DACO Audition Process

Acting Audition:

Acting ability will be judged from the vocal audition. Performers must demonstrate acting talent through their song.

What to Prepare:

1. Please prepare one song from a Broadway musical that best highlights your range in the style of the show. You may select any Broadway show but we strongly suggest selecting a song similar to the style of The Wizard of Oz. Since The Wizard of Oz is a pre-contemporary musical remake of the 1930’s film, you may want to consider non contemporary audition rep. However, we want you to attend our audition call feeling confidant and comfortable with your audition piece. Perform a Broadway or Diseny selection that you feel makes you shine! We have a small list of songs you cannot sing listed below including any material from the The Wizard of Oz, Wicked, The Wiz, or Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production of The Wizard of Oz.

2. Please have your music clearly marked and in a 3-ring binder with pages copied front and back.

3. A professional accompanist will be provided.

4. A cappella auditions are not an option.

5. Bring an 8x10 headshot/recent photo. You DO NOT need a professional head-shot. A simple pic of yourself is fine. Make sure you are the only person in the picture. Photos are not returned to you. Please write your full name on the back of your 8x10 photo.

6. Your audition song must be from a Broadway musical.

No songs from any version of Cinderella, Bye Bye Birdie, Grease, Six The Musical, Hamilton, Avenue Q, The Book of Mormon, or "Part of your World from The Little Mermaid. Please do not prepare a Sondheim piece. Please do not prepare songs from The Wizard of OZ, Wicked, The Wiz or the Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production of The Wizard of OZ.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please plan on performing your musical selection with the same amount of acting with which you rehearse and perform a monologue or scene.

Arrive NO MORE than 10 minutes before your audition appointment.

PLEASE NOTE: The entire audition process may take approximately 1 -2.5 hours.

ADVICE: Please do not wait until the last minute to order your music. We strongly suggest practicing/reviewing your sheet music with a pianist before your audition. Do not assume the CD/Radio version of your song is the same as your sheet music. Hearing the sheet music version of a song for the first time during an actual audition will not allow you to perform at your best!

Online Sheet Music Resources: JW Pepper Music online & sheetmusicplus.com

A Few Reminders:

·Your three-ring binder that includes the sheet music of the song you have prepared.

·You may not sing a cappella (without accompaniment) or with a recording.

·Please have your song in the key, you are singing it. The accompanist is unable to transpose your music on the spot.

·Sheet music is 3-hole-punched, double-sided, and inserted your three-ring binder

·A professional or non-professional headshot that represents how you look now: School or photocopied photos are OK. (You are not judged on photos-we just want to recognize you!)

·FAMILY CALENDAR: So that you can clearly and accurately identify conflicts with the rehearsal schedule.

When You Arrive:

Dress for success. You should look like the best version of yourself. Be comfortable but professional and able to move naturally in your clothing and footwear.
Arrive no more than 10 minutes early, already warmed-up physically and vocally.
Arrive with all forms and your conflict calendar completely filled out. An accurate conflict form is critical. DO NOT rush completing paperwork; we need all the information to make casting decisions.
Exhibit courteous and professional behavior to everyone you encounter that day. Your conduct at every point of the process is observed and noted.
Relax, breathe and HAVE FUN! Let your personality shine through!
Bring water for hydration and smile to make yourself feel good!

When You Enter the Audition Room:

Smile and say, "hello" to the audition panel, you are already auditioning.
Go to the accompanist first and talk them through your music.
Go over important details in your music. Where you start and stop. What you need at the beginning (i.e. “Play this note really loud, it’s my starting pitch.”). Your desired tempo. Anything special, like a hold or a place where you will slow down or speed up.
Stand on the X marked on the floor and SLATE (introduce yourself and your piece).

For example, “Hi! My name is Carly Jones, I am 16 years old, and I attend ABC Academy. Today I am performing “The Real Love of My Life” from Brigadoon by Lerner and Lowe.

Conclude your entire audition with a “Thank you” to the panel and pause.

PAUSE BEFORE LEAVING in case the panel has questions for you. We may ask you to do a section of your piece in a different way or an improvisation or ask you about something on your resume. Say “yes!” to anything asked of you. Take risks, and make bold choices. Exit with the confidence that you did your very best.