September 5, 2014

Ace Your Audition – 5 tips!

By Amanda Kind, Artistic Director

Auditioning can be scary, but it’s a learned skill that you can be great at. We don’t want people to be intimidated by the audition element. We love to help singers improve their voices and teach them all about pop/rock vocal styles and performance skills. We encourage everyone to just do their best and enjoy it – at the end of the day, this is all about having a good time.

We’re looking for potential, not perfection.

Here are a few tips to help you be successful in your audition.

1. Read the audition post carefully. Make sure you have all the items requested. Did they ask for a resume and photo? Do you need to fill out an audition form? What type of song did they ask for? Make sure that your resume is no more than one page, that it lists your performing and arts-related education experience in reverse chronological order, and has all your contact information on it. Please include the names of your teachers, if possible – that is important information for us!Quick photo tip: If you are auditioning virtually, please name your photo with your first and last name. If you are auditioning in person, put your name and phone number on the back of your photo in case it gets separated from your resume.

2. Choose a song that is comfortable for you but shows off your ability. Don’t pick a song that is very difficult and has lots of show off moments unless you can nail it. It’s too risky. It is very hard to execute complicated vocal stuff when nerves come in to play. Choose a song that you know you can do very well under pressure. Make sure the lyrics are age appropriate. No one wants to hear a kid talk about “getting all up on her in the club”. Seriously – don’t do it. It’s uncomfortable for everyone. Read the lyrics without the music/melody and ask yourself if you would be comfortable speaking these words to someone in a conversation. If not, maybe pick a different song.

3. Practice makes permanent. The more you review the song the more ingrained it will be in your memory. This doesn’t mean sing it full throttle 1,000 times. Practice comes in various forms. Listen to the song frequently, sing all the notes on a vowel to review breathing and phrasing, recite the lyrics as a monologue to better understand them, sing with your breath engaged and clear, conversational diction but very little volume to save energy and then, of course, give it a number of runs at performance level.

4. Dress for success. We are a pop group and we are looking for rock star stage presence. If you look like you just rolled out of bed it sends the message to the panel that you haven’t tried and that you likely don’t care. If you don’t care, why would we want you? You don’t need to look like you are going to prom, but please make an effort. What would you wear on the first day of school or to attend a big concert? Start there.

5. Engage your face and body. Plan your hand gestures but don’t overdo it; three gestures is probably good to start. Smile when you introduce yourself on camera or in person.

The audition panel is on your side. We believe in you and we want you to succeed. Try to remember that. You are auditioning for KW Glee because you love singing, right? Have fun in your audition!