First Impressions Matter
Your audition starts the second you walk into the room. Smile, breathe, and walk with confidence. Show them you’re excited to be there. A positive first impression sets the tone before you even sing a note.
Professionalism Counts
From the email you send, to how you label your sheet music, professionalism matters. Show respect for accompanists and panelists. Being prepared, polite, and organized leaves a lasting impression.
Research Your Schools
Not all programs are the same! Research the vibe, faculty, and program strengths before auditioning. Choosing schools that truly fit your goals makes your audition more confident and authentic.
Choose The right rep
Pick material that shows you at your best. Don’t just sing what’s flashy—sing what fits your voice, your acting, and personality RIGHT NOW. Commit to a piece that feels authentic and shows off your unique strengths and that you can consistently execute with success.
Know Your Cuts
Colleges often ask for 16- or 32-bar cuts. Practice them like performance-ready mini-scenes, not just excerpts. Your cut should tell a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. AND you should also know and be prepared to sing the full song upon request.
Healthy Nerves Are OK!
Nerves are normal! Channel that adrenaline into energy for your performance. Try this: before you go in, try some triangle breathing with positive affirmations to reset your nervous system – try inhaling for 3 seconds, suspending that breath for 3 seconds and exhaling for 3 seconds. Repeat this at least 3 times. Ground yourself, and remember—this is just a chance to share your art.
Self Care = Success
Rest, hydrate, and warm up—don’t cram or over-sing the night before. Your body is your instrument, so treat it like an athlete does before game day. Self-care is part of your audition prep.
Own Your Uniqueness
Remember: they’re not looking for the ‘perfect’ singer—they’re looking for you. Lean into what makes your artistry unique. Authenticity and individuality stand out way more than perfection.
Acting Through a Song
Audition panels aren’t just listening for notes—they want to see a storyteller. Who are you singing to? What do you want from them? Connect to a real intention, – one that the real you can relate to and draws on your own emotional experiences – and the panel will connect to you.
Confidence in the Dance Call
Remember—at a dance call, they’re not expecting Broadway-ready dancers. They’re looking for how quickly you pick up choreography and how you perform it. Go in with confidence, sell the story, and commit 100%. Energy and presence often matter more than perfection. Get comfortable with dance basics before auditions—jazz squares, grapevines, simple turns. Preparation Pays Off. Practice learning combos quickly by watching online tutorials. At the audition, focus on retention and performance. If you mess up, keep moving. Showing professionalism is just as important as nailing every step.
