A musical theatre audition can require demonstrations of various talents, including acting, singing and movement; having the vocal part of your audition prepared will have you ready to handle anything else thrown at you during the audition. These tips will help you prepare your voice and get you ready for your musical theatre audition.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Practicing your audition pieces will give you the confidence you need to go in and nail your audition. Not only will you be less likely to forget your lyrics or make a mistake, but you will also feel more comfortable with the nuances of the songs you will be performing. Take the time you need to make sure you’re comfortable.
Don’t Overdo It
In the days and hours leading up to your audition, try to avoid activities that will put extra unnecessary strain on your vocal chords. That means no screaming at a concert, no cheering and yelling at a sporting event – and even avoiding over-practicing vocal exercises to an extent that will leave you hoarse.
With your vocal chords’ health in mind, it’s also a good idea to avoid areas or situations in which you could inhale smoke. If you’re a smoker yourself, keep in mind the damage that the habit can do to your voice, and at the very least try to minimize smoking in the days leading up to your audition. You will also want to avoid smoky bars or restaurants.
Mentally Prepare
It’s extremely crucial to be mentally prepared for a musical theatre audition. Going in “cold” can cause nerves and jitters to take over. Being too nervous in an audition can not only cause you to lose your focus, but can also make your voice tremble and shake noticeably.
Before going in for your audition, mentally walk yourself through each step of the process. Visualizing your experience can help to relax you and make you feel better prepared for what’s to come. You may also want to consider relaxation techniques, such as meditation or controlled breathing.
Warm Up
Using techniques taught to you by your vocal instructor or learned in musical theatre classes, take care to properly warm up your voice before your audition. Warming up your voice before performing will not only allow you to demonstrate the vocal pieces to the best of your ability, but will also protect your vocal chords from strain or damage.
Still Have More Questions?
KD Conservatory has acting, musical theatre, and film production programs to help prepare students for careers in the entertainment industry. Contact us with any of your questions, or check us out on Facebook for ongoing updates and information!
