AUDITION NOTICE:
CASTING CALL FOR ___(insert amazing show here)__.

This is what every actor dreads and loves. Auditions. Some just dread, and some just love (those are the masochists). A long process in which we laugh, cry, say a monologue, sing, dance, cry some more, and then go home and melt into our beds. Sure! This process isn't like that for everyone, but for the rest of us welcome to the seven stages of auditioning for your dream show.

1. The Initial Reveal

This phase is the shortest — this is it. The show you have been waiting for. It's finally being produced at a theatre near you, and you are pumped. All you can think about is that character that you would love to be, but of course, if anyone asks you what character you want you just say, "I'd be thankful to be anything!" And you really should, and most of the time you would, but this show is different. Still be thankful if you don't get the part you want, don't be that person unless your time is already stretched thin.

2. Finding the Perfect Audition Material

Excitement has died down a little, and now it's time to start brainstorming. You know you should already have four back-pocket monologues and a book of songs, but suddenly none of them are any good anymore, and you must find new material. Something that screams I WANT THIS ROLE. Except we all know you don't want to have much force, and if they see you in a different role than you have to look flexible in your audition. So it needs to scream more like — I WAnt tHiS RolE. Perfect.

3. Self-Conscious Stage of Doubt

This is the stage where you have searched for a few days through hundreds of songs, musical theatre playlists, and even turned to obscure Pandora stations, but you can't find a thing. You've made yourself believe you're not talented enough to sing any of these songs well, that you're not going to get the part, and that you suck.

4. Coming to Your Senses.

As you lay on the floor of your bedroom in denial about your existence, you decide you're being silly. That you have to audition because you love the show/director/choreographer etc. and you can't let yourself down by not trying.

5. Finding Your Audition Song

Finally. It has happened. Unexpectantly while you were rummaging through yahoo and youtube you have found the perfect song. You pull it up and listen to it hunting down that perfect audition cut and BAM. There it is. You see it shine bright, and all your worries slip away.

6. Preparation

Practice, practice, practice. Love yourself, love your voice, get lots of sleep, and practice. Build that confidence wall up and up until no amount of pressure can knock it down. Unsure of that note? Well, practice until you are sure of it because if you're iffy about it in your car then you'll be iffy about it in front of the director and you'll probably mess it up. Prepping for an audition is extremely important in not looking silly and letting the director know you're serious about this job. Print your resume and have your headshot ready and stapled. Have your music in your binder and sheet protectors for the accompanist, and be ready to dress accordingly.

7. Audition Day

Relax. You have prepared, you have got your stuff together, and you are ready to roll.

You walk in — excitement.

See the sign-in table — wanna throw up.

Hand-off your prepared folder with headshot and resume — look like not a fool.

Waiting to be called — ease down, relax, and trying not to over-think.

Being Called — deep breaths, deep breaths, deep breaths.

Auditioning — acting your butt off and trying to figure out what the director is whispering to the music director. Then you say thank you and walk off stage. Breathe out, and hope for the best.

There are the Seven Stages of Auditioning for your dream show. No matter how exaggerated, we all love what we do. Keep your head up and go nail those auditions!