What to Do the Day of an Audition?
A practical, step-by-step guide to nailing your audition with confidence and clarity
(By Ray Reese)
(Photo: Shvets Production | Pexels)
Wake Up with Intention and Keep a Calm Morning
The day of an audition starts the moment you open your eyes. How you begin your morning sets the tone for the entire day. Start with calmness and clarity. Resist the temptation to check your phone or scroll social media. Instead, focus on grounding your energy.
Example:
Broadway performer Cynthia Erivo has shared in interviews that she begins audition days with a 10-minute meditation and a gentle vocal hum to center her breath and energy.
Tips for a calm start:
Set an alarm 15–30 minutes earlier than usual to avoid rushing.
Practice deep breathing or a short guided meditation.
Visualize your audition going smoothly.
By establishing a focused and peaceful rhythm early, you reduce nerves and give yourself a better shot at peak performance.
Eat a Light, Energizing Meal
Nutrition matters. What you eat can directly impact your vocal cords, stamina, and mental clarity. The goal is to eat something nourishing that won’t weigh you down or dry you out.
Avoid:
Dairy (which can produce phlegm)
Fried or greasy foods
Excessive caffeine (which can dry out your voice and increase jitters)
Opt for:
Oatmeal with fruit
Scrambled eggs with whole grain toast
A smoothie with almond milk, spinach, and banana
Example:
Actor Jeremy Jordan once revealed he always eats oatmeal with honey before big auditions because it fuels him without making him feel heavy.
Hydration is equally important. Sip warm water or herbal tea with honey throughout the morning to keep your vocal cords lubricated.
Warm Up Your Voice and Body
You wouldn’t sprint without stretching—and the same rule applies to performing. A solid vocal and physical warm-up is crucial to ensuring your body is primed for your best work.
Vocal Warm-Up:
Start with lip trills and gentle hums
Move to sirens, arpeggios, and scales
Speak a few lines from your monologue or song lyrics with clear articulation
Physical Warm-Up:
Stretch your neck, shoulders, back, and legs
Shake out your limbs to release nervous energy
Breathe deeply to expand your diaphragm
Example:
Before auditioning for Hamilton, one actor reported doing a 10-minute yoga flow, followed by a vocal scale in each register of their range.
Remember, your body is your instrument. Take time to tune it.
Double-Check Your Audition Materials
Nothing is more stressful than arriving and realizing you forgot your headshot or that your sheet music isn’t clearly marked. The day of the audition, double- and triple-check your bag.
Essentials to bring:
Headshot and résumé (stapled back-to-back)
Printed sheet music in the correct key
A water bottle
Dance shoes (if applicable)
Sides or monologue materials
Identification (some studios require ID)
Example:
Actor Samantha Barks once had to borrow a stapler from a stranger in the waiting room before an important callback. Now, she carries a small “emergency kit” with tape, safety pins, and an extra résumé.
Organizing your materials the night before is ideal, but a final morning check is wise.
Dress for Confidence and the Role
Your clothing should help you feel confident, capable, and in character. While you don’t need to wear a costume, your outfit should suggest the essence of the role you’re auditioning for.
For example:
Auditioning for a contemporary musical? Try fitted jeans, a solid-color tee, and stylish sneakers.
Auditioning for a classical play? Choose slacks and a blazer or a simple, timeless dress.
Keep accessories minimal, and wear clothes that allow full movement and breath support.
Example:
During auditions for Dear Evan Hansen, performers were encouraged to dress like “real teenagers” rather than in suits or overly formal wear. Those who dressed authentically often felt more relaxed and delivered better performances.
Pro tip: always wear shoes you can walk and stand in comfortably.
Arrive Early and Stay Present
Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes early, especially if the location is unfamiliar. This gives you time to check in, breathe, and adapt to the environment.
Use that extra time to:
Review your materials one last time
Do silent breathing exercises or vocal humming
Observe the energy of the room without comparing yourself to others
Example:
At a recent open call for a touring musical, one performer showed up an hour early and found that registration was already filling up. Because she was early, she got seen before lunch and gave a fresh, energetic performance.
Arriving early also allows time for unforeseen hiccups like traffic delays, missing addresses, or full parking lots.
Focus on Mindset and Self-Talk
The waiting room can feel like a pressure cooker of nerves, comparison, and insecurity. Instead of letting anxiety take the lead, be intentional about your mindset.
Positive mindset practices:
Repeat affirmations like “I am prepared” or “This is my moment.”
Visualize the casting team smiling as you perform.
Focus on your story—not others’.
Example:
Actor Leslie Odom Jr. says he writes down three intentions before every audition. For one Smash callback, he wrote: “Stay grounded, connect emotionally, have fun.” He booked the role.
What you tell yourself before walking into the room becomes the foundation of your performance. Choose uplifting, empowering thoughts.
In the Room: Make a Connection
The moment you enter the audition room, you’re on. But that doesn’t mean you need to be fake or overly enthusiastic. Just be yourself—confident, prepared, and open.
Tips for a strong in-room presence:
Greet the team with a smile and simple “Hello, thank you for having me.”
Know how to communicate with the accompanist (if singing): tempo, cuts, mood.
Stand tall, breathe deeply, and take your time.
Example:
When auditioning for The Book of Mormon, one actor took a brief moment before singing to center himself, smile, and nod at the accompanist. It set a calm, confident tone that won the room over.
Be authentic. Casting directors aren’t just watching your talent—they’re watching how you handle pressure and connect with others.
Handle Mistakes with Grace
Mistakes happen—even to seasoned pros. A forgotten lyric, a cracked note, a missed cue—it’s all part of the process. What matters more than perfection is recovery.
If you mess up:
Don’t apologize—keep going.
Re-center and pick up where you left off.
Use the moment as an opportunity to show resilience.
Example:
During a callback for Spring Awakening, an actress forgot her line mid-monologue. She paused, took a breath, and restarted the sentence with renewed emotion. The team loved her honesty and cast her on the spot.
Grace under pressure speaks volumes.
After the Audition: Let It Go
Once the audition is over, your job is done. Obsessing over what you could’ve done differently only fuels anxiety. Instead, treat yourself with kindness and trust the process.
Healthy post-audition habits:
Go for a walk or treat yourself to a good meal.
Journal about the experience and what you learned.
Resist the urge to stalk the casting board or rewatch your audition tape.
Example:
One actor made it a tradition to call a friend after every audition—not to vent, but to celebrate. “It keeps me grounded and reminds me I’m more than any one audition,” she says.
Your value is not tied to your last performance. Keep showing up.
Final Thoughts
Audition days are unique moments—filled with pressure, excitement, and opportunity. By preparing with intention, treating your body and mind with care, and focusing on connection over perfection, you set yourself up not just for success—but for growth.
Remember: you are more than your audition. Every experience, whether it leads to a callback or not, is a step forward on your journey. As Patti LuPone once said, “Auditioning is a craft. Own your moment, and then let it go.”
Take a breath. Trust your training. You’ve got this.
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