How to Get the Lead in the School Musical

Planning for the Audition

Learn in advance what show it is you're auditioning for, and what role you want to play. You can't suit your audition towards a certain role if you don't know what the characters are like! Dress up a bit for the character you’re auditioning for to give yourself a tiny edge. For example, if the show is "Wicked," you'll want to research the show, the characters and their traits, and listen to the songs on loop constantly until your audition. If your show is lesser known or written by teachers or students, ask the directors or playwrights in advance about the characters and the themes of the show. It will help you get a grasp on what you need to know.

Google search! Also known as a Show Stalk, this is an intense session where one looks up the show they're auditioning for on the internet in whatever way they can (including all search engines and avenues for research), to find their desired characters and learn everything about them.

Find the audition scenes/a suitable monologue. If you're given audition scenes by the directors, print copies and rehearse them with as many people as will agree to help you. Practice any scenes that make you uncomfortable as much as possible, after all, you want to show your versatility. If required, look for a monologue that is not from the show itself but has the same "air" as the character you're auditioning for. For example, if you're auditioning for the role of a 1950s housewife, don't pick something from a modern production featuring a ten year old child. Remember: In the actual audition, don't try to play down on the scenes you read for that aren't on the character you want. If you want to play a beautiful woman and are asked to read for a baseball player, act like a baseball player! The directors will be looking for you to be versatile and ready for anything, and if that means reading for a baseball player, pretend to chew that Juicy Fruit and slouch. Convince them that every second you have on that stage will be used to the best of your abilities, instead of only craving your shining moment.

Preparing your Song

Check the song requirements for the audition. There's a good chance that they'll ask you to sing a pre-requested song from the show, maybe you'll be asked to sing whatever shows your best abilities. For most shows, it's the exact opposite. Whatever you're asked to do, follow the requirements.

Know your own voice. For females, a soprano hits the highest notes (a relatively common range), an alto hits the middle notes (the most common female range), and baritones hit the lowest notes (a less common range). Some people have very limited ranges, and some have very extensive ranges. For males, tenors hit the highest notes, baritones hit the middle notes, basses hit the lowest notes, and, rarest of all, countertenors can reach well into a female range. When determining your voice range, choose whatever feels the most comfortable for you to sing loudly (belt/chest voice) without hurting yourself. Oftentimes, a skilled voice teacher can help you analyze what your voice part is.

Find out if the character you want has a matching voice part. Also, if you're not a music buff and are still unsure about if you and the character have compatible voice parts, try to sing the songs from the production online with a recording in the same key and see if you can hit all of the notes in the same way that the original singer did. And, even if you can't hit that low G in that same rich quality as the original Broadway singer did, don't get discouraged- This could be partially because of range or partially because of a lack of training in that area.

Unless you're asked to, don't sing a song from the show. That is considered theatrical suicide and shows desperation for a certain role, which just shows the directors that you have a lack of experience. Other unspoken no-nos are Happy Birthday, any nursery rhymes, and rap (unless your desired character has songs that resemble works by Nicki Minaj or Eminem).

Look through a theatre anthology/collection and choose something you can easily memorize or learn quickly. Also, don't skimp on acting in the song! It is recommended that you do not use props, however.

Day of the Audition

Dress for success! It sounds cheesy, but dress up in something that makes you feel confident, and reflect the character if at all possible. If you choose to do this, however, don't go overboard. If you're auditioning for the role of a farmer, it's usually better to look rather tired and a little bit messy rather than full-on overalls and a straw hat. Directors are looking for acting talent, not cosplaying talent. Make sure your outfit is modest and does not display any controversial or adult messages (such as political slogans). It's better to dress up than dress down, and the bare minimum you should go for is jeans and a (CLEAN) tee shirt.

Keep hydrated! Many actors get dehydrated before an audition and can't sing to the best of their abilities. Also, make sure you're well-rested and study your material before you enter the audition room.

Be respectful! If you disrespect the panel you're auditioning for, they might disregard your audition altogether and not assign you a role. Be kind and control your emotions until you're done with the audition. Also, this will show self-control, which directors always like in their leads.

Be friendly! This goes with being respectful, but in addition to that, leaving a good impression on the directors never hurts. However, be careful with small talk. Some directors appreciate it, and some see it as a waste of time. A simple "Hi, how are you?" exchange before you start your audition is a good tradeoff.

Follow the rules of acting! Articulate, enunciate, read clearly and slowly, with character behind the lines. Remember, you're auditioning for a role that you'll have to portray. You have to become that person on-stage. Unless you're trying to communicate directly with the audience, you have to ignore the fact that they're there. Don't let them distract you; the theatre term for this is to "Build the Fourth Wall."

Be confident! You're probably better prepared than you think you are if you follow the above steps, and having confidence only helps your case.