Tips for First Timers

These are tips from a few of our CYT Directors. We asked them what they look for, and what they think might help students who are auditioning, and these are some of the responses we got for first time auditioners:

For me, I love when they show personality. It lets me know they can become a character. Say something clever, use a lot of expression, even when just introducing yourself, have some pop or punch to every motion, don't let it get lost or forgotten!

Once your song is memorized, stage it. Faster, lively selections call for active blocking or dance moves - facials are no less important here. A KEY thing to remember is: USE YOUR EYES - they should be your greatest asset! If you can "sell" your song from your neck up, you're off to a great start in theatre. Practicing in front of the mirror is so valuable - you get what you see. Sing/perform for family and friends in practice and ask them to tell you what they see and hear. Remember not to over-practice the day of or right before an audition. Learning your piece well ahead of time saves the nerves and helps you gain confidence

Dress is up to you depending on the style song you are performing. Younger students may feel this enhances their performance. I personally am not sure it is necessary for older students, however, color and a "hint" of character may be helpful as directors view and review auditionees.

Get plenty of rest the night before an audition. NO milk products before you sing. I would stay away from them all day if you have even a night audition. Lots of water and nonabrasive foods are good to have. Sugar also will coat the throat like milk - so no pop! If you have an early morning audition, your voice should be awake at least 3 hrs. before singing. Guys are at an advantage here, because their voices are low. Every voice is different; this is a general ballpark figure. Most find it much easier to attain range and ease the longer the voice has been awake.

Confidence is key! Even if you sing off pitch a little, your confidence can make up for that in my eyes.

I like to see how kids can dance and sing at the same time. Now if they do not "dance", but move with purpose, that's great. Of course if you are going for a dance role, then show us what you've got. Do not just write down that you have had dance on your application. Show us that you can dance! The student that just stands in one place when they have chosen an upbeat song shows me that they are not very prepared. However, if their song is more like a ballad and requires less movement to fit the song, and they can sing it well, then I would still cast them even if they had little movement. If they were able to sing it totally from the heart and passionately.

Be prepared. Usually, you can tell when a student decides the day before to audition. You can tell because the confidence isn't always there or the song will be pitchy in many places. Many times, with practice, comes confidence.

We know you have little butterflies floating in your belly. That's okay. We expect that. But do not allow that to overwhelm you. Lift everything up to the Lord. Lift up the whole audition experience to the Lord, your Maker. The Word says "Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you."

Remember, that the directors are just people. They have a certain vision for the show. Some people fit the vision and are cast. Some people may not and are cut. Cutting students from the show is one of the most difficult choices a Director has to make. We have all been cut from shows ourselves one time or another, so we know how it feels. However, that is theater. Some make it in, some don't. It is not a team sport where every person on the team plays, and the best people play more. It is a realm where there are no absolutes, where 2 + 2 does not equal 4. Theater is very subjective, and is not logical! Many times the best singers do not get lead roles for there are many other elements that are considered.

Here are a few don'ts:

•Don't rock back and forth.
•Don't put hands in pockets, unless it is for a purpose.
•Don't throw things at directors.
•Don't hand things to the directors.
•Don't flirt with any members of the directing team.
•Don't expect to be cast with more than 3 conflicts. Know that every conflict listed brings you closer to being cut. Clear your schedule if possible!"

Tips for Seasoned Students

These are tips from a few of our CYT Directors. We asked them what they look for, and what they think might help students who are auditioning, and these are some of the responses we got for seasoned students:

Pick songs that we don't hear all of the time. Choose from musicals that are not on Broadway right now. You really do not want to be the 8th auditioner singing "Popular."

Above all, sing the style of music and range that best suits your voice. Remember - you only have a minute and singing what you sing best is going to be what captures the judges attention to give you a "call back". Bottom line is, you WANT them to remember you! Choose wisely.

Praise music is beautiful. Wonderful. God glorifying. However, it does not always make for good audition material. Steer towards performance material... especially upbeat broadway style music.

Don't sing accapella or over a vocal track. If you cannot find the music you want, pick a different song. (More grace is given towards younger students.)

Getting your voice ready will not happen over night. This takes consistent and diligent practice daily.


•Posture
•Breathing from the diaphragm/ no chest breathing
•Support the sound
•Keep the back of the throat open and let a smile "play" where the jaw is hinged together
•Think "focus" - in other words, let the sound resonate through the bridge of the nose and cheek bones.
•Project
•Clearly enunciate your words (ie. consonants - esp. the beginning and ending) - also, "sing to the vowel" - keep the vowels free and open
•Dynamics - these add flavor or "life" to the song

•Articulation - this means moving easily from note to note without sliding. If a song has runs, it takes much support and control in this area to sing them clearly, otherwise we hear sloppy sounding songs

Always practice singing a little higher or lower than what you think you can this will help you expand your range over time.

Take the time to get the right music in your key. You can purchase GOBS of sheet music and alter it to your key before you download and print at sheetmusicdirect.com. You do need to download a free program named "scorch" to make it happen. You can even test different keys before you buy. When you print the sheet music, it is usually around $5 and then you can find someone to play your favorite 1 minute segment onto a tape or CD.

Attend other CYT auditions. They are very entertaining... but more important... they are educational. What were your favorite auditions to watch? Why? Take notes. Write down names of songs that fit your range.

Our Biggest Tip of All!

YOU ARE NEVER NOT AUDITIONING.

This is what we mean.

Put God first. Don't be self-centered. Work hard. Be disciplined. Be encouraging. If you are the troublemaker... or if you are chatty... or there to find a boyfriend or girlfriend.... or if you are difficult to work with in classes, showcase, rehearsals or shows.... future directors will not want to take a chance on you!  They simply do not have the energy or patience for it. (Believe me, directors share their experiences with each other!) In auditions, sit quietly and be patient for your chance. Help out.  Reset rooms. Thank leadership for their efforts. Thanks directors for any opportunity you are cast in. Those are the kind of actors we are anxious to work with. Also, know this: during casting, directors often ask the Area Coordinator for feedback on a student's past disciplines. What would they say about you?

And... here is our second biggest tip:

DO NOT have tunnel vision for one role. Why lock yourself in? You may be locking yourself out of other parts and end up with nothing. Be flexible in your readings... even if it is for a part you weren't looking to play. It is fun to shoot for a role... but celebrate the gift of participating in any aspect of a production from back stage, to usher, to make-up to townsperson to lead role.