots or 'modeling' portfolios. Go to a photographer that is experienced in headshots instead, and leave the portfolios to those in the modeling business. Find out who else has studied with your prospective teacher, and don't be afraid to ask for referrals. A legitimate acting coach should be only too happy to provide you with references.
2. Although there are a few acting studios that discourage their students from auditioning during their training period (up to two years, in some cases,) most coaches will happily support you in your audition endeavors. Make the most of your acting or vocal coach connection by asking for advice on monologues, songs and scenes. If you feel you need additional help before you present yourself to the auditioners, request an hour or two of private instruction. Be sure to choose audition materials that are appropriate for the age range and character type you are most suited to play. If you choose versatile material that fits your 'type' you can use it repeatedly for years to come. This makes any investment into private coaching with the material a worthwhile expenditure.In most cases, you will need to have at least two songs and/or monologues prepared before auditioning. The monologues--one dramatic and one comedic--should be no more than two minutes in length and demonstrate a range of emotion or expression. To audition for musicals, you should have at least 16 bars of an uptempo (fast song) and a ballad (slow song) ready to sing on request. Though you may not need it, it is a good idea to have the entire piece prepared, just in case you are "called back" to a second round of auditions.
3. When you feel you are ready for the big time, pick up a copy of Backstage or ShowBiz newspaper, or visit their online site for information on local and regional auditions. Members of Actor's Equity Association can view upcoming Equity auditions for free at AEA.com. Ignore calls for roles that you are not suited for, and concentrate instead on casting descriptions that fit your profile and age range. Make a list of audition dates and times, and prepare the appropriate audition materials for each audition. Make sure you adhere to the specific requests in the casting notice. Do not prepare an up tempo if the notice asks that you bring a ballad, and never exceed the time limit of an audition slot. If they ask for a one-minute monologue, make sure that you can perform yours in a minute or less. Nothing annoys a casting director more than a time hog. If you are what they are looking for, they will invite you to a "call-back" to hear more.
4. On the day of the audition, arrive early to get a good place in line. Many New York auditions or "cattle calls," as they are called by the pros, are crowded with hundreds of hopefuls willing to stand for hours just to have the chance to sing, dance or act for a Broadway producer. Plan to arrive at least one hour before call time, or if there is a sign up sheet posted in advance, be sure to put your name on it early. Make sure you have packed all that you need--appropriate monologues, sheet music, dance clothes and shoes--should you be asked to stay. Dress in a fashion that helps you create a sense of the character you are auditioning for, but NEVER wear a costume to an audition! Trust that the casting director has an imagination, and don't be presumptuous by outfitting yourself in full stage attire.Most professional theater companies are required by the actor's union to give preference to union performers auditioning. If you are not a member of Actor's Equity Association, you will probably have a separate audition date, some time after the Equity performers have been seen. Some casting directors will also agree to see non-union performers on the same day of Equity auditions, time-permitting.
Your Time to Shine!
5. When your number or name is called, walk confidently into the room, and hand your picture and resume to the members of the auditioning panel. Smile, introduce yourself, and if you are auditioning for a musical, walk to the pianist, and hand him your sheet music. Make sure the music is marked clearly to indicate the 16 bars or other amount of the song you will sing. It is rare to be asked to sing an entire song during the first audition. Generally, 16 bars is enough to give the casting director an idea if you are right for the part she is casting. Make sure to explain your song selection to the accompanist and to show him where you will begin and end the number. Then, step to the center of the room, announce your selection, and sing. Do not look directly into the eyes of the panel. They are there to watch you, and having to interact with you will inhibit their casting process. Instead, pick a point directly above the heads of the panelists, and play the song or scene to it.
6. When you have completed your song or scene, wait politely while the panelists discuss your audition and view your resume. When they say, "Thank you," thank them in return, retrieve your sheet music, and exit cheerfully.
7. Don't wait by the phone! It is not uncommon to hear from casting people days, weeks or even months after your initial audition, so don't worry if you didn't get a call-back right away. Just head off to the next audition on your list, and repeat the process again. Sooner or later, you'll know if show biz is for you and if you are right for show biz. In the meantime, consider each audition as bringing you one step closer to your dream of being on Broadway, have a great time, and break a leg!
Preparing Your Resume
8. Your headshot and resume should be stapled together back to back, leaving no trim around the edges. Never tape, glue or paper clip your picture and resume together. Casting directors receive hundreds of these a day and can not bother to sift through piles of photographs and resumes to find the matches to stray shots. Always staple all four corners of your picture and resume together.
9. Your photo should be a close-up of your head or upper body--no full body shots. You should appear well-groomed and appropriately dressed for the character type you expect to play. Too much makeup or shocking attire can distract a casting director from seeing the 'real you' and may type you out of a part. Remember, your picture and resume are your calling card. It is all a casting director will have to remember you by at the end of the day. You want him to remember you as you appeared at the audition.
10. Your resume should have your name centered in bold letters at the top, with all pertinent contact information directly beneath, where it is easy to find. Any performer's union affiliation should be abbreviated in capitol letters which appear under your name or contact information. (Ex: Actor's Equity Association should be abbreviated to AEA, Screen Actor's Guild should be abbreviated to SAG)
11. Divide the rest of your resume into three columns, with a bold and underlined heading at the top of each section. (Ex: Theatre Experience, Training, Special Interests and Talents) You may with to further divide your listed experience into sub-headings, such as "New York Theatre," "Summer Stock & Dinner Theatre," "Community Theatre," and "Tours." Using the columns, list the name of the show in the first column, the part you played in the second column and the name of the theatre and/or director in the third column.
12. Next, list any relevant training you may have had in theatre, music, dance or other performing arts.
13. Last, include a section entitled "Special Talents and Interests." You never know when things like juggling or being able to balance a ball on your nose will come in handy! Roller skaters have a definite advantage when auditioning for the musical Starlight Express, and shows like Barnum and Sideshow need actors with circus skills, such as acrobatics, tight rope walking and trapeze flying.
