With auditions and callbacks for ISU Theatre’s productions of “Little Women” and “The Tempest” happening this week, students should know how to prepare themselves for a successful tryout. Here are a few tips for keeping cool and confident during audition week.

Make sure time is on your side

Putting on a theater production requires a lot of time and energy, and auditioning for one is no exception.

“It’s never too early to start thinking about what you want to show in an audition” said Kelly Marie Schaefer, costume designer for ISU Theatre. If audition material is provided, prepare any songs or monologues well before auditions so you aren’t scrambling a few days in advance.

Step into their shoes

When preparing audition monologues or songs, it’s important to consider this character’s reasons for what they say or sing. “What people often forget is the song is telling a story,” Schaefer said. “What are you singing about? Why are you saying the words you are singing?” No matter how similar or different they are from you, stepping into the character’s shoes from the moment the audition begins will show the panel who you are in this role. 

Keep a cool head 

Standing up in front of a panel of directors is daunting, regardless of how many auditions one has done in their theater career. But staying calm before and during the reading will keep you focused on the task at hand. “Remember to breathe! Take in a nice, deep breath and it’ll be all good!” Schaefer said. 

Know yourself and your skills 

While you are playing a character in an audition, remember what your talents are and show those off in the audition. “What a wonderful problem it is to choose between three amazing students for the lead role,” Schaefer said. “Give us that problem of casting amazing students and show off what you bring. Be true to your yourself and your talents, relax and enjoy it!”