Musical Theater Tips 53 Common Audition Terms to Know

Musical Theater Tips 53 Common Audition Terms to Know Suzy S. Come across like a professional at your next audition! Check out this glossary of important theater and acting terms, put together by voice/acting teacher Liz T... Are you preparing for a musical theater audition? As you look at your materials, you may be wondering what a cold reading is, or which  audition songs count as contemporary ballads. And even once youre past the audition (congrats!), you might find yourself backstage or on a movie set and hear the director shouting words and phrases you dont recognize. Dont worry! Many singers and actors are unfamiliar with the terms used in the musical theater industry at first. Below, weve put together a list of the most common audition terms and vocab you should know. The infographic highlights several important ones, but scroll down further to see even more must-know words and phrases! Audition  Terms Accompanist: a piano player hired (either by you or the theater) to accompany you on your sheet music Callback:  an additional  audition after the first sometimes youll be called back as many as 10 times! Cold reading: part of an audition in which youre given  very short notice to read from a script, either as a monologue or with a scene partner (may be given to you on the spot) Dance call:  a dance audition Headshot:  a professional picture of yourself printed on quality photo paper, usually 8 x 10, in either color or black and white Monitor:  a person who  helps  run the audition process (signing people up, calling names, etc.) Open call:  an open audition, meaning both non-union and union members can attend Showreel:  video clips (usually no more than 10 minutes) of you in your favorite performances, sometimes required for an audition Sight reading:  part of an audition in which you must read music  on the spot, without seeing it or practicing it before (more sight reading tips for singers here). Typecasting:  when actors are put in a room, and based on appearance (height, age, weight, hair color) are  asked to stay and audition or leave. This may either be  announced before an audition or happen on the spot. Monologue:  a solo acting speech Audition  Terms / Repertoire  Monologues 8-bar, 16-bar, or 32-bar cut:  requirements for limiting  your audition  song  to a specific number  of measures A cappella: singing a song with just voice, no instruments or accompanist Book: your binder of audition repertoire, which should be brought into the audition room in case they ask for additional material Lead sheet:  a piece of sheet music with just chords and melody some auditions may state no lead sheets, meaning your music must include the full piano part Sheet music:  full piano accompaniment, with voice and lyrics  included Contemporary repertoire:  music written after 1970 Classical/traditional repertoire:  music written before 1970 Classical ballad: A slow song from an older musical Classical uptempo: A fast song  from an older musical Contemporary ballad: A slow song from a modern musical Contemporary uptempo:  A fast song from a modern musical Theater Terms / Rehearsals Performances Broadway:  commercial theaters with a minimum of 499 seats in NYC Call time:  when youre expected to report to the theater for a rehearsal or performance Costume fitting:  when  measurements are taken for your costume; may be a separate appointment Dark:  when the theater is closed (usually on Mondays). Dressing room (or green room):  where the actors get ready with their costumes and makeup; a safe space to warm up before the performance Dress rehearsal:  one of the last final performances before the show opens, with costumes added Ensemble:  the chorus that sings and acts throughout the show. Limited engagement:  when a show runs for a specific length of time, anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks Marquis:  a  poster outside the theater with the show’s name, picture, and headlining actors Matinee:  a performance during the day, usually between 1 and 3 on Wednesdays and Saturdays. National tour:  a production that tours around a number of cities each week, instead of being established in one venue Off-book:  rehearsing without your script, so you must have your lines memorized Off-Broadway:  a theater in NYC with  fewer  than 499 seats, but more than 99 seats Off-Off Broadway:  a theater in NYC with fewer  than 99 seats, and usually not-for-profit Playbill:  the official program given at each performance with the cast credits, pictures, and info about  the show Previews:  when the show is running in previews, this means it isnt the official opening yet, so theres still time to work out any problems Prop table:  backstage where all of the props and materials for the show are placed Sitzprobe:  one of the first rehearsals with the orchestra or band, meant to review the music together Stage directions:  quick terminology to use on stage when blocking a scene on a stage (see expanded section below) Standing only:  a limited number of tickets sold  for  the back of the theater, where patrons can stand and watch the show when seating  is sold out Striking the set:  taking the set apart  after a show ends. Summer stock: professional musical theater performed during the summer, either indoor or outdoor Swing:  an understudy who  learns many roles (sometimes as many as 10!) Tech week:  the week before opening where lights, sound, and scenery are incorporated in the rehearsals Understudy:  the person who  learns the main roles, in case they have to go on in an emergency Waiver:  if you are doing “background or extra work,” whether you are union or non-union, this essentially is your receipt of your paystub, where you will record the hours worked, lunch breaks taken, etc. Theater and Acting Terms /  Other Vocab to Know Non-Union:  a person who doesnt have a  membership or an invitation to the Actors Equity Union Union:  a person belonging to and being a paid member of the  Actors Equity Union EMC:  stands for Equity Membership Candidate, meaning you have acquired enough points at equity theaters to be considered for membership in the Actors Equity Union Actors Equity: the official union for professional actors Backstage Magazine: A subscription magazine (also available online)  that announces all upcoming auditions in major cities Important Notes Your Headshot This is a very important theater term to know, because many auditions will require one!  