How to Stand Out in a Musical Theatre Audition
Want to make a lasting impression at your next audition? Whether you’re performing in person, on Zoom, or through a self-tape, standing out isn’t just about talent—it’s about preparation, mindset, and presence. In this post, I’m breaking down practical steps to help you walk into every audition room with confidence and clarity.
1. Prepare for Everything—Not Just Your Material
Yes, prepare your sides, songs, and dance combinations—but true preparation goes deeper than that. Ask yourself:
Do I have an extra headshot and copy of my résumé?
Have I researched the show, creative team, and style?
Did I give myself time to breathe and reset before walking in?
Preparation reduces anxiety and lets you focus on connection, not perfection.
2. Be Ready for the Unexpected
Anything can happen—spilled coffee, late trains, missing sheet music. Pack for the worst so you can handle anything with grace.
Keep these essentials handy:
A backup outfit
Digital and printed copies of your materials
Water bottle, cough drops, charger, and any small comfort items
You’ll walk in calmer, grounded, and ready to adapt to whatever comes your way.
3. Be Kind—to Yourself and Everyone Around You
This industry remembers kindness. It’s one of the simplest ways to stand out.
Be kind to yourself: Getting in the room is already a win.
Be kind to others: Treat accompanists, monitors, and assistants with genuine respect.
Your energy creates a lasting impression long after your audition ends.
📥 Download my free Audition Book Blueprint to feel confident with your material and walk into every audition fully prepared.
4. Stay Present and Flexible in the Room
Auditions can feel high-stakes, but your best work happens when you’re present and connected.
Here’s what helps:
Stay grounded in your scene or song—don’t spiral after a small mistake.
Allow moments to breathe; you don’t have to rush.
Be flexible. If the accompanist changes tempo or your reader shifts tone, go with it.
Treat each audition as a performance, not a test. The best work happens when you let go and stay in the moment.
5. Treat Every Audition Like a Free Class
Shift your mindset from “This is my shot” to “This is my training.” Every audition is an opportunity to learn.
When you treat it like a class, you:
Remove unnecessary pressure
Stay open to growth and discovery
Build relationships with casting professionals who will remember you
Whether or not you book the role, you walk away better prepared for the next one.
Final Thought
Standing out in a musical theatre audition isn’t about being flawless—it’s about being prepared, grounded, and real. When you lead with kindness, presence, and professionalism, you become the kind of artist people want to work with again and again.
The next time you walk into an audition, remind yourself: you’re not here to prove—you’re here to share.
🎥 Related Video
Watch: “How to Beat Audition Anxiety: Real Mindset Tips for Performers”
📣 Coaching Support
Need help refining your audition strategy or materials? Book a 1:1 coaching session and let’s build your confidence, brand, and booking power.
Ashlee Espinosa, MFA is a professional actress and career coach helping performers and artist-entrepreneurs build bold, burnout-free creative careers onstage and off. With two decades of experience and a unique bi-coastal perspective, Ashlee blends mindset, marketing, and business strategy to help multi-hyphenate artists grow their visibility and income without sacrificing their well-being. Through 1:1 coaching, free weekly resources, and digital tools, she helps creatives design careers that feel as good as they look — and pay them well too.
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