Why are there auditions for classes? Because it is the intention of the Bzdick Studio of Performing Arts to keep a high standard of education and quality. Auditions allow me to assess student skill level in order to best fit him or her to a class. This ensures that classes are balanced and appropriate for the student which enhances the student level of achievement.
If you are concerned or lack training in this area, don't stress! Give the studio a call or email and we will discuss how you can prepare to audition for these classes.
Audition Requirements for Students interested in:
Vocal Lessons
Singing Actors Workshop
Acting to Develop Style
Please prepare a vocal selection that best displays your singing ability (please bring CD accompaniment or be prepared to sing acappella). You may be asked to vocalize, demonstrate musicianship through call and response phrases, and sight sing. This part of the audition is to best determine which classes would best benefit each student.
Audition Requirements for Students interested in the Acting Classes:
Please prepare 2 monologues in contrasting styles (contemporary/classic or serious/comic)
Be prepared to be asked to do a cold reading of a monologue or from a script, and perhaps perform an improvisation.
Audition Dates and Times
Auditions will be scheduled on assigned dates as open call auditions but can be scheduled on an individual basis providing the schedule allows.
Below are some good tips for performers preparing to audition for roles. I hope you find them helpful!
When auditioning for a musical or a vocal/dance audition have the following prepared pieces:
1) Ballad: slower song that shows emotion, range and breath control.
2) Up-tempo: a song with some speed or movement (not physical) that shows rhythmic ability, control, energy and personality.
Depending on time allowance, performers may only be asked to sing a 16-32 bar section of the song. Singers are encouraged to choose the part of their selected piece that best shows off their ability as a singer, keeping in mind range, tone, and breath support.
Most professional musical theater auditions or vocal auditions will have an accompanist that is there to play for the performer. This is not always the case for local auditions, therefore, if a performer has CD accompaniment, they should always bring it with them, just in case. (must be an ACCOMPANIMENT CD, not a recording with another singers voice on it).
Singers should always have copies of sheet music for the adjudicators to review in order to see the range and difficulty of the piece, as well as to allow them to follow along for accuracy. It is also important to have sheet music for the accompanist. All sheet music must be written in the key in which it will be performed. If they do not have a CD or sheet music, performers must be prepared to sing acappella (no accompaniment).
If there is specific material (songs, monologues) that must be prepared for a certain audition, the performer is generally informed of this ahead of time. It is the usual practice of all musical auditions that the performer brings prepared music that best shows their abilities (acting and vocal). However, if directors need to hear a performer sing from the show, that will usually be done at the call backs. This is done so that the person auditioning has the opportunity to show what they are best at first, before being asked to learn something new.
Acting Auditions (pertains to musical theater performers as well)
All Actors should have the following in their audition repertoire:
1) Serious
a. Classical
b. Contemporary
2) Comedic
a. Classical
b. Contemporary
3) Shakespeare
a. Comic
b. Serious
Be very cautious when choosing material. Foul language and sexual content do not impress directors. These topics are cheap and glaring examples of inexperience and not being professional. Do not rely on shock value to be remembered…be remembered because you were talented and prepared.
Unless specifically asked, do not perform an audition piece that is from the production for which you are auditioning because you have no idea what your director has in mind for his characters and production; presenting a different interpretation can only work against you.
ALWAYS dress appropriately, professionally, and comfortable for movement, (even if it is not necessarily a dance audition). Be prepared for anything. No sandals, opened toe, extreme high heel or shoes without some sort of heel strap...dancing bare foot is not recommended (especially if you are not familiar with the flooring), and is not very hygienic.
Arrive warmed up both vocally and physically.
Be prepared to be asked to vocalize (to show vocal range)
Be prepared to be asked to sing back some musical phrases (this checks for accuracy of musicianship)
Be prepared to be asked to try a piece of music that you have never seen before (Sight Read)
It is not uncommon for a company to be preparing for future productions. Even if you don't get the part you auditioned, a good audition may help you be remembered for future productions!
