Let's face it: you've chosen a tough business. The competition is fierce, and people can be ruthless at times.

Chances are you are doing musical theatre because you are passionate. You can't imagine doing anything else. This is what you want more than anything, so it hurts that much more when things don't work out.

So how do you deal with that?

A number of years ago, I decided to try my hand at directing.  I had been involved in community theater for several years as an actor and felt I wanted to experience the dramatic arts from another angle.  I expected there to be learning curve (which there was).  What I didn’t expect was how directing changed my perspective as an actor, especially when it came to auditioning.

Auditioning with a reprise is a fantastic choice of material. Typically they are already short cuts, contain some great performance moments and can even show off your acting range. I’m honestly shocked I don’t hear more of them in auditions.

“Lying on your theatrical resume may have worked before the internet and social media, but it amazes me that today, people still do it.”

“For many actors, especially during COVID-19 shutdowns, the process and art of self-taping an audition has become a necessity. It’s much easier said than done and one actor posted online adorable proof of that.”

People come from all walks of life and backgrounds (even those with the same skin color), so to ask someone to sound "blacker" only shows your narrow-mindedness by lumping all of us into one vision. It really does come off like “They all look and sound the same”.

Auditions.  We’ve all been there.   Trying to channel your nervous energy into a productive adrenaline.   Hoping to put your best foot forward.   Wanting to make a great first impression.    Anxiously waiting until your number is called.   Finally, taking the stage for a minute or two, and giving it your best shot.   Maybe you get another chance to read.  Maybe even a callback.  And then waiting … and waiting … and hoping and praying.   Hopefully, you got the part, but more often than not, you didn’t.   So, what went wrong?  What, if anything, can you learn from this experience?

“Open auditions. They’re a daunting aspect, whether you’re a seasoned pro or it’s your first time and usually depending on what you’re actually auditioning for- they can all vary.”

While not everyone shares this opinion, I do not believe that Sondheim songs are off limits for audition material. I fully understand why many feel they are. Typically they are more complex compositions and you don't always know the skill level of the accompanist. So why roll the dice at an audition on that? 

However, I do feel there are some audition gems within his catalog. Songs that will not only show off your ability but also allow for an excellent performance and won't make your accompanist hate you.