13.1 Selecting and Preparing Audition Material

Musical theater auditions are all about showcasing your talents and landing that dream role. Selecting the right material is crucial - it should highlight your strengths, fit your vocal range, and be appropriate for your age and type. Research is key to understanding the show and character.

Preparation is where the magic happens. Memorize your piece thoroughly, using techniques like chunking and mnemonic devices. Make bold artistic choices in your interpretation, using vocal techniques and physical embodiment to bring the character to life. Take risks and let your unique artistry shine through.

Selecting Audition Material

Factors for audition material selection

Top images from around the web for Factors for audition material selection

• 

  音域 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  5.3: Vocal Types and Ranges - Humanities LibreTexts View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Resumão de Música Clássica | Monolito Nimbus View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  音域 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  5.3: Vocal Types and Ranges - Humanities LibreTexts View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Factors for audition material selection

• 

  音域 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  5.3: Vocal Types and Ranges - Humanities LibreTexts View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Resumão de Música Clássica | Monolito Nimbus View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  音域 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  5.3: Vocal Types and Ranges - Humanities LibreTexts View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Genre and style showcase strengths and versatility while considering specific audition or role requirements
• Range and vocal type fit comfortably (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) avoiding strain
• Age and type appropriate for realistic roles based on physical appearance and acting range
• Appropriateness and relevance ensure content and themes suit the audition setting and are relevant to the show, role, or company

Strategies for audition research

• Familiarize with the show or project by reading the script, libretto, or character descriptions to understand context and themes
• Research historical and cultural background of the time period, location, and social context to consider character influences and motivations
• Analyze the character's journey and objectives identifying wants, needs, obstacles, and evolution
• Study music and lyrics exploring melody, rhythm, phrasing, meaning, and subtext

Preparing Audition Material

Techniques for audition piece memorization

• Break material into manageable sections focusing on memorizing one chunk at a time before moving on
• Use mnemonic devices and associations creating mental images, stories, movements, gestures, or emotions to remember lines or lyrics
• Practice regularly and consistently setting dedicated daily time to work on memorization repeating out loud and gradually reducing reliance on script or sheet music
• Explore the emotional and physical life of the character connecting thoughts, feelings, motivations, and experimenting with physical choices and gestures supporting the text

Artistic choices in auditions

• Develop a clear and compelling interpretation making specific, intentional choices about character objectives, tactics, point of view, and emotional arc
• Use vocal techniques to enhance storytelling employing dynamics, phrasing, articulation, and experimenting with vocal qualities and tones for meaning, emotion, contrast, and interest
• Incorporate physical embodiment and movement using body language, facial expressions, gestures to support text and create environment and spatial relationships
• Take risks and make bold choices avoiding generic interpretations and showcasing unique artistry through unconventional or unexpected choices