by Kyle Kakuno, Art Director at Mo’olelo Performing Arts Studio
Mo’olelo Studios will be holding auditions for their upcoming musicals in August and October, and being prepared is essential to having a good experience! Here are some tips for young performers who are interested in trying out to be cast in a musical:
Find out as much as you can about the audition.
Usually, a notice will be posted online (or on your school’s call board) telling dates, times, and requirements for the auditions. You might want to ask others who have auditioned for the company/teacher-director before what to expect.
Prepare.
You should have a strong idea of what type of show you are auditioning for. This will give you a clue of which type of song you want to audition with, which monologue is appropriate, and what style of dance/movement may be required.
Make an impression.
The moment you step into the theatre, your audition is already underway. As you sign in and fill out your audition form, be friendly and confident. If you come across as authentic and happy to be there, it will work in your favor. The more genuine you are, the better.
Put some thought into your audition look.
There are no magic outfits that will guarantee you’ll be cast but be sure you wear clothes you can move well in, makes you feel confident, and looks put together. Also, make sure your hair is not hanging in your face.
Do the best you can.
Once you are onstage, introduce yourself and what you will be performing. Then take a deep breath, relax and do the best you can. When you are finished, wait for any questions that the director may have for you, answering them the best you can. Always say “thank you” when you are finished. At Mo’olelo Studios, we initially ask for you to sing one song and tell a joke. It’s important to select an appropriate song that you can sing well. If it’s a Disney-type show, sing a Disney-type song. If it’s more of a pop musical, choose a pop song.
Make sure you know the difference between a joke and a riddle.
A riddle is usually in the form of a question (what do you call a …?) with a one-word punchline. It may be funny, but it doesn’t show much of your acting ability; this is what the joke is for. Choose a tasteful joke that tells a short story and ends with a clever punchline. Be sure to work some expressions into telling it. If you sing and tell a joke well enough – you’ll be called back for a dance or movement audition.
For dance callbacks, wear loose clothing and shoes you can move well in.
The choreographer will likely teach a dance combination (a sequence of steps). You’ll have a little while to learn the combination, and then you’ll perform it (often in small groups). Whether you’re a trained dancer or not, do your best to learn and execute the steps correctly. When it’s time to perform, project confidence.
Not everyone gets cast in a show.
If you are not cast, don’t take rejection personally. It isn’t a reflection of your ability, but your suitability. Sometimes you’re simply not right for the part. However, don’t be discouraged. There are always new things to learn from each audition.
Need inspiration to persevere?
Jennifer Aniston was being rejected time and time again as she desperately waited for her big break. Feeling defeated, she asked Warren Littlefield, president of entertainment at NBC at the time, if her dreams would become reality or should she just quit. Years later, Littlefield shared the conversation he had with Aniston. “[It’s] 10:30pm at night on Sunset Boulevard,” he said. “I’m at the Chevron station gassing up, and Jennifer is over at the other island, and she comes over, and says, ‘Is it ever going to happen?’ and I say, ‘We believe in you. I’m sure it will.’ A few months later, we handed her the Friends script.” It’s a good thing Aniston persevered and walked over at that gas station. Imagine a world without “Friends”.
Young performers are making powerful, lifetime memories at Mo’olelo Studio, which operates out of the Dr. Richard T. Mamiya Theatre on the campus of St. Louis School. We produce four musical productions a year – in the spring, summer, fall and one during the Christmas season – with auditioning opportunities for all within an appropriate age group. When cast in one of these productions, the skills you develop at our studio will be further nurtured and tested on stage in rehearsals and during performances in a professional setting. A wonderful opportunity awaits all who try out and earn a role in the cast.
