Ever wondered what it takes to be a kid on Broadway? We caught up with nine of the most talented kids from The King and I, Matilda, Annie, The Lion King, Violet, Once, and more, to hear their tips on reaching success in musical theater! Check out what they said below!
How do you get rid of your “audition jitters?”
Olivia Chun from The King and I (The Royal Twin/Understudy Princess Yingayaowalak): "Pretend that the people in the audience are just in their underwear and pajamas!"
Milly Shapiro from Matilda on Broadway (Original Matilda): "For me to get rid of the jitters, I try to distract myself. Usually I read so I’m not as nervous and I’m ready for when I go in."
Issie Swickle from the National Tour of Annie (Annie): "I breathe and relax and then tell myself that I'm going to do well no matter what."
Sophie Knapp from Once on Broadway (Ivanka): "Don't be scared- just be yourself and have fun! That's what you should do. If it's your first time and you're scared because you have no idea what to do, don't think like that- just practice and have a great time!"
Emerson Steele from Violet on Broadway (Young Vi): "I have quite a few things I do to get rid of “audition jitters”. One thing I do is take really big, deep breaths in through my nose and out through my mouth. When I breathe in, I tell myself that I am breathing in “blue skies, rainbows, and happiness”. Then when I breathe out, I tell myself that I am breathing out “thunderclouds and lightning”. I learned this years ago from an American Girl Doll movie and find that as goofy as it is, it REALLY works! I also always pray before an audition and thank the Lord for the opportunity to get to do what I love. Another thing I do when I get nervous, is drink LOADS of water and go over my audition material. Drinking water calms me down a ton, but the only problem is, by the time they call me into the room for my audition, I find myself doing a tiny bit of a “potty dance”. So the moral of the story is, it’s a good idea to most definitely drink plenty of water, but make sure you don’t drink TOO much. HEHE."
Emma Howard from Matilda on Broadway (Original Hortensia) and Violet on Broadway: The best advice I’ve heard for this comes from Jennifer Johns, the founder of Broadway Artists Alliance. I once heard her say to begin seeing each audition as getting one step closer to a ‘yes’. Even if you don’t book the part, it means your one step closer to hearing a ‘yes’ (maybe even on the next one!!!) So, when I start getting nervous before an audition, I just tell myself that thought. It helps me to calm down and gets me a little excited to do the audition knowing I’m one step closer to my next ‘yes’.
Tyrah Skye Odoms from The Lion King (Young Nala) and Annie on Broadway (Kate): "I always make sure to be well-prepared for every audition and right before I walk into the room, I take a deep breath and remember that it’s just for fun! I always tell myself three things...Be loud, smile, and have fun!"
Abigail Shapiro from How The Grinch Stole Christmas (Cindy Lou Who) and Liberty (Lady Liberty): "I breathe and go through everything in my head to make sure I know it."
Madi Rae DiPietro from Annie on Broadway (July): "When I go into auditions I am always nervous. It's okay to be nervous that shows you are really passionate about your work. The hard part is not letting the nerves get the best of you. I like to just take a quiet moment to myself before I go inside to remind myself why I am auditioning. It helps me remember that I've put in a lot of hard work and that the most important part is that I go inside and be myself and just do what I love to do."
What should you bring to an audition?
Olivia: "Things to bring to auditions are, book, pencil, headshot, resume, water bottle, snack, and some herbal or honey-lemon candies."
Milly: "You should bring a book with all of your songs contained in it and your headshot and resume."
Issie: "Your music book prepared with the music that you were going to be singing. Properly taped or down together so that you can easily get it out of your music books to hand to the pianist. Your headshot resume. Possibly a change of clothes or a different outfit if you feel like your outfit is not appropriate for that audition."
Milly: "You should bring a book with all of your songs contained in it and your headshot and resume."
Issie: "Your music book prepared with the music that you were going to be singing. Properly taped or down together so that you can easily get it out of your music books to hand to the pianist. Your headshot resume. Possibly a change of clothes or a different outfit if you feel like your outfit is not appropriate for that audition."
