How to Audition for Iconic Roles
“And though I’d never show it, I’d be so happy I could melt.”
How do you audition for the roles you’ve heard a hundred times? How do you audition for the iconic roles in shows without allowing preconceived ideas to thwart your audition? Click here for my video version of this blog.
Stop listening to the cast album. I repeat, stop listening to the cast album.
The moment you learn that you have been called in to audition for one of these amazing iconic roles, start working on how you will portray that role. Please, do not focus on how Idina Menzel belted out “The Wizard and I” or how Heather Headley owned “Dance of the Robe.” Start with the basics and just learn the song from what is on the page. Learn the sheet music note for note, pitch by pitch. As if you’ve never heard it before. Tough? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely.
Just think of how many actors that casting director is going to see that day. And how many of those actors are simply going to repurpose the cast recording. Now, think about how maybe that strategy might have some flaws in it. Would you like to be that casting director sitting in on countless Glinda’s trying to imitate Kristin Chenoweth?
You are unique simply by existing on this earth. So as long as you’re prepared, the music is learned, the sides are learned, and your acting choices are made; the only other ingredient you need to make your audition unique is you.
In my opinion, you should just be yourself. What ever you bring naturally to the role, is what you should bring into the audition room. I’ve had the privilege of getting to sit in on some auditions for iconic roles, and even auditioned for them myself. What I’ve learned from that experience, is that casting directors (for the most part) are not interested in seeing actors mimic past portrayals of these iconic characters. They are much more interested in seeing actors become the character naturally.
Give yourself permission to play a bit. Give yourself permission to audition for these roles without limitations. Give yourself permission to be you and know that being you is good enough.
Good luck!
Cheers,
Adrienne