Keira Keeley’s Tips on How to Audition for Different Roles

New York’s Broadway is one of the world’s largest stages, with productions numbering about three dozen every year. It would be a dream come true for most actors to appear on this famous stage, but the competition is tough. Keira Keeley is a stage actress located in New York City, New York, and has been one of those hundreds of actors that line up at auditions, thinking that they may be one of the lucky few who are chosen to act in a show. With so many performers and only so many roles, how does an actor’s performance stand out?

What to Expect When You Audition For a Broadway Show

The first audition is a pre-screen in front of the casting director and their assistant. The job of the assistant is to ensure that the director understands the character they’re casting. What does this mean? They try to figure out how they can incorporate your particular skills and interests into the part during the meeting.

If you aren’t sure how something works, then it’s best to clarify during the meeting. There’s also a chance that the assistant could recommend a different type of role for you to try out. If the casting director wants someone with specific skills such as set construction or special effects, then that’s an extra incentive for them to cast you.

It’s best to prepare a scene from the show, and there may also be a reader in the room. If so, then use them. The Reader is your acting partner. When it comes time for you to take the stage, it’s best to be clear and concise in your instructions.

If you do well, you may get a callback audition in front of the producers, writers, choreographers, and other directors like the music director and lead directors of the show. These are the decision-makers, and many of them may not have been present for your first audition. There may be many people here for your callback, but be happy many people never make it this far.

The Bad News

Broadway is a closed system. There are only 42 theaters in the Broadway district of New York City, New York. These employ roughly 30 performers, meaning there are around 1260 roles that need to be filled each season.

Considering that at least 10,000 performers are competing for these 1260 roles, only about 12.6 percent of those performers will get parts. It’s also not just your singing that lands you the role. The director will look at your acting ability, work ethic, attitude, and professional reputation.

The Good News

It is possible to get ahead of the game. As the old joke says, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice.” Keira Keeley considers pre-screen auditions as practice for new actors. While you may not get the first few roles you audition for, you are getting yourself seen by directors and assistants.

If you make yourself memorable, then you may get casting calls for a later show. The more well-known you are, the better, and the more of a leg up you have on the other actors competing for the roles you want.

Tips For the Actor Auditioning For a Show

There are a few things you should consider to make your audition go more smoothly.

Your behavior in the room indicates your behavior on stage.

Always be professional. When your name is called, walk into the room confidently and have your music binder under your arm. Walk to the center of the room and begin.

A crisp, clean presentation is your friend here. Keep your head up and sing over the heads of the panel rather than looking right at them. Don’t forget to thank the panel when you’re done.

A good binder says a lot about you.

Your sheet music should be kept in a solid clean three-ring binder. Invest in sheet protectors for your music because they have a non-glare finish and protect your sheet music from wear and tear.

Put together an “Audition Bag.”

Some performers call this their diaper bag. Mothers figured out that dealing with toddlers was much easier if they had everything they needed at hand. You will find that having a go-bag ready for auditions containing headshots, business cards, audition logs, water, snacks, and anything else you might need to be your best on the day. For Keira Keeley, preparation is king, and a good bag is good preparation.

Don’t over-prepare.

Some performers feel like you have to have one of every type of Broadway song ready to go. They try to prepare Everything from Gilbert and Sullivan to hip-hop. It’s not true. This level of preparation falls under the category of Jack of All Trades, Master of None. Have a few selections ready to go, like a Broadway standard, a contemporary piece, and maybe a pop/rock song. “It’s best to know your type and play to your strengths,” says Keira Keeley.

Final Thoughts

When you audition for a role, the director, producers, and other creative team members all want to see, you succeed. From the get-go, you have to know what to expect — both good and bad. Failure in one area could mean missing that much-anticipated moment on-stage. Auditioning is an intense, life-changing process that involves putting your all into it — and being willing to do what it takes to succeed.