How to Stand Out in a Musical Theatre Audition
Want to Make a Lasting Impression at Your Next Audition?
Whether you're auditioning in person, via Zoom, or through self-tape, there are a few key elements that can help you stand out from the crowd. In this post, I’m sharing practical steps and mindset shifts to help you deliver your best work and leave a lasting impression.
🎯 1. Prepare for Everything—Not Just Your Material
Yes, prepare your sides, songs, or dance combos—but true preparation goes beyond that. Ask yourself:
Do I have an extra headshot or copy of my resume?
Have I researched the show, character, and creative team?
Did I give myself space to calm nerves before walking in?
Preparation reduces anxiety and sets you up to deliver under pressure.
💡 2. Be Ready for the Unexpected
Spilled coffee? Late subway? Missing sheet music?
Pack for the worst:
Extra outfit
Backup digital files or hard copies
Water bottle, cough drops, charger, etc.
You’ll walk in calmer, focused, and ready to handle anything.
🌟 3. Be Kind—to Yourself and Others
This industry is full of pressure. Kindness stands out.
Be kind to yourself: You got a callback—you're already winning.
Be kind to others: The accompanist, monitor, casting assistants—you never know who’s watching or who might advocate for you.
People remember kindness. It builds your reputation.
Download my (free) Audition Book Blueprint so you feel confident with your song options and never feel like you don’t have something ready to go for each and every audition.
🎭 4. Be Present and Understanding in the Room
It’s easy to spiral in your own head during auditions—“Did I mess up that line?” “Why aren’t they looking at me?”
Here’s what helps:
Stay grounded in the scene. Let go of what just happened.
Let moments breathe. Mistakes are part of live performance.
Be adaptable. The accompanist might stumble. The scene partner might shift—just go with it.
Treat the experience as a performance, not a test.
🧠 5. Treat Every Audition Like a Free Class
If you shift your mindset from "This is my shot" to "This is my training," you'll:
Take pressure off yourself
See auditions as opportunities to grow
Leave with new insights about your prep process
Whether or not you book it, you walked away better—and you likely got in front of someone who will remember you.
💬 Final Thought
Standing out in a musical theatre audition isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being prepared, present, kind, and connected to the work. Take care of the details, lead with authenticity, and trust that the right opportunities will align when you’re consistently doing your best.
Ashlee Espinosa, MFA is a professional actress and career coach helping performers thrive onstage and off. She brings over two decades of experience and a unique perspective from her bi-coastal lifestyle as a working artist. A former college professor, she now splits her time between performing, coaching, and creating digital resources to support other artists. Follow her on Instagram or check out the Musical Theatre Mentor YouTube channel for weekly career advice.
