How to Try Out for a School Musical
Find out the name of the musical and either find a script, movie or CD to give you a full understanding of the types of characters involved., Choose two characters you think you could play well., Remember not to limit yourself to starring roles...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Find out the name of the musical and either find a script
Try to meet the director and tell them about your interests, training and desires. -
Step 2: movie or CD to give you a full understanding of the types of characters involved.
You don't necessarily need to love a character to play them well. , They take more effort and more memorizing, and if you are a beginner, it might be too much for you to handle.
Many actresses started small, but were noticed in minor roles by talent scouts. , It might be helpful to you later, if you get either of the parts. , This will also tell you how long you have to practice. , Here are some good questions.
Do you need to have a song or monologue prepared? How long will the audition take? What roles are available? Will there be accompaniment or do you have to bring in a karaoke CD? , Don't sing anything like rap or a rock song because it is a major turnoff for a casting director (unless that is what they're looking for.) If the show is something energetic such as Legally Blonde the Musical, you'll want to do an upbeat musical theatre song, not a ballad.
Usually, they'll ask for about 16 measures (they can be 16 measures in a row that show off your range the best).
Make sure it fits your range.
At other times you'll be given a song.
In that case you will probably get it beforehand, if you don't ask. , It doesn't have to be well-known, and if you mess up, don't let the directors know.
Make something up, and when you remember the correct lines, begin to get back on track. , If you aren't the best dancer, pretend to be.
Sometimes personality can make up for your terrible dance moves.
Always try your best and don't get discouraged if people move really fast.
Smile! , Often, the director(s) will not show much reaction to your performance, but that doesn't mean they aren't paying attention.
If they cut you off midway through a song or monologue, it means they have heard enough to judge you on, not that you're bad. , Apologize Stammer Flinch Prattle Stare into the director's eyes Squeal Try to make conversation Beg Brag Kiss up/compliment Go overboard Scurry in/scurry out Act overly excited or hyper Act sluggish or bored Exhibit any obnoxious behavior , However, don't be too perky, that can come off as desperate and annoying. Â Think of it as a showcase of your talent or a show you're putting on- that can help. , It's fun! In musicals, the ensemble makes up most of the cast.
Extras require less rehearsal time, and they have more dancing, singing, costumes, scenes, and general camaraderie, not to mention they don't have to worry about forgetting a thousand lines. , Just because you didn't get a part doesn't always mean you don't deserve it, or that you are less talented than the person who did.
Accept whatever happens with grace and never demand another audition.
Always be kind and respectful to the directors, and the person who got the part you wanted, even if you are cursing at them inside.
But try to avoid that too. , Most tryouts are for main parts only
- i.e., they're going to ask you to do a scene between the two lovebirds or a monologue for the main character of your gender. , Does your character have an accent? If so, should you try to replicate it? Is the character messy or neat? Does he/she have a spring in his step or does he/she mope around? Is he/she mischievous? Does he/she say lines confidently or is he/she less confident? When asked beforehand, these kinds of questions can give you a head start. , This can be good, because it gives you the adrenaline boost you need.
The most important thing is to channel that energy into your performance.
If you are too nervous, you will need to calm yourself down.
Deep breathing helps some people, so does biting your tongue, or shaking yourself.
Different things work for different people.
It doesn't matter how nervous you are, you need to make sure the other people who are auditioning can't tell.
Be an actor and hide it.
Directors will 'take into account' that you are petrified, because if they assume that if you can't act in front of three people, you won't be able to do it in front of a hundred.
Whether this is true or not doesn't matter in an audition setting
-- hide it. , People act differently in restaurants in Hello Dolly than they do in the library in Music Man." Keep these things in mind and keep your mind off the butterflies.
Instead of remembering all the details, just absorb the scenarios you've practiced.
You will be fine! -
Step 3: Choose two characters you think you could play well.
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Step 4: Remember not to limit yourself to starring roles.
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Step 5: Ask yourself why you chose these two characters or the main one and write your answer in a pad.
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Step 6: Find out the specific date/time of your audition and the scheduled performance dates so you'll know if you have anything that will interfere with the shows.
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Step 7: Ask how the audition process will go.
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Step 8: Pick a song that's right for your voice type and show you are auditioning for.
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Step 9: If a monologue is required
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Step 10: find something you can connect with.
