How To Analyze Acting In A Song For An Audition: A Quick And Easy Guide
Mastering Audition Songs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you gearing up for your next audition and eager to deliver a performance that exudes confidence and authenticity? In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through the process of analyzing and crafting your audition song, ensuring you step into that room feeling fully prepared and self-assured.
Step 1: Get Organized
To start, take a moment to get organized. This foundational step will significantly reduce anxiety and stress, allowing you to focus on the acting and infusing your song with authentic emotion. Whether you choose to print the song or use a digital platform like an iPad, make sure it's readily available and properly set up.
Step 2: Gather Your Materials
Ensure you have the necessary materials on hand. This includes having the correct sheet music, making sure it's in the right key, and that nothing is cut off at the bottom. If you're using a digital platform, make sure your device is ready with the song properly loaded.
Step 3: Marking Your Score
Gather highlighters, pens, and pencils to annotate your sheet music. If you're using a digital platform like an iPad, explore apps like Notability for efficient marking. Begin by identifying your starting and stopping points, then proceed to highlight the lyrics (not the musical notes) to draw your focus to the song's message.
Step 4: Understanding Key Signatures
Take note of the key signatures and any changes throughout the song. This step, even for those unfamiliar with sheet music, helps develop a better understanding of the musical aspects, contributing to a more nuanced performance.
Step 5: Noting Musical Directions
Identify any musical directions or notations provided in the sheet music. Whether it's terms like "freely" or other indications, these details offer valuable insights into the emotional and expressive elements of the song.
Step 6: Memorization and Practice
Now it's time to commit the song to memory. Start with the foundational version as written on the page. For those with access, consider using a melody track to aid in this process. Practice in manageable sections, gradually building up your proficiency.
Step 7: Creating Given Circumstances
Dive into the character's world by understanding the given circumstances. Who are you, where are you, who are you speaking to, and what happened just before the song? These details provide essential context for a compelling performance.
Step 8: Crafting a Monologue
Speak the lyrics as a monologue, divorcing them from their musical elements. This exercise encourages vulnerability and allows you to delve deeper into the emotional core of the song.
Step 9: Combining Acting and Music
Finally, integrate the acting and musical elements. Use your chosen track and sheet music or lyrics, focusing on maintaining the authenticity and emotion you discovered in the monologue phase.
By following these steps, you'll approach your audition song with a well-rounded and authentic perspective, setting the stage for a performance that stands out. Remember, acting always takes precedence, and marrying it with music creates a powerful and memorable audition piece. Good luck!
Ashlee Espinosa is an accomplished theatre professional with a Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. With her expertise as an experienced actress, passionate educator, and dedicated career advisor, she helps artists build fulfilling lives and careers based on their definition of success.