This is a clear, professional picture of yourself, usually on high-quality stock paper  and  810. It  can be in either black  white or color, and should be from the shoulders up or can be a close-up of your face. Please note that this is different from  a “selfie” because of the lighting, contrast, and angle. Its definitely worth researching professional photographers in your area; the cost will usually range from $200 to $1,200 and youll get  few different headshots.  If youre on a budget,  you can even find a local high school or college student to take them for you. Before you book a photographer, check out their portfolio  and make sure you have  a contract in writing. Wear something you feel comfortable in  that brings out your personality. Also, these photos should look like you do naturally so don’t wear heavy makeup if you don’t normally, and dont  dye your hair right before! Additional Resources: •  3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting Headshots,  via Backstage.com •  Headshot Dos and Donts, via Actors Casting Agency LLC • How to Get Great Headshots for Musical Theatre, via Musical Theatre U Showreel Usually casting directors will want to see video of you acting or performing to be considered for a role. Your showreel should be no more than 10 minutes, and include a variety of  video clips of you in your favorite performances.  Include clips of your dramatic acting, comedic acting, singing, and dancing, if you have them! If you dont have a lot of  performing experience,  you can record yourself in a practice studio or room performing your favorite monologue or grab a partner and perform a strong scene. And dont worry about having expensive recording equipment you can easily make your showreel through iMovie. Additional Resources: •  How to Make a Good Showreel, via StageMilk •  11 Tips for Creating a Memorable Acting Showreel, via Daniel Johnson •  5 Mistakes Actors Make When Creating a Showreel From Scratch, via Raindance Cold Reading At some  auditions, youll be given very short notice to read from a script, either as a monologue or with a scene partner. It might be as little as 5 minutes! This is to see how well you can act on the spot, and how well you do with improvising. It  can be nerve-wracking, but have fun with it! If youre nervous, practice cold reads before the  audition, and bring a pencil, glasses if you need them, and anything else that will make you comfortable. Additional Resources: •  10 Ways to Master the Dreaded  Cold-Read, via Backstage.com •  How to Prepare for a Cold Reading Audition in 4 Easy Steps Typecasting This is one of the most difficult casting calls! A type call usually happens when thousands of actors show up to an audition, and the casting director knows they will not have the time to see everyone. The directors line up a small group of  actors at a time, and based on your height, weight, eye color, hair, etc., theyll decide on the spot if youll be continuing on. Sometimes the director will look at resumes, sometimes not. There’s nothing you can really do in these circumstances except for be yourself! Also, dont  lie or pretend for example,  dont say you can do the splits if you cant! These often occur in dance auditions, or if they need people to fit specific costumes or requirements. Sometimes they  are announced on the audition notice, and sometimes it’s a surprise! Open Call If you see this theater term, be prepared for a busy day. This type of audition is usually held in major cities, and it means anyone can  show up, regardless of age, union status, location, height, and experience. Because these get so crowded, I recommend getting there several hours before the audition. Sometimes after 100 people sign up, they will cut the number or line off. Bring a book and some patience, as you  may  be waiting a long time to be seen! Stage Directions If you get the part, knowing these theater terms will make your life a lot easier. Heres the run-down: Center stage: The dead center of the whole stage (CS) Downstage: Closest to the audience or orchestra pit (DS) Upstage: Behind you, if standing center (US) Stage Left: Your left, when youre on stage, not the audiences  (SL) Stage right: Your right, when youre on stage  (SR) Memorize these, so youre not confused the first day of blocking on stage! Fortunately, these are the same  no matter what theater you perform in. Off-Book Usually a month or a few weeks before the show or film is set to start, your director will call for rehearsals to be off-book meaning youre not allowed to look at your script. This is hard for many actors, as memorizing can be difficult. Start memorizing early! I hope this post  helps you at your next vocal audition or performance for musical theater. If you would ever like extra help preparing, I recommend finding an  acting or vocal coach today on TakeLessons and booking lessons! Post Author:  Liz T. Liz T. teaches singing, acting, and music lessons online.  She is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music with a B.M in Vocal performance and currently performs/teaches all styles of music including Musical Theater, Classical, Jazz, Rock, Pop, RB, and Country. Learn more about Liz here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher