Ready to Shine: How To Audition with Excellence
Ready to Shine: How To Audition with Excellence
Let’s be real: auditioning can be a total roller coaster. One minute you’re singing in the shower feeling like a Broadway star, and the next you’re standing in a quiet room wondering if you’ve forgotten every lyric you’ve ever learned. We’ve all been there, clicking refresh on our email and hoping for a chance to just get on stage and do what we love.
At DGPA, we try to take the scary out of the equation. We aren't looking for perfection; we’re looking for people who are excited to grow, learn, and be part of a community that supports one another.
But that doesn’t mean auditions don’t still feel daunting. But we want you to be set up for success and excited to use your talents to glorify God.
How Auditions Work at DGPA
(Please note: this is how auditions work for our youth and community shows, the summer camp auditions process is slightly different.)
We want you to feel prepared the moment you walk through our doors. Our process is designed to be clear and professional, allowing you to focus on your performance:
Sign Up: Visit our website to reserve your specific audition slot.
Audition Form: When you arrive, you’ll fill out some initial forms so our creative team can learn more about you and your experience.
The 16-Bar Cut: You’ll perform a 16-bar selection (roughly 30 seconds) that best showcases your voice.
Callbacks: If invited back, you’ll participate in a "callback" session, which usually involves three parts: dancing, singing, and acting.
As you prepare, remember that "performing with purpose" starts long before you walk into the room. Excellence is a form of worship, and preparation is how we honor the talents God has given us.
Here are some tips to help you navigate your audition:
1. Always Overprepare
Confidence comes from repetition. Go over your audition piece many times and practice in front of your parents or friends. When you feel ready, you can focus on the message of the song rather than just the notes.
2. Pick the Right Song
Song choice is one way you can show us who you are.
Showcase Yourself: Choose a song you are comfortable with and can sing well consistently.
Keep it Appropriate: We recommend an age-appropriate musical theater song and request there be no profanity, mature themes, or sexual references.
Avoid the "Big Hits": We suggest staying away from overly challenging or super popular songs from shows like Hamilton, Wicked, or Six. Pick something that lets your unique voice shine rather than a famous recording.
3. Set Yourself Up for Success
Pack the Night Before: Gather your resume, a water bottle, and anything you’ll need so you don’t have to stress about it on the day of.
Dress for Success and Comfort: Lay out an outfit that is appropriate and allows you to move freely.
Arrive Early: Give yourself a buffer. Arriving early ensures you aren't stressed and have time to settle into the space.
Warm Up: Never audition "cold." Make sure both your voice and your body are warmed up and ready to perform with excellence.
4. Focus On Character Over Performance
Almost every actor, director, producer, or casting director will tell you, your character matters much more than your talents. No one wants to work with an amazing performer who won’t take correction. When you’re auditioning, let the light of Christ shine through you, show kindness to others, be respectful to everyone, and be grateful to the audition panel for letting you have this opportunity. A little bit of kindness goes a long way.
The Heart of the Audition: Mindset and Prayer
In secular theater, it’s easy to feel like you’re performing for approval. At DGPA, we encourage you to shift your focus from performing for people to letting your performance become praise.
Pray Through the Nerves: Before you walk in, ask God to calm your heart. Remind yourself that your talents are a gift to be used for His glory, not a measure of your value as a person.
Have Fun: Remember, the creative team is on your side! We aren't here to judge you; we are here to figure out where you best fit in the story we are telling.
Community Over Competition: Don’t compare yourself to others, wondering if they are better than you. Instead, create relationships with them. You are entering a community of like-minded performers who want to see you succeed.
At the end of the day, an audition is simply an opportunity to show others the gifts God has given you. Whether you land the lead or a spot in the ensemble, you are part of a ministry that brings stories of faith to life. So go into that audition room and crush it, and have so much fun!
Are you ready? Check out what our upcoming shows are today, and sign up to audition!