Getting the part you want in your high school musical requires a set of strategies that might be a little different than you think. Over the past thirty years as a private singing teacher, I have taken note of what kind of student gets to be their high school production’s star and who is disappointed.
Here are some suggestions to increase your chances:
1. Be reliable and enthusiastic
Start auditioning for the yearly production in your freshman year. If you are given a small role or simply included in the ensemble, come to all of the rehearsals, take your contribution to the show seriously and show your enthusiasm at all times. Become known by the teachers in your school as a kid who shows up, gets things done, and does not complain. Remember, when you audition for a part you are asking to be entrusted with a responsibility. Start proving yourself worthy.
2. Be respectful to your teachers/directors
No matter how talented you are, having a stuck-up attitude gets you nowhere anywhere in the world of theatre, but is especially damaging when dealing with high school musical directors. Your high school musical directors might not be looking for the best singer or actor. Their priority might be to work with a kid they can count on and one who makes things pleasant as well. I have had directors tell me they prefer to cast kids that they like and some have even mentioned they are especially pleased to work with kids who remind themselves of who they were at that age. Remember, your high school teachers and directors are not Broadway stars, they are educators who have an interest in theatre. A super-talented and confident teenager might even threaten them, if they exhibit a cocky attitude. If you are a very strong talent be extra careful to be pleasant and humble.
3. Be supportive to the others students
A huge consideration in casting a high school show is how the directors think a kid will work with the rest of the cast. Always be friendly and helpful!
4. Work on your singing and acting skills in classes and lessons in and out of school.
If your school has a choir, become a valued member. If your school has an acting class take that class and work your tail off in that class. Take private singing lessons outside of school. Improving your skills is not instant, you have to work consistently over a period of time to see improvement so don’t try to cram on this one.
5. Take your audition seriously.
As soon as you find out what show will be produced learn everything you can about the show. Listen to all the music, become familiar with the script, watch videos of the show and read articles as well. The purpose of this is not to copy the other performances but to enrich your understanding. When you find out what songs you will have to sing at your audition, take that to your singing teacher. If you don’t regularly take lessons find a singing teacher or piano/vocal coach and have some sessions, to intensively prepare.
At the audition dress in a way that will help the people casting the show to be able to see you as the role you want. Don’t go over the top in this and wear a costume, be subtle. Be brave, take risks and really show the audition panel what you will do with the role. Don't be afraid of having a wrong interpretation, and give them all of your focused energy. The biggest mistake is to come across as a kid who is shy. self-conscious and will not appear comfortable in front of an audience. Have fun in the audition!
6. Don’t be discouraged if you don't get the role you want.
Casting decisions are often not fair, and disappointment in this respect is part of being involved in theatre at any level. If you are a young person with aspirations for a career on stage, know that learning how to do an excellent job with an ensemble role is a very important skill to have.
Whatever you do, make sure that your parents do not complain if they are not happy with the results, that will never work in your favor!
