WORST Audition Mistakes

[@Kath_Steele]

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[@nettie607]

As a retired opera singer and a vocal coach, I always tell my students not to sing to impress. It seldom does. Sing something that will fit the genre, that you love. Even if it's a sad song, your love for the piece will come thru, and that will touch the judges.

[@Kath_Steele]

Such a great point! definitely feel a difference when you actually love the material !! 💖

[@downstageright3298]

I have to say. Sometimes you mess up in auditions, but it doesn't mean that's the end. I went into a huge tour audition, didn't realise the song was cut, so sung the complete wrong thing AND I forgot multiple lines. And I still got all the way to finals. If you show the best of yourself, they WILL see that. So don't throw in the towel in the audition just because you mess up.

[@EmiTheGreat]

Last year, i did my first ever theater audition for my highschool's production of Mamma Mia and absolutely BOMBED IT! I forgot the words to Honey, Honey while i was singing and fumbled so hard- i left the room holding back tears and holding down a storm in my stomach. My theater teacher was in the audition room and made me give her a hug and she told me "I'm proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone, good job 😭😭". But i did get to be Donna's understudy! This year in December, we're going to be doing Legally Blonde and im planning on auditioning for Paulette. I'm starting my practice NOW for the song i have to audition with (my school has you sing and then read from the script in the audition) so that I'll have no way to fumble it when it'll be muscle memory. I'm a whole lot more comfortable now and having a year of practice under my belt is going to help tremendously!! My advice for any fellow beginners? BE PREPARED, and don't let your mistakes discourage you! Things always can go wrong, things mess up, but there's nothing you can do after they're already done. Pick yourself up and keep moving and it'll show that you know how to move on and handle mistakes with confidence! The more you try, better you'll get. Break your legs, everybody! ❤️

[@drizzelwispy]

I have my first musical audition today for The Addams Family at my highschool and I am so stressed out, thank you for this!

[@paperairplanestudios4650]

One thing I see a lot, during cold reads especially, is making the same choice as the people before you. People will do the same blocking and put the same emphasis on lines. You can make yourself really stand out just by starting off from a different part of the room, moving a different direction, or changing the arc of your acting. Break all the legs everyone!!

[@Kath_Steele]

omg that’s SUCH a true point that I had totally forgotten about. This gave me flashbacks to summer camp auditions 💀💀💀

[@maem7462]

I have also noticed during cold reads a lot of the time ppl will choose to stand in the same place as the previous ppl playing that character. I never thought abt how you could stand out just by making a different choice of where you stand. Making a different acting choice kinds depends a bit on the director and character. Sometimes someone who goes before you could maybe really understand what the director is going for. You of course don’t want it to feel the exact same but you might want it to be similar enough to where they at least consider you for the role.

[@tiffany02020]

It’s so silly I don’t do auditions, I don’t do theatre just enjoy watching it. But I DO make little indie games and join in friendly competitions and MANY of these points fit alarming well haha. Be confident and prepared! 😂

[@brynncess2228]

I have an audition in 2 weeks and I've been binge watching all of your videos! Now I have another to add to my playlist!

[@Kath_Steele]

Omg yay! Break a leg!!! What type of audition is it?

[@brynncess2228]

@Kath_Steele Its a school audition for Cinderella! :)

[@Theboredcat469]

@@brynncess2228it’s been 2 weeks how’d it go?

[@brynncess2228]

​@@Kath_Steele I got Cinderella!!!

[@parkerA15]

auditions have always made me feel small. something i try to do is go into the ‘why’. ive always felt better when i know why i make decisions, anyways i don’t typically audition for things anymore bc i stage manage most of the time.

[@filmgeek520]

As an Autistic person, I would love to hear some advice from other neurodivergent people. For example, when I'm nervous, I tend to stim by fidgeting with something in my hand, so perhaps there's a way to incorporate that into the audition? And also how to go about informing the casting team about disability accommodations - that would be really helpful. I just wanted to note that while a lot of the advice you offer hear is useful, not all of it is possible or applicable depending on the auditionees' disability needs.

[@ashleeearl0712]

As a fellow autistic person and an aspiring actor, I ca understand where you're coming from. Here are some tips: If you mess up a line, that's ok. Keep going! And if you feel like to have to have something in your hand to help you concentrate, have a stress ball in your hand while the other people are auditioning. And if you're auditioning for musical theatre, here's a tip from a mistake I made, don't sing a song from the musical that you're auditioning for. And practice your song, like clockwork. And wear something that connects your every day style the character. But don't wear a costume.

[@maem7462]

I am also neurodivergent and I don’t usually have the problem of twitching when auditioning. I think part of what helps me not do that is just really diving into the material. Sometimes I’ll have a bit of shaking that luckily isn’t too visible but I feel it in my legs sometimes. Mostly when it comes to singing. Usually with a monologue I try to have it prepared to know what to do and sometimes imagining yourself at home can help you twitch and shake less. If you know you shake try to make it come off as a character choice. You might need to kinda add another movement to kinda cover it up to an extent. If you choose a monologue where the character is nervous then it can help it come across as a character choice

[@BecomingBlaze]

I have an audition tomorrow, this advice helped a lot ❤

[@theswiftieteacher]

Have an audition on Wednesday, really needed this!

