Own the Room: Nailing an Audition for a Musical

Auditions are seriously one of the toughest parts of an actor’s career. Even actors like me who have been on stage for the past two decades still shudder at the thought of an audition. Especially for musicals.

Trying out for a musical requires that an actor be a good singer and dancer as well. More than being concerned with having the precise delivery, musical actors must also ensure that they are also in perfect tune. Those who dream of landing a role in a musical must make sure that they know their audition song very well—in different keys and arrangements. When you enter the room and sing your song, and the progressions should be the least of your worries. The panel watching is most of the time familiar with the piece you’re performing. If you’ve been in line for the past five hours, it’s more likely that they’ve heard the “Defying Gravity” 15 times and are unforgiving. A word of advice: If you have the freedom to look for an audition piece, choose something that you can perform even when you’re asleep.

Image source: Youtube.com

First impressions also matter so it’s important that you wear comfortable clothing. If you’re going to wait in line for a long time, wearing a costume might set the odds against you. The people who will judge you want to see a person who would be fit for the role they are looking for even when he or she isn’t in costume. They want someone who can be an actor, singer, and dancer while fully embodying a different persona. Give them a performance that will make them feel that their musical is truly coming to life. Break a leg!

Image source: Singlikeastar.com

Hello, my name is Louis P. Habash and musical theater is my life. Apart from satiating my artistic ego, theater has also been my bread and butter for the past 20 years. I’ve been in and out of so many different roles, and I’ve been in more musicals than you can actually name. Follow me on Facebook for more of my theater adventures.

Hamilton is Heating up the World of Theater

Hamilton Makes History with 16 Tony Nominations” –New York Times

Now, isn’t that headline enough reason to say that Hamilton is indeed heating up the world of theater? Hamilton has been the best Broadway musical in years. I have proven it when I decided to watch it a couple of weeks ago. The predominantly black and brown cast was utterly superb. The whole production just left me standing and clapping uncontrollably after the show.

Lin-Manuel Miranda is not only the playwright, lyricist, and ambassador of Hamilton, but also plays the title role in this revolutionary Broadway musical. Rolling Stone was right, this man is better than perfect.

Image source: feministprinceton.edu

Hamilton is a perfect mélange of musical form and hip hop. Some people might find it odd to infuse hip hop with classic theater to discuss American history and politics. Even so, the rap renditions of the characters’ oratorical discourses make the musical idiosyncratic. According to Alisa Solomon, the director of arts and culture in Columbia Journalism School, Hamilton is winning its loudest accolades as a “game changer” for bringing rap into the Broadway World.

image source: rollingstone.com

I have watched and acted in heaps of musicals for the past decades, and Hamilton is one of the best ones. It is earnestly brilliant. I have nothing but praises for this musical. Needless to say, it is a must-watch for everybody. Be ready to shed some cash, though! It is pricey, but it’s worth every penny, trust me.

I’m Louis P. Habash, a musical theater actor for over 20 years now. I consider the stage as my home. Follow my blog to immerse yourself in the world of theater!