Audition Tips - Seussical JR

With Seussical Jr. auditions coming up on Tuesday, February 24th... we thought it might be time to share some updated audition tips! As always, make sure you've filled out the online audition form.

1. Perform what the production team asked you to prepare.

For our first few productions, BRYT is selecting the audition songs in advance. Every actor will choose something to sing from the list–which includes Happy Birthday–and learn it at home.

In general/at other theatres, if you’ve been asked to memorize and rehearse a one-minute monologue to audition for a Shakespeare play, it isn’t the most useful to the production team if you perform a Disney power ballad instead. 

Production teams often ask to see actors perform very specific types of material, in order to see if they’ll be a good fit for the project. It’s best to follow their instructions. 

2018 Me + The Bird Girls in "Amayzing Mayzie". (Our best song, in my opinion)

2. Dress to impress.

Wear something comfortable that makes you feel confident. If you know there will be dancing or a lot of movement, make sure that your clothing is appropriate enough to not be a distraction and flexible enough that you can move freely. 

Auditions aren't the best time to wear a new pair of character heels or jazz shoes (blisters), try out a drastic makeup look (distracting), or break out a halloween costume to match the show (not professional or comfortable).

Remember that you'll be meeting the production team for the first time, and think through what will make a good impression. For most BRYT auditions, we’ll be learning a short section of choreography from the show and then performing it for the choreographer + videoing it to show the rest of the production team.

3. Breathe.

Right: My friends! It was our second show together. Almost all of us still do theatre. Left: My family! Ms. Sophie was in the show too.

Everyone on BRYT’s production teams has been in your shoes before–they’ve auditioned in all different kinds of settings, at all different ages and life stages, all over the world. This is their number one piece of advice: 

Breathing. Always. Helps. Breathing shallowly, quickly, or out of rhythm is a natural response to feeling nervous or excited… but it’s not always helpful when you’re trying to dance, sing, or act. 

Take a deep breath before you get out of the car, open every door, enter the audition room, and perform. It’ll help you relax, project, and make a good impression. Remind yourself that you're in control of your breathing, your choices, and your reactions.

4. Practice Performing

Singing your audition song in front of an audience for the first time at auditions is a little like trying out driving a car for the first time at your driver's license exam. 

Set yourself up for success by singing your audition song in front of supportive friends and family. If that feels like too big of a step to start, try singing in front of a mirror or while recording a video.

The entire cast together! We had around forty actors, and hundreds of people auditioned.

For even more practice (and some helpful feedback), join us for one of the Seussical JR audition workshops! We’ll be reading from a scene (not used during auditions) from the script and working on all of the audition songs.

5. Enjoy the moment.

An audition is an opportunity to perform! Focus on doing the choreography with confidence, even if not every movement is perfect. Tell a story with your audition song, even if you miss a note or two. 

If given the opportunity to read a scene, try to find a moment to look up from the page and at the other actors. Acknowledge that they’re auditioning with you, and enjoy getting to work together for a few minutes. 

6. Mind your manners.

To put your best foot forward, there are a couple bits of etiquette to remember. Be on time--or even better, a few minutes early. Start your singing audition with a slate–a professional introduction. 

Me -- in one of the most sparkly costumes I've ever worn.

(Click HERE for a slate writing activity) 

For BRYT, we ask for your name, age, and the song you will be singing. 

Say thank you when you’ve finished singing, and clap when other performers or groups are finished with their turn. Don't talk while other people are performing, even whispering. Be kind and respectful to anyone you meet–other actors, volunteers, and production team members.

At BRYT, the production team makes casting choices based on the actors’ acting, dance, voice, and other skills... They also view work ethic, attitude, and integrity as important factors in creating a cohesive, supportive, and professional cast.

7. Be Confident

Most importantly of all, though, you need to remember that no one except you is going to be able to bring your exact talents, skills, and personality to the show. 

This is your moment to shine! Hold your head up high and show off what you can do. If you make a mistake, politely ask to start over or power through. The production team is here to cheer you on!

Be confident, be courageous, and be yourself.  A Quick Personal Note

This is a show about standing up for yourself and those around you, extraordinary kindness, and being proud of what makes you unique--and happened to be one of the very last JR shows I performed in my senior year of high school. Even though balancing Seussical JR, The Music Man JR, musical theatre training, and professional theatre rehearsal schedules -- all while applying for college -- was hectic, I still remember the harmonies to 'Oh, The Thinks You Can Think'.

For all of it's catchy tunes, zany plot lines, and iconic characters, at the heart of Seussical JR is the profound belief that individuals can make a positive difference in the world around them through compassion, teamwork, and courage.

I know the entire production team is excited to bring such an inspiring (and fun!) story to life!

Break a leg!

Olivia (proud 2018 Seussical JR Bird Girl)

Director

Brazos River Youth Theatre

P.S. Looking to level up your audition skills? Keep an eye out on social media for BRYT's next workshop or master class.