3 Audition Tips from the Spotlight Program

“Hey, have you heard about The Music Center’s Spotlight Program? You should audition for that! High school students can win scholarships for college.”

“Who me? No way, I’m not good enough for that! Auditions sound scary.”

But then that little voice in the back of your head says “Well, maybe I could try…” So if you decide to go for it (and you should!) here are 3 audition tips for performing artists that we’ve learned from watching hundreds of auditions over the years.  But remember, the SPOTLIGHT 2016 applications are now open and the deadline is October 19 so get to work!

3 Tips to Audition Like a Pro

1. Breathe.

Seriously. Seems obvious I know, but it’s always the first thing to go when nerves set in. Breathing is essential to your acting, singing, dancing and playing an instrument. It is also essential to you controlling your nerves. Almost everyone gets jitters or butterflies walking on stage or auditioning in front of a panel of judges. It’s normal to have these feelings and everyone understands this. Take a big cleansing breath before you walk onto a stage or into an audition room. Take breaths during your performance. Deep breathing will calm you down and ground your performance.

2. Rehearse.

Sometimes we don’t feel like practicing or rehearsing, and yet this is the exact thing which will give you confidence! The more you rehearse, the more comfortable you will be once you walk into an audition room. Rehearsing gives you the freedom to take chances and have more fun in your auditions, because you know you are prepared. Athletes know this too. Envisioning your performance in your mind gives you strength and confidence. And just like athletes, when the time comes to perform, letting go and allowing yourself to trust your instincts is essential. Repeated practice is the only way to get to that level of relaxation and freedom.

3. Ask Yourself.

Finally, whenever you finish an audition as you walk off stage, ask yourself two things: What did I do on stage or in the audition room that worked? What did I do that didn’t work out the way I intended it to?

If you did something great on stage or in an audition, remember it! If you didn’t do something you liked, then figure out why it didn’t work so you can change it up next time. And, there will be a next time!

Believe it or not, Spotlight is not just a competition! This program is so much more than a T.V. reality show. We genuinely look for ways to help you improve and develop as an artist. It’s true – it takes guts to try, to risk failing, to feel the thrill of live performance. You need to love it, commit to doing your best and be dedicated to learning from the experience. You have all these qualities; otherwise you wouldn’t be willing to step into the spotlight to begin with. Bravo!

SPOTLIGHT APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!
NEW: FIRST ROUND AUDITIONS SUBMITTED ONLINE!