Type casting?

Auditioning

Let's chat for a minute about choosing the right audition piece and I will share with you how I do so.
When you go into an audition, for anything, you are trying to present you and the best version of you in sometimes less than 30 seconds. That can be hard to do. A few basic tips are things like:
-Wear the right clothing- something that looks good on you, is you/your character, and that isn't too distracting. Wear a color similar to the one that you are wearing in you headshot. Always look professional
-Try not to be stressed or worried- the easiest way to be yourself is to be relaxed and comfortable and open
-Be you but always make your best effort to be engaging- that gives you a much better chance of being remembered
-Be honest. If you are asked any questions (like if you're nervous), it's okay to be honest. Honesty is key when it comes to being yourself
-Talk to your directors/adjudicators/accompanist if appropriate. Make sure to be polite, thank them, etc
-Be vulnerable! They just want to see you!
But, the one of the most important things when it comes to auditioning, if not the most important is picking the right audition piece. Always pick a piece that is relevant to what you're auditioning for. Be aware of the time period and style of the production and try to match appropriately. Be aware of the instructions you were given- how long your piece should be or what it should be from. Here are some tips as far as the technical aspect of your audition piece goes:
-Again, make sure you choose a piece in the right style/time period
-Choose a piece that you can do well, even if it may not perfectly fit the time period or other relevant criteria
-No one wants to hear you try to belt Wicked; choose a piece that is more unique and fitting to you. Choosing something less well-know is a factor in them remembering you
-Make sure you pick an appropriate and well-fitting cut to your piece. (Make sure the end of your monologue has a button to it, that the end of your 16 bars finishes on a thought)
-In most cases, you should be "winning" within the piece you do. Your character should be succeeding or almost succeeding in whatever their goal is; picking something with great motivation and energy can help with that. Whatever your piece is like it needs to win.
-Make an effort to have in mind what specific role you are auditioning for, whether a lead or a minor character.
But, the biggest aspect in picking the right song/monologue for an audition is taking into account you! Your body and character type.
For example, up to now in my life, I have been cast in every musical I have auditioned for (although I know that will definitely change). I am not saying this to boast, I am saying this to show you why. It is not because I am high above average or because I am more gifted or special then the next person. It is because I know my type and I stick to it. I have never gone into an audition singing or speaking anything I would not in reality play on stage. I am a fuller woman, with a powerful voice and presence. I am on the taller side. Some of my friends refer to me as mother. All of these things factor into the fact that I will almost always be cast as a mother, a best friend, an older character, an evil villain, or that random minor lead. I will never be cast as the general lead (unless of course that lead is someone my type). I will never be cast as the quiet or small or skinny one in the show. And even if a script does not specify what color, height, age, weight, hair color, etc a character has, remember that the director already has their image and stereotype that they are trying to match it to. For example, I can sing the part of Millie in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers well. I have the right sound. But it is very unlikely I will ever play her because it is just not what is seen when it comes to me playing a part. Can I sing Christine Daae, yes. Will I ever be cast as her, no! That is something that I am okay with and that I understand. You get the idea. Be you and pick a piece or character that is like you, that has a big chunk of you already in it. That can really get you far in an audition because it vibes well with you and other people can feel that.
In short, it is imperative to go into an audition with a piece that you feel comfortable with and that is characteristically like you! Don't go auditioning for something that is very very unlikely for you to play, as much as you think you are the perfect Cinderella. Know your character type, know your castability and you can go so far with that. People who know their castability are more likely to get cast. Let people see that you know who you are and what you're doing. Be vulnerable, the auditioners just want to see who you are and who you can be. It will get you far.