Musical Theatre Audition Essentials: Your Headshot, Resume & Audition Book Guide
Auditioning for musical theatre can feel overwhelming, but having your materials in order is one of the easiest ways to set yourself up for success. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned performer, the fundamentals of a headshot, resume, and audition book remain the same.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what you need, how to prepare your materials professionally, and what small details can make a big difference in the audition room.
1. The Headshot: Your First Impression
Your headshot is your business card in this industry. It’s the first thing casting directors see, and it should reflect how you look right now and the type of roles you want to be considered for.
Key Tips for Your Headshot:
✔ Printed & Professional: Avoid printing at home—use a professional print shop. Matte finish is preferred.
✔ Border or No Border? It’s personal preference! You can opt for a white or black border, or go without one entirely.
✔ Name on the Headshot? Again, up to you! Some performers like their name at the bottom, but it's not required.
✔ Size: Your headshot should be 8x10 inches (industry standard).
Where to Print Last-Minute Headshots
If you're in NYC, BWAY HEADSHOTS is located in Open Jar Studios and offers Broadway-standard prints. For a quick turnaround when you only need a couple of prints, you can use local print shops like CVS or Walgreens, though matte finishes may not always be available.
2. The Resume: Formatting & Stapling Your Materials
Your resume should be printed on 8.5x11-inch paper and stapled neatly to the back of your headshot. Here’s how:
How to Properly Attach Your Resume:
✅ Print on white paper.
✅ Trim to fit—since headshots are 8x10 and resumes are 8.5x11, cut the extra half-inch off.
✅ Staple in all corner (flat side of the staple on the front so it looks clean).
✅ Never tape or print on the back of your headshot—it often smears or looks unprofessional.
3. The Audition Book: Your Go-To Performance Toolkit
Gone are the days of carrying around massive binders with every song you've ever sung. Your audition book should be streamlined, organized, and filled only with songs that show your range and versatility.
How to Build a Strong Audition Book:
✔ Use a 3-ring hardcover binder (½-inch or 1-inch, no flimsy covers).
✔ Include 5-8 well-prepared songs that match different styles and vocal strengths.
✔ Use page protectors preferably non glare or hole-punch your music—both are fine, but avoid loose sheets.
✔ Mark your music clearly (start and stop points, page turns, and tempo notes as needed).
✔ Have a "go-to" audition song that you can sing anytime, anywhere, no matter the circumstances.
Bonus Tip: Store extra copies of your headshot & resume in your audition book so you're always prepared!
4. Digital vs. Printed Audition Materials
While self-tapes and online submissions are now common, nothing replaces an in-person audition with properly prepared materials. However, digital tools can still help:
🎵 Consider an iPad for sheet music—many accompanists now use digital formats.
📄 Have a digital resume ready for quick submissions.
🎭 Update your casting profiles regularly with your latest headshot and clips.
Final Thoughts: Set Yourself Up for Success
Your audition materials are your professional toolkit—they should be polished, prepared, and ready at a moment’s notice. When your materials are in order, you can walk into any audition room confident and focused on what really matters: your performance.
Next Steps:
✅ Audit your current materials—does anything need updating?
✅ Print fresh headshots and resumes so you're not scrambling last minute.
✅ Organize your audition book and make sure every song is ready to go.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be prepared for any audition that comes your way. Need more audition advice? Check out my latest YouTube video for a full walk-through of how I prep my materials! 🎭🎶
📌 Watch it here: https://youtu.be/bWLRue5AP8Y
Looking for personalized guidance? Join The Empowered Actor for career coaching, training, and a supportive community designed to help you navigate the industry with confidence. [Learn More Here].
Ashlee Espinosa is an accomplished theatre professional with a Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. As a seasoned actress, passionate educator, and dedicated career advisor, she empowers artists to build fulfilling, purpose-driven careers defined by their unique vision of success.
