Box Hill Institute
Centre for Creative Industries
Unit: CUAPRF304: Develop audition techniques
What is an Audition?
An audition is a sample performance by an actor, singer, musician, dancer or other
performer. It typically involves the performer displaying their talent through a previously
memorized and rehearsed solo piece or by performing a work or piece given to the
performer at the audition or shortly before. In some cases, such as with a model or acrobat,
the individual may be asked to demonstrate a range of professional skills. Actors may be
asked to present a monologue. Singers will perform a song in a popular music context or an
aria in a Classical context. A dancer will present a routine in a specific style, such as ballet,
tap dance or hip-hop, or show his or her ability to quickly learn a choreographed dance
piece.
The audition is a systematic process in which industry professionals select performers,
which is in some ways a job interview in the regular job market. In an audition, the
employer is testing the ability of the applicant to meet the needs of the job and assess how
well the individual will take directions and deal with changes. After some auditions, after
the performer has demonstrated their abilities in a given performance style, the audition
panel may ask a few questions that resemble those used in standard job interviews (e.g.,
regarding availability).
Box Hill Institute
Centre for Creative Industries
Unit: CUAPRF304: Develop audition techniques
Auditions are required for many reasons in the performing arts world. Often, employing
companies or groups use auditions to select performers for upcoming shows or productions.
An audition for a performing opportunity may be for a single performance (e.g., doing a
monologue at a comedy club), for a series or season of performances (a season of a
Broadway play), or for permanent employment with the performing organization (e.g., an
orchestra or dance troupe). Auditions for performing opportunities may be for amateur,
school, or community organizations, in which case the performers will typically not be paid.
As well, auditions are used to select or screen candidates for entry to training programs);
university programs (B.Mus, M.Mus, MFA in Theater); performance-related scholarships and
grants; or to be considered for representation by a talent agency or individual agent.