Auditioning with... Lindsey McAlister

*** Last chance to sign up for A Chorus Line auditions! Registrations close TODAY!! ***

So you’ve heard from the auditionees so far. But what about from those who will be sitting on the auditioning panel…?!

Lindsey McAlister, who will be directing this year’s A Chorus Line, shares her top tips here!

Research the musical
Make sure you are fully familiar with the show you are auditioning for. You can do this by looking online and finding information about the original musical or by watching video clips and studying them carefully.

For the singers…
Select a song that you are confident of being able to master and practice! One way of doing this is to record yourself singing and then to listen closely to the recording and pinpoint the areas that you need to work on. At the audition, while you are waiting to be called in, run through some warm-up exercises to relax your voice and calm your nerves – this will help you sing confidently.

For the dancers….
During dance auditions, performance is judged according to the performers’ sensitivity to rhythm, their dance skills and physical flexibility, and the ease with which they learn new routines. However, even if your routine does not go perfectly, if you show energy and enthusiasm, this will be noticed by the panel.

Be punctual
Punctuality is essential and you will need to arrive at least 15 minutes before your audition time to complete the registration. Arriving early also gives you time to settle your nerves and warm up. To register you will need to provide a photo – so don’t forget to bring that along. When it is your turn to perform, introduce yourself briefly and clearly and show the panel your passion and confidence.

Treasure every opportunity
All stage performances are collaborative productions that involve people with various talents who play essential roles behind the scenes and on stage. Treasure any role that you are offered – they are all of equal importance. Even seemingly minor roles can help you accumulate valuable stage experience so that one day you may be able to take the lead!

If your first casting is not successful, keep trying! The more auditions you take part in, the more relaxed you will become.

Have fun and enjoy yourself – show the panel your love of performing. See you at the auditions!!