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Step 11: Dance.
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Step 12: Remain confident and friendly.
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Step 13: Never do the following things.
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Step 14: Always portray yourself as poised
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Step 15: confident
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Step 16: and happy.
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Step 17: Try not to be disappointed if you are placed in the chorus or ensemble.
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Step 18: Remember- sometimes
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Step 19: these things are unfair.
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Step 20: Get in touch with the main characters.
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Step 21: Think about the details for the character you're playing.
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Step 22: You will always be nervous before an audition.
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Step 23: Before auditions
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Step 24: find something that will help you focus on what you're going to do - something called "getting in character
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Step 25: " which means you need to know who you are
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Step 26: where you are in time and where you are as a character.
Detailed Guide
Try to meet the director and tell them about your interests, training and desires.
You don't necessarily need to love a character to play them well. , They take more effort and more memorizing, and if you are a beginner, it might be too much for you to handle.
Many actresses started small, but were noticed in minor roles by talent scouts. , It might be helpful to you later, if you get either of the parts. , This will also tell you how long you have to practice. , Here are some good questions.
Do you need to have a song or monologue prepared? How long will the audition take? What roles are available? Will there be accompaniment or do you have to bring in a karaoke CD? , Don't sing anything like rap or a rock song because it is a major turnoff for a casting director (unless that is what they're looking for.) If the show is something energetic such as Legally Blonde the Musical, you'll want to do an upbeat musical theatre song, not a ballad.
Usually, they'll ask for about 16 measures (they can be 16 measures in a row that show off your range the best).
Make sure it fits your range.
At other times you'll be given a song.
In that case you will probably get it beforehand, if you don't ask. , It doesn't have to be well-known, and if you mess up, don't let the directors know.
Make something up, and when you remember the correct lines, begin to get back on track. , If you aren't the best dancer, pretend to be.
Sometimes personality can make up for your terrible dance moves.
Always try your best and don't get discouraged if people move really fast.
Smile! , Often, the director(s) will not show much reaction to your performance, but that doesn't mean they aren't paying attention.
If they cut you off midway through a song or monologue, it means they have heard enough to judge you on, not that you're bad. , Apologize Stammer Flinch Prattle Stare into the director's eyes Squeal Try to make conversation Beg Brag Kiss up/compliment Go overboard Scurry in/scurry out Act overly excited or hyper Act sluggish or bored Exhibit any obnoxious behavior , However, don't be too perky, that can come off as desperate and annoying. Â Think of it as a showcase of your talent or a show you're putting on- that can help. , It's fun! In musicals, the ensemble makes up most of the cast.
Extras require less rehearsal time, and they have more dancing, singing, costumes, scenes, and general camaraderie, not to mention they don't have to worry about forgetting a thousand lines. , Just because you didn't get a part doesn't always mean you don't deserve it, or that you are less talented than the person who did.
Accept whatever happens with grace and never demand another audition.
Always be kind and respectful to the directors, and the person who got the part you wanted, even if you are cursing at them inside.
But try to avoid that too. , Most tryouts are for main parts only
- i.e., they're going to ask you to do a scene between the two lovebirds or a monologue for the main character of your gender. , Does your character have an accent? If so, should you try to replicate it? Is the character messy or neat? Does he/she have a spring in his step or does he/she mope around? Is he/she mischievous? Does he/she say lines confidently or is he/she less confident? When asked beforehand, these kinds of questions can give you a head start. , This can be good, because it gives you the adrenaline boost you need.
The most important thing is to channel that energy into your performance.
If you are too nervous, you will need to calm yourself down.
Deep breathing helps some people, so does biting your tongue, or shaking yourself.
Different things work for different people.
It doesn't matter how nervous you are, you need to make sure the other people who are auditioning can't tell.
Be an actor and hide it.
Directors will 'take into account' that you are petrified, because if they assume that if you can't act in front of three people, you won't be able to do it in front of a hundred.
Whether this is true or not doesn't matter in an audition setting
-- hide it. , People act differently in restaurants in Hello Dolly than they do in the library in Music Man." Keep these things in mind and keep your mind off the butterflies.
Instead of remembering all the details, just absorb the scenarios you've practiced.
You will be fine!
About the Author
Deborah Clark
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in crafts and beyond.
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