How Do You Prepare for a Musical Theatre Dance Audition?

Musical Theatre|Theater

Attending a musical theatre dance audition can be nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation and practice, you can excel during your dance audition. Preparing for a musical theatre dance audition starts well before you walk into the audition room.

Research the Show

The first step in preparing for any kind of audition is to research the show that is casting. Read through the synopsis and familiarize yourself with the characters and story line. If you’re familiar with the show, you’ll be more prepared to answer questions on character motivation and understand any direction given to you when performing your dance solo.

Learn About Audition Requirements

When researching a show, make sure to also find out what type of audition pieces are required. Does the show require strong classical ballet technique?

Or are they looking for contemporary movement? Knowing what style of dancing is expected during an audition will help you prepare ahead of time.

Choose an Appropriate Solo

Once you’ve researched a show and know what type of dancing it requires, it’s time to pick an appropriate solo for your audition. Make sure that your solo fits within the style of dancing that is required for the show; if a classical ballet routine best fits the production, then don’t choose a jazz routine as your solo piece.

Practice Your Solo

Now that you have a solo picked out, practice it! Learn all of the steps and choreography so that it becomes second nature to you. Practice in front of mirrors or videotape yourself so that you can critique your performance and make any necessary adjustments before going into an audition.

Attend Dance Classes

Even if you already take regular dance classes, consider attending additional classes specifically geared towards musical theatre performance. These classes will help refine your technique in both acting and dancing so that when it comes time for an actual audition, you can perform confidently.

Arrive Early

On the day of your audition, be sure to arrive early so that you have plenty of time to check in with staff members or directors before actually beginning your performance. Arriving early also gives you enough time to warm up properly so that when it comes time for your solo piece, your body is physically ready.

Stay Positive Throughout

It’s easy to become nervous during an audition– especially one as physically demanding as a musical theatre dance– but don’t let nerves get in the way of showing off all that hard work! Stay positive throughout by taking deep breaths and reminding yourself why this role excites you while performing.

By researching a show beforehand, picking an appropriate solo piece, practicing regularly and attending additional classes when necessary, dancers can feel confident walking into their musical theatre dance auditions. The key is practice: use every opportunity available to refine and perfect each step until they become second nature on stage.

In summary: Prepare ahead by researching shows ahead of time; choose an appropriate solo; practice regularly; attend additional classes; arrive early; stay positive throughout auditions– these are all important steps in helping dancers perform their best at musical theatre dance auditions.