If you’re a singer, dancer, or actor aiming for the stage, auditions will be a regular part of your experience. Before you get the role of your dreams, you’ll need to prove you’ve got what it takes – often within a short couple of minutes!

Even more nerve-wracking, it takes more than just a dazzling audition song to get through. Your personality, work ethic, and even reputation are all factored in.

Ready to learn the do’s and don’ts of the audition room? Read on as I share the top seven things that turn off your director and audition panel – avoid these at all costs!

1. Starting with a bad impression

From the moment you walk in the door, you are auditioning! Many things can factor into a negative first impression, so do everything you can to appear professional, organized, and prepared. Leave your baggage, coffee, cell phones, kids, and pets behind you. Walk in with a simple smile and a friendly “Hello.”

2. Disrespecting the accompanist

How you speak to and interact with your accompanist shows if you are a professional performer or not. The directors are observing how you interact. They often are very close with the accompanist and may talk about your interactions once you leave the room. Be clear and direct; don’t yell or criticize them. They are there to help you have your best audition!

3. Giving excuses

Many people use excuses because they are nervous or they aren’t confident in their performance. Casting directors hate this! They don’t want to hear you blame illnesses, traveling, or personal problems – they just want to see your audition. Most casting directors will be able to tell if you are having trouble with allergies right away, for example, so there’s no need to do a song and dance about it before the audition starts.

4. Not being prepared

Know the show and role you are auditioning for! If you come into the room with no previous knowledge of the show or music, this will reflect in your audition. You don’t want to come in singing something totally opposite; for example, auditioning for the upbeat Legally Blonde with a serious song from Spring Awakening will show the director you have not done your research.

It’s also very important to keep your music clean and organized in a binder, so the accompanist can read it clearly. Finally, never ask an accompanist to transpose or transcribe different keys on the spot. You should be prepared with the music you are singing; not knowing the words, melody, or key changes will reflect poorly in your audition.

5. Using inappropriate material

This might be obvious, but material about sensitive subjects – such as sexual content or politics – should be used with caution at an audition. Only consider these kinds of monologues or songs if the show you are auditioning for pertains to that subject. You do not want to offend the directors in any way!

Also, performing material that is not appropriate for your age, gender, or ethnicity can be considered inappropriate. Again, know the role and the show you’re auditioning for, as this will factor in!

6. Bragging, lying, or exaggerating

Sometimes casting directors will ask questions to get to know your personality. They may ask, for example, what shows you have done in the past, which directors you have worked with, and what awards you’ve won. Answer these questions with the truth, and be humble about your experiences and credits. Never brag about working with a director that you’ve never worked with, and don’t list a show or theater credit that you have never been in.

These behaviors will hurt you in the long run, as the musical theater community is very close-knit. If you lie in your audition or on your resume, it’s very likely the panel will notice.

7. Asking too many questions

After your audition, collect your music from the pianist, say “Thank you very much,” and leave. Don’t ask annoying questions like “How did I do?” or “When will I hear back?” or “What is the pay?” The directors simply do not have time to address every single auditionee’s needs and questions during the audition call! Ask these questions outside of the audition room (the stage manager or audition monitor can usually answer them), or send a polite email later.

So there you have it – seven things to avoid as you head into your next audition. Keep these in mind, and you’ll make a much better impression on the panel. Good luck!

Liz Turner is an instructor for TakeLessons.com, teaching singing, acting, piano, songwriting, and more in Brooklyn, NY. She is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music with a B.M in Vocal Performance, and currently performs and teaches all styles of music, including musical theater, classical, jazz, rock, pop, R&B, and country. Learn more about Liz, or search for a teacher near you!

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