Notes from Accompanist Jose Simbulan

Five Do’s and Dont’s for your Musical Audition

1. DO have a good copy of your sheet music. It can be in a book, three-ring binder (with or without sheet protectors), or taped/glued/stapled to a file folder so that it will stay on the piano. And, yes, page turns are acceptable. DON’T put your music on the piano and say, “I’m sorry this is hard to read.” If I’m not able to read it, I won’t be able to play it. And no loose sheets of paper – it’s too easy for them to fall off the piano. The same goes for “accordion folds” over three pages – if one piece of paper starts to fall, the rest will follow.
2. DO practice your music at least once with a pianist before your audition. Or, at the very least, have a pianist read through your music to make sure it’s readable and clearly marked. DON’T find out while you’re auditioning that your sheet music is in the wrong key, and/or not correctly marked.
3. DO sing a song (or songs) that you like to sing. DON’T sing something that you think you have to sing – or should sing. A good performance of a “bad” song is better than a “bad” performance of a good song.
4. DO know what you want for your intro: a note, a couple of notes, a measure or two of music. DON’T decide on-the-fly where and how you want to start.
5. DO give me a “complete” piece of sheet music to read – a vocal line and a piano accompaniment, or a lead sheet with chords, melody and lyrics. DON’T provide me with a copy of the “Vocal Book” to play from. A “Vocal Book” is just that – it will only have the melody with no piano part/accompaniment.

And a Bonus DO! DO remember that I like playing auditions. I want to play well for you. I want you to have a good audition. I want you get a callback. If you and your music are prepared, then I will be prepared.

Notes from Our Resident Costume Designers

It is always a good idea to check out the set on which you will be auditioning. Courtney Oliver will be sending you a photo of the set via email. You want to be careful to not wear the same color so you do not blend in, it’s all about being seen.

Your badge should be easily visible on your torso. They can’t hire you if they don’t know your number.

Be sure your shoes are skid proof. Only wear sky high heels if you are sure you can walk in them gracefully. Wear your shoes off and on for several hours in the weeks leading up to auditions. Never wear brand new shoes, and bring something comfortable to change into.

Have a friend check you out under lights to see if your clothes are see-through.

Reps are seated below you, underwear is always a plus.

It is important to see your face and your eyes. Make sure your hair stays out of your face during your audition and dance call. Bringing a hair kit is helpful for your long day. Things like pins, elastics, brush, and/or spritz are good to keep things in place.

For your auditions in particular, wear what is comfortable and the best representation of you. It should fit you well and also show that you take this job interview seriously.

Sweaters and jackets are a good choice. They give you some versatility and February can be chilly.

An athletic shirt, undershirt, or camisole absorbs sweat and keeps you dry. It’s going to be a long day.

For the Dance Call: Wear simple, up-to-date dance wear. That gives the companies the impression that you dance often and are comfortable dancing. Please wear dance appropriate undergarments (dance belt, sports bra, binder, what have you). It makes a difference in your presentation. BRING A BAG FOR YOUR EXTRA SHOES. LABEL YOUR SHOES WITH YOUR NAME. \

More info about Dance Call can be found HERE.

Coat-check is available at both locations for a limited time during auditions/dance call, so please bring the appropriate bags for toting your supplies with you. Things you’ll probably be carrying with you all day: a change of clothes, extra shoes, water, snacks, and your audition binder/folder. An extra totebag would not go amiss.

The most important thing is that on this long and busy day, you feel comfortable and confident in your clothing choices so you can focus on your performance and your future employers can focus on you.