Having auditioned literally thousands of entertainment professionals over the years, we often get asked what constitutes a good audition. Here are some crucial dos and dont’s:

1. Always be well prepared. Make sure you know who and what you are auditioning for. If possible, try to find out who is on the audition panel. This will help add a personal touch if you get the opportunity to chat with them.

2. Look presentable, first impressions count! Ensure you dress smart and your hair and make up is done. Don’t go over the top unless asked to dress in a specific style, but never go simply in rehearsal wear. Make sure you look (and smell) your very best. Don’t wear dowdy colours. Bright and cheerful colours will help you stand out.

3. The way you enter the audition space is paramount to your success. Be confident, make eye contact, give a warm, genuine smile, be attentive and look pleased and excited to be there (even if you don’t feel it!)

4. Research the company and the job before the audition. Prepare a few questions to ask at the audition to demonstrate you have looked into it. It’s important that you come across as informed and excited about the role you’re applying for.

5. Give a 100% in all parts of the audition. Even if you’re tired or feel that one particular section of the audition is not your strongest discipline, go for it! It’s your one opportunity to shine, so make the most of it. Often you will be judged as much on your enthusiasm and drive as you are on skill set.

6. Never ever make excuses for yourself. Never use phrases such as “I’m not really a dancer” or “singing isn’t my strongest point, but I’ll have a go”. Believe in yourself and just give it your very best.

7. Stay calm! Some nerves are good and even the most accomplished performers have wobbly moments. However, think about methods to ensure your nerves don’t get the better of you. Breathing and vocal techniques are a good use of time before your audition.

8. Prepare your voice! Use a good quality vocal warm up CD on a regular basis and especially on the night before your audition.

9. Make sure you choose the best material for yourself. For example, choose two songs that are contrasting and show off the range of your vocals. Don’t make the mistake of being self indulgent and just singing something that is popular or something you like. Also, edit your tracks so that you quickly reach the piece of the song that shows off your voice in the best way. It’s no good having a wonderful song if you don’t reach the crescendo till four minutes into the piece. Often judges will only listen to part of your songs due to time constraints – bear this in mind! So make sure you cut those long intros or instrumental breaks.

10. Rehearse your material thoroughly whether it’s a dance routine or a presenting piece. Learn your words and practice them religiously. If you forget them, don’t stop! Make them up……but look confident!

11. Always be prepared to do that little bit extra. For example, if you’ve been asked to do two songs; always have a third one prepared in case they would like to hear more from you.

12. Make sure you have plenty of rest the night before. Judges are invariably experienced professionals. They will be able to tell if you look tired or intoxicated from the night before and this does not bode well with your potential employer. Drink plenty of water and eat healthily in the days leading up to your audition. This will make a huge difference to your skin tone, giving you a healthy glow, sparkling eyes and, consequently, much more confidence.

13. Also relax, enjoy and be yourself! Getting your own personality across is another key factor to achieving success at your audition. Judges see a thousand ‘audition faces’ but what they really want to see is you (and there IS a difference). Remember, if you make a good impression and they like you as a person, they are far more likely to remember you.

14. Lastly allow plenty of time. Always give yourself enough time to cover any train delays or traffic that may occur on your way to the audition. Getting there early will always work in your favour.

Follow these tips and we reckon you’ll give a fab performance at audition!

Good luck!

E3 Group are a leading recruiter of entertainment professionals in the UK and Europe.

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