Sophie: "You should bring a binder with your songs, your headshot, energy and a smile. Make sure the pianist plays the right music."
Emerson: "When attending a musical theatre audition, or any audition, it is very important to be as prepared as possible. Always bring your audition book, with at least 3 or 4 songs that you feel comfortable with and that really show off what your voice has to offer. Your song options should also give you the opportunity to show your acting skills. Always bring a few copies (2 or 3) of your most recent and updated headshot and resume. It is also a good idea to always bring dance shoes and something that you can easily change into if you happen to get called in to dance for the audition."
Emma: "You always want to have your headshot and resume at any audition. For musical theater, you’ll also want to bring your songbook and be prepared to may be sing any one of those songs. And don’t be nervous if they ask you to sing a song other than the two you’re auditioning with, it means that they’re interested in you, which is a good thing. And I think it doesn’t hurt to bring along any kind of ‘lucky charm’ you may have, as long as you keep it in your backpack."
Tyrah: "For a musical theatre audition you should bring your song book and your headshot stapled to your resume (back to back). If it is a dance audition, make sure to wear comfortable clothes and bring the right dance shoes (jazz, ballet, etc.)."
Abigail: "You should bring your headshot and resume and book of songs you can sing or the song you’re going to sing for the audition."
Madi Rae: "When you are going to a musical theatre audition you should always have a binder with the sheet music for the song you are going to sing, a headshot and resume, clothes and shoes you can dance in, and water! (Lots of water!!!)"
What should you wear to an audition?
Olivia: "Dress comfortable, but try dress neat and pretty. Avoid sparkling or neon color. No make up."
Milly: "Something that you feel nice and confident in, but still moveable."
Issie: "If it's a dance audition I normally wear a plain leotard tights and yoga pants over it so that I am comfortable and look professional. If it is a singing audition wear something very simple and want to color so they notice you and not your outfit."
Sophie: "You should bring a headband so you will not play with your hair, because if you play with your hair then you may not get the job."
Issie: "If it's a dance audition I normally wear a plain leotard tights and yoga pants over it so that I am comfortable and look professional. If it is a singing audition wear something very simple and want to color so they notice you and not your outfit."
Sophie: "You should bring a headband so you will not play with your hair, because if you play with your hair then you may not get the job."
Emerson: "For auditions, I tend to wear something that I feel the character I’m auditioning for would wear. I would try your best to not go overboard and dress in costume (example: wear a curly red wig and bright red dress, if you are auditioning for Annie), but wear something that will make them think of you as the character. For musical theatre auditions, you can wear patterns, but for TV/Film, you should try your best to wear solids."
Emma: "Depends on the type of audition. If it is a dance call, comfortable dance attire and I would bring your dance bag of shoes, ,although they usually tell you what kind of dance to be prepared for. Most of all dress in what you feel comfortable in within reason. No midriffs or short shorts. If your shoes are hurting, or your pants are too tight it is difficult to concentrate on the audition itself. The casting directors are skilled and can see you dressed in the role that you are auditioning for."
Tyrah: "I always try to wear something that makes me feel confident. A go-to outfit would be jeans, sneakers, and a solid color t shirt/polo or a tank top and cardigan. I love to try new styles with my hair depending on the audition too! For most auditions, you can also try to dress a little like the character you are auditioning for...but not too much! For example, if the part you are auditioning for is more of a tomboy role, I would stay away from wearing a poofy dress! Also, almost all auditions for kids want you to look your age, so I never wear makeup or dress too “grown up!”'
Abigail: "It’s always best to wear clothes you’re comfortable in."
Madi Rae: "Always wear clothes you can move in when going to an audition because you never know if you will have to dance. You don't have to wear anything fancy but a nice put together clean outfit always looks nice. Just make sure you are wearing something you feel comfortable in so when you go in the audition room you feel confident!"
How do you choose an audition song?
Olivia: "Stay within your voice range!"
Milly: "You should pick a song similar to the music for what you’re auditioning for so they can see how your voice sounds for that particular genre."
