Auditions and callbacks
Choosing a song is only the start. Jordyn Jones answers parents' audition questions, and other guests explain what changes when you're trying for college or paid work.
Audition Better: Picking the Right Cut
Vocal coach and director Jordyn Jones answers the questions parents bring to auditions, starting with the song. She explains what she's looking for from the other side of the table and what a callback tells you.
Listen to episode 7
Answers from the show
What kind of song should I pick for a musical audition?
Choose a song in the style of the show you're auditioning for, so the directors can see where you would fit in the production.
Episode 7: Audition Better: Picking the Right Cut
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Pick a christmas song or pick a musical theater song something that's gonna fit the style so that we can see you and where you would fit in this production.
What if my child can't hit the high note in their audition cut?
Pick a spot earlier in the song that you can sing solidly every time. You only get about 30 seconds, so don't gamble on a note you only sometimes hit.
Episode 7: Audition Better: Picking the Right Cut
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Then maybe you pick a part in the song that's a little earlier that you know that you can sing solid.
Do I have to stop at exactly 16 bars?
Finish the musical phrase, even if that takes a couple of extra bars. Jordyn would much rather hear the end of the phrase than have you cut off in the middle of a word.
Episode 7: Audition Better: Picking the Right Cut
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We would much rather you finish the phrase than to stop in the middle of a word.
Where should I look while singing at an audition?
Pick a focal point on the wall above the director's head and treat it as an invisible scene partner. Direct your energy and story there instead of staring at the auditioners.
Episode 7: Audition Better: Picking the Right Cut
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You find that focal point and then you just send all your energy there you tell that's where you're telling your story.
What should I say to the accompanist before I sing?
Greet the pianist and tell them where you'll start and end. Ask for your starting pitch or an intro. Being friendly helps them see what you're like to work with.
Episode 7: Audition Better: Picking the Right Cut
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You can talk with them and say you know you know this is where I'm going to start this is where I'm going to end can you can you give me my starting pitch.
What do I need to know about the sheet music I bring to an audition?
Bring sheet music in the same key you rehearsed. Accompanists will play what's on the page, and they can't transpose on the spot with one minute in the room.
Episode 7: Audition Better: Picking the Right Cut
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I'm gonna play what's on the page I can't just transpose this like with my eyeballs like right here in this moment while you have one minute in the room.
What does it mean if my child gets a callback?
A callback means the director wants to see more of you. You may get one even if your song wasn't the best fit. There's still no guarantee of a role.
Episode 7: Audition Better: Picking the Right Cut
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Callback doesn't mean that you're not casting the show it just means the director wants to see more of you.
What should I do if I make a mistake during an audition?
Keep going if you make a mistake. Jordyn wants to see how you recover, so stay in the moment. You may get another try.
Episode 7: Audition Better: Picking the Right Cut
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We just say stay in the moment stay in the moment just keep going and then like if it really fell apart we may ask you like do you want to try that again.
How do I calm audition nerves?
The people behind the table want you to do well. Finding the right person makes their job easier. They're rooting for you.
Episode 7: Audition Better: Picking the Right Cut
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The people in the room are on your side right like they're not sitting behind the table like hoping that you're horrible right because if you come in and you're great that makes their job a whole lot easier.
Why wasn't my child cast?
Not being cast often has nothing to do with talent. It can come down to how the director fits the puzzle pieces together, like how many boys there are, who matches in height and who is needed where.
Episode 7: Audition Better: Picking the Right Cut
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When you don't get cast it has nothing to do with talent it's just like how the puzzle pieces worked out I mean in the director's vision.
How do I stand out in a group audition?
Auditioners are often split into small groups, so do something bold enough that they don't want to look away. Big is only good if it's readable and clearly shows what you're doing.
Episode 14: Stand Out at Theme Park Auditions
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Do something so bold that they don't want to look away you don't want to be crazy and embarrass yourself it's very hard to embarrass yourself.
Do I really have to be a triple threat?
You rarely see a perfect triple threat. Being able to hold your own in all three areas, with some grace and a good base such as ballet, is enough.
Episode 14: Stand Out at Theme Park Auditions
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As long as you have at least some level of competency in all three I think that's still a triple threat.
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