What to Expect When You Audition

   With the Lion King, Jr., auditions coming up on Aug. 15 and 16, I wanted to reprise this discussion of what to expect when you audition for a show. 

   The process tends to vary from theatre company to theatre company, but here's what you can expect from auditions for a First Stage show (and most of the others are very similar).

   You can arrive at the audition site (in this case, at Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Huntington) anytime during the hours listed (10am to 4pm on Saturday; 2pm to 5pm on Sunday) and check in at the sign-in table. You'll be given an information form to fill out and they'll explain the process. You'll be assigned a number and they'll take your photo.

   After you fill out and turn the form back in, take time to look over the page of script provided - you'll be reading that later in the audition. An instructor will also be there to teach you a short and easy dance routine.

   When you're ready and your name is called, you'll go into the audition room, usually with four or five fellow auditioners. First, you'll be called up one at a time to sing. You should arrive at the audition with a 30-second section of a song in mind, ready to sing. If you have sheet music, the piano player can accompany you as you sing. If you have music on a CD, a player will also be available - or you can sing without accompaniment (a capella). It's important to pick a song that best shows off your voice - don't pick a song that's out of your range just because you like it. It's fine to sing a song from the show, just make sure it works for you. It's best to sing a show tune (a song from a stage musical), but other music is fine.

   After everyone in your group has sung, you'll be called up either one or two at a time to read lines from the script. You aren't expected to memorize it - you can read right off the page. Be sure to practice, and put energy into your reading.

   After the reading is finished, everyone will come up and perform the short dance you were taught. We don't expect perfection - we just want to get a sense of your skills at movement. 

   And that's it! You'll be given an information sheet that will tell you when and where the cast list will be posted. If you're cast in the show, rehearsals will start later that week.

   If you aren't cast, don't be discouraged - there may be a big turnout, and while the show will have a big cast, there will only be about 50 parts. There will be other shows later in the season, and the next show might be the perfect fit for you! Quite a few of our actors tried out for several shows before they were cast - so don't give up! 

   Good luck!