“There is nothing that someone singing 32 bars from another musical would tell me than if they sang a piece from the show they're auditioning for.”

“What song is very important to you? Whatever it is, it warrants being heard. The people sitting behind the table deserve to hear YOU sing it.”

“Many audition tip lists will share things you should have done weeks or months before stepping into the room. And while training, research, rehearsal, and resume cultivation are essential pieces of the auditioning puzzle, here are six suggestions that I, as director, encourage you to follow if you’re stepping into the audition room today.”

How many times have you thought, “I should have gotten that role!” after the casting has been announced and your name is not on the list? How do you handle that news?  

“I can assure you that no matter what I hear when I listen to someone audition, I will never subject my prospective cast to what I was subjected to. I use what talents I have to lift them up, to get them into character when rehearsals begin, to make sure the stage is set from the wings when opening night comes.”

“Let’s say both actors did just as wonderful in their auditions; then the nitpicking has to go even further. Does one actor look more perfect for the role? What in their resume sets them apart from other performers? When auditions are equal in quality, digging deeper and considering every possibility can help a director cast the best choice.”

“When actors are dishonest about their conflicts, it can throw an entire rehearsal period off.”

“Take rejection as an opportunity to work on living so you can bring even more layers to your next audition or experience on stage.”

“Recovering from a bad audition for theatre can be challenging, but it's important to remember that everyone has off days and setbacks are a natural part of any performer's journey. Here are some steps you can take to bounce back and move forward after a disappointing audition:”

“In 2017, Tenyjah Indra McKenna, a talented young Black actress, was denied an opportunity to audition for a role in a play, simply because of her race. This incident not only raised questions about racial bias in casting but also underscored the ongoing struggle for diversity and inclusivity in the performing arts. A struggle still felt nearly six years later.”

There’s been a hushed question whispered through audition halls and between performer friends at coffee shops growing ever more frequent especially in the last five to ten years…

“What exactly do they mean when they say they want a ‘Contemporary Musical Theater Song?’”

“To be honest, I'm fine with pre-casting, as long as the theatre and director are upfront and honest about it at auditions.”