Principal or nah?

So you’re ready to take that leap, eh?

I started my career in the ensemble. And I was blissfully happy about it. I was just happy to be booked. I didn't care where they put me as long as I was on stage.

But when I booked my first principal role and I got a taste of what it felt like to hold center stage and sing a solo, or share a scene with an actor on stage… I was hooked. I wanted more opportunities to be a lead on stage, but I had no idea how to get casting directors to see me as not just an understudy or ensemble player, but as a potential lead.

What I learned from my first Broadway audition

Here’s what I learned from my audition:

If casting tells you to work on a certain skill, do it! Without delay. And If you haven’t worked on that skill, don’t waste their time during a callback.
Acting and telling a story through the song is important. Even if you think the song is just performative, it’s still an opportunity to tell a story. Don’t pass up any opportunity to tell a story in front of casting and creatives.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. What is meant for you, will be for you. Just do your best, and keep it moving.

How to Audition for Iconic Roles

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.