The Audition IS the Cake: A Parent's Guide to Audition Season

Let's talk about auditions. 

Did your kid just announce they want to try out for the spring musical? (If they go to LHS/TBHS, it's Xanadu, btw.) DO NOT PANIC. I know that feeling in your chest: half pride, half oh no, what if they get hurt? 

I've been on all sides of the audition table now: as a mom with massive anxiety about the whole thing, as a private teacher praying for the success of her students, and as part of the casting team behind the table. So here's the tea.

First, a little secret from behind the table at Audition

We are rooting for your kid. Truly. Everybody in that room wants them to do well. We're not looking for perfection. We're looking for kids who are prepared, who are confident, and who look like they're having fun.

Pick the right song (and keep it short)

Help your child choose a song that fits their voice right now, not the one they want to sing on Broadway in five years. A song that sits comfortably, shows off their personality, and (for the love of all that's holy) is age appropriate? That's gonna land with us every time. 

Most auditions only want 16 to 32 bars (about a minute to a minute and a half), so practice a short cut rather than the whole song. And skip the song from the show they're auditioning for unless the audition notice asks for it. In Placer County, the only theatre I know that prefers you sing a song from the show is Jessup. If you're not sure where to start, this is exactly what a voice teacher is for.

Practice the whole thing, not just the singing

The secret sauce is that the song is only part of the audition. How your kid walks in, slates, and walks out speaks volumes. 

Walking into the room with a smile and the energy of a person, not a theatre-kid robot

Saying, "Hi, my name is ___, and I'll be singing ___ from ___." 

Singing their cut 

Saying "Thank you!" and walking out confidently 

Have them rehearse this for anyone and everyone: in the living room, in front of Grandma, in front of the dog. The more familiar the routine feels, the less scary the audition will be.

Talk about nerves like they're normal (because they are)

Nerves mean you care. I'm 52 and I still get them. (Maybe I'll write about my latest audition in a future blog.) Teach your child a simple reset: three slow breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth, shoulders down, feet planted. And tell them this: if they forget a word or crack a note, keep going. A casting team will notice how you recover far more than the mistake itself.

The day of: just chill 

Have them wear comfortable clothes they can move in, nothing distracting. Bring a water bottle. Littles might want a snack. I personally don't eat before an audition or performance. Arrive early so nobody is rushing. Most important of all, treat it like any other day, because it is. 

Define success before you walk in 

This is the big one. Before the audition, decide together what a "win" looks like: I walked in. I sang my song. I was brave. That's success, no matter what the cast list says.  I tell my students that the audition IS the performance. Think about it: an audition is a chance to perform something you absolutely LOVE for a captive audience. You are the star, and it's your moment. Once the audition is complete, the job is done, and you can pat yourself on the back. Anything else (a role, a callback, a rejection) is just frosting. The audition IS the cake. 

One last thing 

Your child doesn't need to be the best singer in the room, and probably won't be (#realtalk). They just need to feel prepared, supported, and proud of themselves for trying. They've got this, and so do you. 

If your little performer is gearing up for an audition and could use some coaching, song selection help, or just a confidence boost, come see us at Tamraloo Studios. We'd love to help them walk into that room ready to shine.