In the world of musical theatre, preparation is everything. Casting directors are looking for actors who are not only talented but also organized and professional. Your audition notebook can be a powerful tool to show just that. It helps you keep all your audition materials in one place, ensures you’re always ready with the perfect song or monologue, and makes your audition experience smoother and more confident.
Here’s a guide to putting together an audition notebook that will set you apart as a prepared and polished musical theatre performer:
Step 1: Choose the Right Binder
Start with a durable, professional-looking binder—preferably 1" or 1.5" in size. Black is a standard choice, but some actors opt for a binder with a little personal flair, as long as it remains sleek and professional. Make sure it has clear pockets on the inside for holding any extra papers or headshots. The three-ring format allows you to add, remove, and rearrange materials easily.
Step 2: Organize Your Repertoire
A well-curated audition book should have a variety of songs to choose from, tailored to the roles and shows you're auditioning for. It’s important to have multiple options so you can pivot if needed.
Your song repertoire should cover several categories:
- Golden Age Songs (e.g., Rodgers & Hammerstein)
- Contemporary Musical Theatre Songs (e.g., Pasek & Paul, Lin-Manuel Miranda)
- Up-tempo Songs (to show energy and character)
- Ballads (to demonstrate emotional depth)
- Character Songs (if you’re auditioning for comedic or more eccentric roles)
- Pop/Rock Songs (if you're auditioning for pop-heavy shows like Dear Evan Hansen or Jagged Little Pill)
Each song should be clearly labeled with its title and show, with sheet music professionally printed and easy for accompanists to read. Always have 16-bar and 32-bar cuts clearly marked, and practice how to cue your accompanist for these cuts.
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Step 3: Include Monologues
In addition to your music, have a few monologues prepared. Casting directors often want to see a musical theatre actor's acting chops without the singing. Keep a mix of contemporary and classical monologues (e.g., Shakespeare or Molière), along with comedic and dramatic options. Your monologues should reflect your personality and strengths as an actor while showing your range.
Step 4: Organize by Genre or Type
Divide your notebook into sections so you can quickly locate what you need. A good way to organize is by the type of audition material:
- Up-tempo Songs
- Ballads
- Character/Comedy Songs
- Pop/Rock Songs
- Monologues
You can use labeled dividers or color-coded tabs to make it easier to flip through, especially when you need to find something in a hurry during an audition. Another option is to organize by show era (Golden Age, Contemporary) or composer.
Pro tip: Keep what you know the BEST in the FRONT of your binder. That way, if a director or accompanist starts flipping through, they will notice these songs first. For example, if Golden Age songs don't showcase your ability well or you're less familiar with them, keep those in the back!
Step 5: Keep Copies of Your Résumé and Headshot
At the back of your notebook, always have multiple copies of your professional résumé and headshot. You never know when you'll need an extra, and it’s always better to be over-prepared than to scramble before your audition. Make sure your résumé is up-to-date and formatted correctly, listing your most recent roles, training, and any special skills relevant to musical theatre.
Step 6: Practice With Your Binder
Before going into any audition, practice flipping through your notebook, finding the right songs, and communicating with an accompanist. The smoother you are in the room, the more professional you'll appear. The goal is to make everything as easy and seamless as possible for both you and the people on the other side of the table.
Step 7: Update Regularly
Your audition notebook is not static—it should evolve with your career. As you grow and take on new roles, update your materials to reflect your current strengths. Refresh your repertoire regularly by learning new songs or polishing existing ones. This way, you’ll always have fresh and relevant material ready to go.
Final Thoughts
An audition notebook is an essential part of your toolkit as a musical theatre actor. It reflects your preparation, organization, and professionalism—qualities casting directors value as much as your talent. By putting together a well-organized and curated audition book, you’ll be ready to show off your best self in every audition room. Now, all that’s left is to shine!
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