Issie: "Whatever you feel is right for you and that you like singing."
Sophie: "Oooh I love this question! So, see what song you really know well, and that's the one you should pick -- or if you have a great song that always gets you callbacks and roles, then use that."
Emerson: "If you are not told what to sing for an audition, I suggest researching the show you are auditioning for and sing a song in the style of that show. This will help the creative team see that you can most likely sing what’s in the show!"
Sophie: "Oooh I love this question! So, see what song you really know well, and that's the one you should pick -- or if you have a great song that always gets you callbacks and roles, then use that."
Emerson: "If you are not told what to sing for an audition, I suggest researching the show you are auditioning for and sing a song in the style of that show. This will help the creative team see that you can most likely sing what’s in the show!"
Emma: "You should always have several songs that you know real well that show your range as a singer. If you have a voice coach who can help you with your song selections. Generally speaking you should have a up-beat tempo song and a ballad. I also think it is helpful to have a pop song or two and a country song. I’m always on the lookout for new music that I like for possible use as a audition songs."
Tyrah: "This is a tricky question! It was a lot easier to choose a song when I was younger, but now that I am older I am trying to find songs that challenge me and show my vocal range. Most importantly though, stick with a song that is age appropriate, fun, and shows your personality! If you love the song, the casting directors will too!"
Abigail: "You should sing a song that suits your voice that shows off your ability but fits the kind of style of the show you’re auditioning for."
Madi Rae: "I usually pick songs that I feel very comfortable with for auditions. I will usually pick a song that I know very well and have been singing for a long time. The most important part about picking an audition song is that it shows off your voice and it is a song you are comfortable singing."
Where do you find auditions?
Olivia: "My mother, Manager and Agent find various auditions"
Milly: "I go through my agent and manager. I say, 'hey where’s the audition at!'"
Issie: "My mom and my agent find the auditions."
Sophie: "My manager and agent find great auditions for me. I love them!"
Emerson: "I have been with my agency for a little over a year now, but before I ever had an agent or manager, I would find all my auditions through Backstage, Actors Access and through word of mouth. However, it is also great to submit and try and meet with agencies when trying to break into the business because they can guide you and really find the auditions that are just right for you. "
Emerson: "I have been with my agency for a little over a year now, but before I ever had an agent or manager, I would find all my auditions through Backstage, Actors Access and through word of mouth. However, it is also great to submit and try and meet with agencies when trying to break into the business because they can guide you and really find the auditions that are just right for you. "
Emma: "Right now, either my agent or manager arrange all the auditions I go on. This is the easiest way to go. Of course, to do this you have to have an agent or manager. Which is why anyone who is serious about this business should do their homework find out who the best agents and managers are, then submit headshots and resumes to them and follow up with phone calls to see if you can set up an interview with them (your parents would probably have to help with this).
Before I got an agent and manager, my mother would look through ‘Backstage’ magazine, which has audition information in all parts of the country."
Before I got an agent and manager, my mother would look through ‘Backstage’ magazine, which has audition information in all parts of the country."
Tyrah: "Most auditions come through my agent, but we do check Backstage and other sites regularly to see what auditions are coming up. Playbill.com is my go-to place for musical theatre auditions!"
Abigail: "I ask my manager and agent."
Madi Rae: "I find auditions from my agent. Agencies are great because they know what parts you are right for and they will never fail in making sure you are seen by people!"
Madi Rae: "I find auditions from my agent. Agencies are great because they know what parts you are right for and they will never fail in making sure you are seen by people!"
What was the audition experience for your show like?
Olivia: "I was so excited but little nervous at the same time. Casting directors were so nice, and made me feel great. Bring a stuffed animal or lucky charm that will cheer you up. This was 4th Broadway auditions I had. Prior to the King and I, I almost booked " How The Grinch Stole Christmas" as Cindy Louhoo. I attended the Annie National Tour audition, and had many callbacks, and the Matilda audition."
