So You’ve Got Your First Audition: Here’s What to Know
by Chris Peterson
There’s plenty of advice out there for auditions. Tips on song choices, how to slate, what to wear. But hardly any of it talks about your first audition. The one where you have no idea what to expect. Where everything feels new and a little overwhelming. That’s why I’m writing this.
Your first audition is a big deal, and it deserves its own guide. You walk into a room where everyone seems to already know what they’re doing. Some are stretching. Some are belting in the hallway. Some are swapping stories from last year’s show. And you? You’re just hoping your voice doesn’t crack and that you don’t trip on the way to the piano.
If that sounds familiar, or if you’re getting ready for your first audition, here’s some advice to help you feel prepared, respectful, and ready to take that first step.
Pick material that fits you
Whether you’ve been asked to prepare a monologue, a song, or both, choose something that feels right for your age, personality, and ability. You don’t need to blow the roof off or deliver the next Tony-winning performance. You just need to be clear, connected, and honest.
Avoid material that’s too mature or too complex emotionally. Go for something you can understand and connect to in a genuine way. Your goal is to be believable, not to impress with difficulty.
If you’re singing, pick a song from a musical unless the audition asks for something else. Keep it short and well-rehearsed. If you’re doing a monologue, make sure it’s memorized and thoughtfully performed. Think of it like a first impression. You want to be confident, approachable, and yourself.
Know your strengths and lean into them
In high school, it’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing the biggest role or picking the “showiest” piece. Don’t worry about that. Focus on what feels natural to you. Maybe you’re funny. Maybe you’re grounded. Maybe you’ve got a voice that makes people stop and listen. Wherever your strengths are, build from there.
Ask a trusted teacher or friend to help you figure out what roles you naturally fit. Sometimes it takes an outside eye to spot what makes you stand out. That insight can save you a lot of guessing.
You don’t need to prove you can do everything. Just show what you can do well.
Nerves are part of the deal
Everyone gets nervous. Your hands might shake. Your heart might race. That doesn’t mean you’re not ready. It just means this matters to you.
Instead of fighting the nerves, breathe through them. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, then exhale. Do that a few times before you walk in the room. Focus on one line at a time. Talk to yourself like a friend. Tell yourself you’re ready.
Also, practice helps calm nerves. The more familiar your piece is, the more your body can relax into it. Rehearse in front of mirrors, friends, or even your pet to make it feel natural.
Most directors are hoping you do well. You’re not walking into a trap. You’re walking into an opportunity.
Dress like you’re serious about being there
No need for costumes, but think clean, comfortable, and expressive. Wear something that shows you put thought into how you’re presenting yourself. Shoes you can move in. Clothes you can stretch in if there’s a dance call. Nothing too tight, distracting, or costume-y.
Make sure your outfit lets you breathe and move. You don’t want to be tugging at your sleeves or adjusting your waistband while you perform. Comfort and confidence go hand in hand when you're under pressure.
Look like someone who is ready to do the work.
Be polite. Be present. Be kind.
Auditions are about more than talent. Directors pay attention to how you treat others. Show up early. Greet people when you enter the room. Don’t apologize before you start. Don’t interrupt. Don’t stare at your phone in the waiting area.
Thank the accompanist. Acknowledge your scene partner. Listen when directions are given. These small moments shape how people remember you. Being respectful and kind doesn’t cost anything, but it builds lasting impressions.
If you’re singing with a pianist, have your music marked and ready. A quick, polite intro like “Hi, I’ll be singing ‘Giants in the Sky.’ I’ll give you a nod when I’m ready” is all you need.
If you're reading with someone, listen to them
If the audition includes reading scenes, don’t treat it like a one-person show. Cold readings work best when both actors are listening, reacting, and working together. You’re not trying to outshine the other person. You’re trying to help the scene land.
Read the full scene before going in if you get the chance. Ask yourself: What does my character want? How do they feel about the other person? Even a quick bit of prep can help you connect to the material.
Be present. Be generous. Be real.
Don’t tie your worth to the outcome
You might get the role you want. You might not get cast at all. That’s the truth of theatre. What matters most is how you show up, how prepared you are, and how you treat the people in the room.
It’s hard not to take casting personally, but try not to let one audition define your sense of success. There are many reasons decisions are made, and most of them aren’t about you doing something “wrong.”
Every audition builds your reputation. Every audition makes you better.
Ask for feedback. Keep going.
If it feels appropriate, ask your teacher or director if they have any notes after the audition. Be open to what they say. Thank them for their time. Then use that feedback the next time you audition.
Keep a journal or a short list of what went well and what you’d like to improve. That way, your next audition becomes a continuation, not a reset. Each step forward adds to your confidence and skill.
The more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll become.
Your first audition might feel like the scariest thing in the world, but it’s also exciting. It means you’re trying something new. It means you care. And that’s a good place to start.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present, prepared, and willing to learn. The rest will come.