Audition facts for kids
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 similar to a job interview in the regular job market.
Contents
Uses
When people go for an audition they will normally have to prepare something to perform.
Acting
An actor many have to be prepared to say a monologue (a speech from a play). If he (or she) is auditioning for a particular play then he will take a scene from that play, e.g. if the play is Hamlet a male actor who would like the part of Hamlet might have prepared the famous "To be or not to be...." monologue. The director of the play will then be able to decide whether he is good enough, or whether he might be better in another role. They may give the person who is auditioning some other tests, e.g. improvisation or acting with other people.
Music
When a musician auditions for a job in an orchestra they will have to prepare a piece of music they know well. They may also be expected to have prepared difficult passages from well-known musical works, e.g. someone auditioning for tuned percussion might be asked to play the xylophone introduction to Summer Time from Porgy and Bess, one of the hardest solos for xylophone. They will also be given some sightreading.
People can audition to sing in a choir. Dancers can audition for dancing companies.
After Audition
In some cases people who pass an audition are still not automatically a member of a group until they have performed with the group for a trial period.
Grammar
The word "audition" can be used as a noun or a verb. As a verb it can be used in two ways: either referring to the person testing or to the person being tested:
- Three senior members of the orchestra auditioned a young musician for a place in the orchestra. (They tested him.)
- The young musician auditioned for a job in the orchestra. (He was being tested.)
Images for kids
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Sketches by artist Marguerite Martyn of women trying out for the chorus at the Delmar Theater in St. Louis in May 1906, with quotations from some of those pictured
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For actors, monologues and speeches are the "calling card" that they use to demonstrate their skills to casting directors.
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A bassist auditioning for a pop band might be asked to play basslines from a range of different styles.
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Irving Berlin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and Helen Tamiris watching music theater auditions
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A contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest tries to impress the judges at her live audition
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Two dancers performing modern dance, a style in which performers may be asked to demonstrate improvised movements at an audition.
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These dancers from the Braziers troupe are performing Highland dancing, a style at which auditionees must demonstrate a high degree of technique and the ability to quickly learn new steps.
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A high wire act by an acrobat
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Model Ai Tominaga modeling in the 2004 Red Dress Collection for the Heart Truth campaign
See also
In Spanish: Prueba de artes escénicas para niños
