Tips for Auditioning

Here's What you need to know to audition for an SCT show

1.  Read our Actors & Parents Expectations page and make sure to read the "CASTING CALL" on the show page to check the "First Rehearsal dates" and "Performance" dates to see if you'll be available and willing to be involved during our mainstage rehearsal and performance dates.

2.  If you are available and willing, fill out the audition form link on show page, remembering to list all conflicts and possible conflicts*, and wait for an email with your audition time.
*Conflicts that come up after the rehearsal schedule is made, will not be honored.

3.  Prepare.  You should research the show, read it, watch it and be familiar with the story line. If it's a musical listen to the music to see if you are able to sing it. There are plenty of online resources to help you. SCT does not provide scripts to read or music to listen to.

4.  Silvermoon Children's Theatre asks that for a musical you prepare about 16 - 32 bars of music (30 seconds - 1 minute long) that shows your vocal range (how high and low you can sing) and personality (facial expression and feeling).  You will be performing for the Director without piano or musical track.

6.  Dress nicely and present yourself well.

7.  Show up about 15 minutes before your audition time to prepare yourself and get signed in. You will be measured for height.

8.  Smile and have FUN.  A Director would like to see that you are able to be flexible and fun to work with, so relax!

9.  If you have questions, let us know.  Contact or email us at silvermoonchildrenstheatre@gmail.com. 

Here are some GREAT general audition TIPS

The A.B.Cs of Audition PREPARATION

The following tips can be used for any audition, not just at SCT. ALWAYS read the script and/or do your research EARLY!

1. Search online for excerpts, synopses, and character information.

2. Read the script or synopsis CAREFULLY.  Would you be comfortable playing any character?

3. Know what is expected before you come down to audition:

     The Casting Needs: what ages, genders of actors are needed

     Does this show require singers? Dancers?

     Is there anything to prepare: (16 bars of a song?)

     Is there anything to bring to aid you in your audition?

     How long will you be expected to stay?

     Is there a Callback date you need to be available to attend?

     What is the time commitment, both rehearsal & performance?

BRING EVERYTHING you’ll NEED...

     Dress in clothing that allows you to move and groove and avoid clothing/jewelry that draws attention away from YOU -- you don’t want the Director remembering your necklace and not your face!

    Family Calendar/schedule -- you will be asked to declare all CONFLICTS with the show’s REHEARSALS and PERFORMANCES at auditions! The Director must consider conflicts as he/she casts to ensure actors are available to rehearse together! (At SCT all conflicts should be filled out on the audition form before auditions take place.)

    Water bottle -- hydration helps relieve stress

    Dance shoes (or flat shoes you can dance in...) for a Musical audition, or shoes to change into if you’ve worn high heels.

    Personal items -- kleenex, brush, comb, hair ties, etc.

    Pencil, pen, notebook (just in case...)

COME to Auditions EARLY to:

    Warm up your voice (and stretch for a dance audition). Actors are expected to be ready to go at their given time.

    Look over any Monologue or Scene handed out - If the Director is going to give you something to Prepare beforehand, you want to give yourself time to do it!

Directors ALWAYS Look for...

• Team Players -- actors who listen and support their fellow actors

• Poise & Personality -- confident, relaxed and energetic actors

• Good Diction & Projection -- speaking loudly, clearly, and slowly enough to pronounce all the sounds in each word

• Understanding -- actors who “get” what they’re reading

• Expression -- an actor must share his/her feelings and emotions with the audience while reading, dancing or singing

• Vulnerability -- allowing your sensitive side to show

• Whole-hearted Acting -- using everything you've got -- Face, Voice and entire Body

• Flexibility -- being able to make changes if asked

• Dedication -- Volunteers who can really commit to the show.

Everyone SINGS at Musical Auditions

NON-singing Roles in a MUSICAL are very RARE, so the Director and Music Director need to hear EVERYONE sing. They must hear everyone sing ONE at a time – even those who are not auditioning for leads or roles that will have solos in the production. So, musical auditions usually start with EACH person singing SIXTEEN BARS of a prepared song. SCT asks that you prepare a song for an acapella audition.  Be prepared to match pitch with a piano. We will have a piano to test range and part singing capabilities.

16-32 Bars of What?

A “bar” is a “measure” of music. 16 bars is about the length of the CHORUS of a song.

Pick a song from a MUSICAL – not necessarily the one you’re auditioning for, but rapping or singing a hymn doesn’t show what the Directors need to hear.

*DO NOT SING A SONG THAT IS TOO "OLD" FOR YOU!  If you are 10 years old do not come and sing me a song about how much you love some boy or girl, how you are going to die and lay in a bed of roses, or anything like that.  Sing an AGE APPROPRIATE SONG!  As a rule I do not want to hear ANYONE sing: Adele, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, or just about any other artist that is currently on the radio.  Pick a song from a musical (either a stage musical or a movie musical) that shows off your range, is age appropriate, and has a similar style to the show.  You are auditioning for a MUSICAL, not American Idol.*

Pick a song that shows your RANGE – how low and/or high you can sing – and be careful to avoid choosing one that is too low or high for your comfort!