Musical Theatre Audition Technique with Sam Scalamoni

Today I wrapped up a new series of classes with Director Sam Scalamoni at The Growing Studio. I learned a lot from this series and how auditioning and performing are two completely different skill sets.

Sam asked: Why do we get so nervous for auditions? All the reasons came back to feeling safe and certain in the audition environment. Sam reminded me that I have so much in my control before I step into the room. I can rehearse my song with well thought out choices for a coach or peers. I could also practice communicating effectively with the pianist. Finally if I prepare myself physically and mentally before the audition I should not be nervous. All these preparations give me the power to be certain and confident in the audition room.

It was great to get personal adjustments for my audition pieces but it was even more interesting to demystify the audition process by looking at it from a different point of view. My favorite moment in class was when Sam had us take notes as if we were the casting director. I quickly learned it is very difficult to take in a person's performance while taking notes. So it's that much more important to be clear and precise with my acting choices in my songs to stand out in the crowd. It was eye-opening to have that perspective from the other side of the table.

Sam said that the goal of auditioning should never be to book the job. The goal of the audition is to perform my piece and feel good about the work I did in the room. I love this statement because I know that sometimes I judge how well an audition goes by whether I get a callback or a job offer. There are many other factors that are out of my control. All I can do is be prepared and do my best work.

I feel like most of these tips are no-brainers and seem obvious but it's nice to go back to the basics of prepping for an audition. It's fantastic to see the audition from a different point of view. It's wonderful to know that I have the power to have a great audition!