Milly: "For Matilda I sang "Girl I Mean to Be" from The Secret Garden, and it was 9 auditions. It very exhilarating because it was awesome getting to know that you have a small chance of getting a part and that you’re doing your best to show your skills."
Issie: "I had to auditions for Annie. One audition one weekend and then the call back the next weekend. They had us sing tomorrow. So I didn't bring a song that I needed to prepare for."
Sophie: "Once was my first Broadway audition so I was so excited ! I sang my audition song, and they talked to me and asked me to dance, which was great because I love dancing. It was so fun. Then I got a callback which was so much fun again! And then I got it!"
Issie: "I had to auditions for Annie. One audition one weekend and then the call back the next weekend. They had us sing tomorrow. So I didn't bring a song that I needed to prepare for."
Sophie: "Once was my first Broadway audition so I was so excited ! I sang my audition song, and they talked to me and asked me to dance, which was great because I love dancing. It was so fun. Then I got a callback which was so much fun again! And then I got it!"
Emerson: "My audition for Young Violet in Violet was honestly a pretty basic audition process. I had an initial audition and then two callbacks and then a few days later was offered the role. But I have to say that the most spontaneous audition experience to date was for Mary Phagan in Parade at Lincoln Center. I got an audition request to “Self-Tape” for the role from my agents. Two days after we sent it in, my mom called me at school to tell me that I had gotten a callback for the role and needed to be in NYC in five days. I had my callback in the morning, and afterward they asked if I could come back for another callback. Then they asked if I could stick around for a little bit longer and wait in the holding room. By this time it was about 4:30pm. After about 45 minutes of waiting along with other girls who were having their second callbacks, the casting assistant came up to the room and told us we were free to go. My mom and I quickly grabbed a cab to catch our flight back to Atlanta, and we were in the cab less than 10 seconds when we got a call from my agents telling me that I was being offered the role of Mary Phagan in Parade! I started freaking out and got extremely excited, of course! The best thing about that audition for me, was the fact that the creative team called so quickly after we had been told we could leave. There is nothing quite as sweet as instant gratification!"
Emma: "The audition process for both ‘Matilda’ and ‘Annie’ were long. Both required three different auditions before getting to the finals (both of the finals for these shows were several days long). I always felt good after each ‘Matilda’ audition that I did well. At least once before getting to the finals for ‘Annie’ I thought I completely blew it at the audition. So, I discovered it’s really hard to gauge how well you did based on your own perceptions."
Tyrah: "My experience with Annie on Broadway was pretty crazy! At six years old, my local theatre director told my Mom about the open call in NYC. It was my first musical theatre audition in the city and we never expected anything to come of it! When I finally got inside, I went into a room by myself and sang my song for one of the casting directors. When I came out, one of the casting directors walked me to my Mom and gave me a red ticket, which meant I had an immediate callback! Next, I had to go upstairs to another room to sing for some more casting directors and producers. I was very nervous, but had a lot of fun! I did not hear for about 6 months after that. Finally, I got a call they wanted to see me again, and about 10 callbacks later, I got the part of orphan Kate at just seven years old! The whole audition process took over a year, but it was incredible and I will never forget how happy I was when my Mom told me I got the part on Broadway!"
Abigail: "Liberty, I auditioned for the kid role of Giovanni that could be played by a girl, I had to fake an Italian accent, which I did not succeed at. It sounded like a mix between Russian and Italian. And then they asked if I wanted to come in for Liberty but it was an adult role. They said they would change the role if I got it. When I got the callback, it was with a bunch of adults. They seemed a little angry they were auditioning with somebody my age. I didn’t let that bother me. I sang a song from Liberty that they asked me to sing and I only had a day between auditions to prepare."
Madi Rae: "The audition process for Annie was very long. I auditioned in 2011 and then I went to the final callbacks in New York in 2012. At my first audition I just sang, but at the final callbacks we had to sing, dance, and do scenes. It was fun because we got to get a feel for all the different parts of the show. For that audition I sang "Beyond My Wildest Dreams" from The Little Mermaid. I really love that song because I think it shows my personality a lot."
