Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 10/18/2007

Question
On Saturday I am having an Audition to play the part of Aladdin. I have to sing only One Jump Ahead and A whole new world. I know all the lyrics but could you please give me some tips about having a great audition what to remember how to dress and more. please I need your.
Please contact me at ebonyzeidan@hotmail.com

Answer
Hi Ebony.  That's great!  Congratulations on the audition.  Making the decision to do this is the first big step.  And thanks for writing about this very important question.

To have a great audition, first of all, make sure that you are drinking lots of water.  This will help your notes freely flow from your vocal cords.  

Secondly, arrive to the audition 10 to 15 minutes early to give yourself time to calm down and centre.  On the way to the audition, do your vocal warm ups and review your lyrics.

Once you get there, to centre further, do some exercises that help you relax - leg and back stretches, neck circles, lip stretches.  And the most important thing to do is to breathe.  Concentrate on your breathing.  Breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth and breathe deeply into the diaphragm.  

When you go onto the stage to sing, keep breathing in and out.  And smile.  Introduce your pieces and then perform.  

A successful audition is one where you do your best.  

In terms of what to wear, if the Director has not specified dress for the audition, wear something that is comfortable and that is modest but you feel good in.  Wear something that you will not think about on the stage.  It has to work with your performance and release you rather than worry you.  And be sure that it is not something that distracts the Director.

I hope that helps you.  Let me know how it goes :)

Wanda