Lastly, relax and enjoy the process!! It can be a lot of fun, and here at Bzdick Studio of Performing Arts, we are always supportive, encouraging, and will direct performers to the programs that are best suited to help the performer learn, grow and succeed.
If you are concerned or lack training in this area, don't stress! Give the studio a call or email and we will discuss how you can prepare to audition for these classes.
Audition Requirements for Students interested in:
Vocal Lessons
Singing Actors Workshop
Acting to Develop Style
Please prepare a vocal selection that best displays your singing ability (please bring CD accompaniment or be prepared to sing acappella). You may be asked to vocalize, demonstrate musicianship through call and response phrases, and sight sing. This part of the audition is to best determine which classes would best benefit each student.
Audition Requirements for Students interested in the Acting Classes:
Please prepare 2 monologues in contrasting styles (contemporary/classic or serious/comic)
Be prepared to be asked to do a cold reading of a monologue or from a script, and perhaps perform an improvisation.
Audition Dates and Times
Auditions will be scheduled on assigned dates as open call auditions but can be scheduled on an individual basis providing the schedule allows.
Below are some good tips for performers preparing to audition for roles. I hope you find them helpful!
When auditioning for a musical or a vocal/dance audition have the following prepared pieces:
1) Ballad: slower song that shows emotion, range and breath control.
2) Up-tempo: a song with some speed or movement (not physical) that shows rhythmic ability, control, energy and personality.
Depending on time allowance, performers may only be asked to sing a 16-32 bar section of the song. Singers are encouraged to choose the part of their selected piece that best shows off their ability as a singer, keeping in mind range, tone, and breath support.
Most professional musical theater auditions or vocal auditions will have an accompanist that is there to play for the performer. This is not always the case for local auditions, therefore, if a performer has CD accompaniment, they should always bring it with them, just in case. (must be an ACCOMPANIMENT CD, not a recording with another singers voice on it).
Singers should always have copies of sheet music for the adjudicators to review in order to see the range and difficulty of the piece, as well as to allow them to follow along for accuracy. It is also important to have sheet music for the accompanist. All sheet music must be written in the key in which it will be performed. If they do not have a CD or sheet music, performers must be prepared to sing acappella (no accompaniment).
If there is specific material (songs, monologues) that must be prepared for a certain audition, the performer is generally informed of this ahead of time. It is the usual practice of all musical auditions that the performer brings prepared music that best shows their abilities (acting and vocal). However, if directors need to hear a performer sing from the show, that will usually be done at the call backs. This is done so that the person auditioning has the opportunity to show what they are best at first, before being asked to learn something new.
Acting Auditions (pertains to musical theater performers as well)
All Actors should have the following in their audition repertoire:
1) Serious
a. Classical
b. Contemporary
2) Comedic
a. Classical
b. Contemporary
3) Shakespeare
a. Comic
b. Serious
Be very cautious when choosing material. Foul language and sexual content do not impress directors. These topics are cheap and glaring examples of inexperience and not being professional. Do not rely on shock value to be remembered…be remembered because you were talented and prepared.
Unless specifically asked, do not perform an audition piece that is from the production for which you are auditioning because you have no idea what your director has in mind for his characters and production; presenting a different interpretation can only work against you.
ALWAYS dress appropriately, professionally, and comfortable for movement, (even if it is not necessarily a dance audition). Be prepared for anything. No sandals, opened toe, extreme high heel or shoes without some sort of heel strap...dancing bare foot is not recommended (especially if you are not familiar with the flooring), and is not very hygienic.
Arrive warmed up both vocally and physically.
Be prepared to be asked to vocalize (to show vocal range)
Be prepared to be asked to sing back some musical phrases (this checks for accuracy of musicianship)
Be prepared to be asked to try a piece of music that you have never seen before (Sight Read)
It is not uncommon for a company to be preparing for future productions. Even if you don't get the part you auditioned, a good audition may help you be remembered for future productions!
Lastly, relax and enjoy the process!! It can be a lot of fun, and here at Bzdick Studio of Performing Arts, we are always supportive, encouraging, and will direct performers to the programs that are best suited to help the performer learn, grow and succeed.