What is your favorite part about auditioning?
Olivia: "That I get to sing and dance, which I love to do."
Issie: "Getting to work with the different casting directors show directors and musicians."
Milly: "My favorite part is being really nervous and excited at the same time."
Sophie: "I get excited about all my auditions because I would love to get another Broadway show! Broadway shows are so much fun! You get to sing and dance for so many people so many times a week for so long!"
Issie: "Getting to work with the different casting directors show directors and musicians."
Milly: "My favorite part is being really nervous and excited at the same time."
Sophie: "I get excited about all my auditions because I would love to get another Broadway show! Broadway shows are so much fun! You get to sing and dance for so many people so many times a week for so long!"
Emerson: "Wow! I am definitely a HUGE fan of auditioning! I really enjoy the process and especially love that you work super hard for a specific role. At the end of every audition, I always feel that I learned something, whether I book the job or not. I also enjoy meeting new casting directors and creative teams and showing them the best “me” whether for this or another project down the road."
Emma: "Finally getting into the audition and showing the casting people what I can do. I know no matter what happens at any particular audition, as long as I did my best, I’ve made some (hopefully) strong, positive impressions with the different people in the room. Which could be of benefit should I see them again in future auditions."
Tyrah: "I like reading over the audition sides and learning new songs. Each time I get the chance to discover a different character and be someone new! Plus, its always fun to go into the city (NYC) and see a show or visit with friends after an audition!"
Abigail: "I like meeting the creative team and believe it or not, I like being nervous before an audition because it’s thrilling. Auditioning gives me a chance to explore my skills and see what kinds of characters I could play and it also gives me a chance to meet other people in the industry."
Madi Rae: "My favorite part about auditioning is that I get to perform. Even if I don't get the job I still got to perform in front of people and each audition is a new learning experience that I can save for next time."
What tips do you have for aspiring Broadway stars?
Olivia: "Be prepared and be confident. Don't be shy and just be yourself. Keep on practicing and never give up your dream."
Milly: "Try your best and have fun!"
Sophie: "Work hard, and be happy and love what you are doing! Sing well, be excited, smile and know you're special!
Issie: "Keep working hard if they say no the first time keep trying. Don't give up because it's not because you're good enough it just because you're not right for that role. Keep trying."
Emerson: "Work hard. Very hard. And no matter what, always be yourself. Being you is enough. Don’t try to conform to what others want you to be, or what you “think” you should be in order to succeed in this business."
Issie: "Keep working hard if they say no the first time keep trying. Don't give up because it's not because you're good enough it just because you're not right for that role. Keep trying."
Emerson: "Work hard. Very hard. And no matter what, always be yourself. Being you is enough. Don’t try to conform to what others want you to be, or what you “think” you should be in order to succeed in this business."
Emma: "What I tell everyone when asked this question is the importance of being persistent. You must be constantly working on improving the different parts of your craft (singing, dancing and acting). And there will be a lot of rejection and other bumps along the road just to get to the point where you are auditioning for Broadway show, where you will then be faced with even more rejections and bigger bumps to overcome. But, also, don’t be afraid. Give it your best shot. You’ll never know what could have been if you don’t. My mom always says “somebody is going to get the role, but if you never audition, you’ll never know if it could have been you.”
Tyrah: "Always remember to have fun preparing and auditioning because it is a huge part of the “business”. Rejection can be hard because you don’t always get the job. When you do though, the hard work is totally worth it! If I had to say one thing it would be: take a chance! You never know if you can do it, unless you try!"
Abigail: "Believe in yourself and never give up. You’re not always going to get something on your very first audition. Everything is meant to be and the show you’ll be in will come around eventually!"
Madi Rae: "For people wanting to get into the acting business I would say not to worry about getting the job. If you go into the audition room and you get to do what you love to do then you are a winner! You won't always get the job but if you keep working hard and enjoy doing what you are doing then the right part will come along for you! So just keep reaching for the stars because you know you can do it! I know you can do it too! :)"
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