[@drizzelwispy]

Ahh!! I have an audition today and I’m stressing out, thank you!

[@realslimshuki]

I am planning to audition for the first time for my schools production next year and these are life savers and amazing advice!

[@olidon96]

i have an audition in probably about six months for a show that has literally not even been announced by the theatre yet 🙃 gotta get ahead for those dream roles lol

[@Kath_Steele]

this gave me theatre kid flashbacks lol!!! Break a leg & have SO much fun! 💜

[@ashleeearl0712]

I have an audition in almost 3 weeks! Thank you so much for these tips! I'M auditioning for a play version of Steel Magnolias and I'm hoping that I'll get the part of Shelby! Yes, I watched the movie, yes, I did my research. I'm also hoping for the part of Helen in Fun Home, and my audition song is I Love Play Rehearsal. That audition is in a couple months.

[@arrow_of_ravenclaw5155]

Omg! I’m auditioning for steel magnolias in December. Break a leg

[@ashleeearl0712]

@@arrow_of_ravenclaw5155 Amazing! Thanks! I hope you get the part, too!

[@Kath_Steele]

wooooo! 💖 break a leg you guys!!! 👏👏👏

[@arrow_of_ravenclaw5155]

@@Kath_Steele tysm

[@ashleeearl0712]

@@Kath_Steele Thank you so much! Also, I memorized your past and present audition tips to the T, and I think it helped. Especially with my Amelie (Ah-ma-lee) audition 9 months ago. The advice I took the opportunity to learn wàs, dress like your every day style and how your character that you're auditioning for would wear if they were alive today. But Alas, I didn't get the part. But now, thanks to your advice, I get to try a second time.

[@Corridor89]

Had an audition today and came home to your video. What timing. I was one prepared, positive, and confident apple though. Here’s hoping! 🤞

[@rainybopz]

I have an audition comming up for my dream role!!! 😆😆 I love these kind of videos!! ☺️❤

[@Kath_Steele]

Aw yay! And omg exciting!!!! Break a leg! What’s the role?

[@rainybopz]

@@Kath_Steele Thank you so much!!😊 The role is Ursula in The Little Mermaid!!🤭 It’s been my dream role since I started theatre nearly 6 years ago!!

[@Kath_Steele]

@@rainybopzomg break a leg queen 🐙👑🖤

[@iamastick0]

I have an audition in four days and I am soooo nervous, but mostly excited. I just figure I’ll do my very best, and whatever is meant to be will be, whether it’s what I want or not. Of course if I don’t get in or get the role I’ll be super sad, but I’ve decided to let myself feel that way, but ultimately not sweat it too much. I hope it works.

[@lurlineart]

I was literally typing out the words "people always apologize" and you said it in the video😂I also see a lot of people not following the cut requirements. Like a few bars difference usually doesn't matter, but I'm talking like 20 bars over the cut requirement

[@ZoemickeyBoos]

I have an audition Thursday for Seussical JR, what a coincidence!

[@Vie-ie8bh]

I AUDITIONED FOR THE MUSIC MAN ON THE 11, AND I USED SOME OF YOUR ADVICE AND I GOT IN!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Kath_Steele]

omg congrats 🧡🎺 I loved doing music man!! Hope you have a wonderful time!

[@Vie-ie8bh]

OMG TYSM!!!❤❤❤

[@superawesomezebra3857]

This video came JUST in time for my Shrek audition, thank the heavens!

[@lalalivy2854]

Katherine, I listened to this video and followed your tips on how to do your best at an audition and I have to come here and tell you... it worked. I was cast as the female lead !!!

[@chriscanon962]

I have a audition tomorrow so this is really helping me. Thank you Kat for making these videos!😊

[@hamilton_phantomoftheopera_gir]

This really helped! I’m auditioning for Frozen soon and hope to get Anna, so I’ll keep all of your great suggestions in mind 😊

[@Datone_girl]

Same girlie mine is this spring I hope you get the role!!!❤

[@Kath_Steele]

wait this is so sweet 😭😭 break a leg you two!!👑⛄️💚

[@hamilton_phantomoftheopera_gir]

@@Kath_Steele Tysm!!!

[@cobrakaiqueen6959]

I have an audition Tuesday so this is perfect!

[@feitocomfruta]

I get the movement-motivation and autopilot ones. I had an audition for Romeo and Juliet where I was reading Benvolio’s “Tybalt, here slain…” monologue. The director stopped me halfway through and said “ok that sounds good, but let’s try it this way: the Prince and his retinue are in front of you, and you are walking through the events physically.” I gave it a shot and it felt and looked really great. Granted he also made it a callback/workshop for us as well, like the person reading the Queen Mab monologue had us sitting in a circle as if we were “just bros being bros” and had us reacting in kind.

[@txtallychloee]

i tend to see people who i have auditioned with be really shy walking into the room and not volunteering to go first or second. i also see people acknowledge when their voice cracks for singing auditions and maybe the directors didn’t hear it. i will also say i have made these mistakes in the past and i personally think the best of us do jt

[@Grinchy-i3c]

Thank you so much I’ve watched you since last Christmas because I had an audition and I needed someone informational who was also truthful so thanks I’ve missed a ton of videos but I think it was fate that two days before my next audition I see this vid so thank you 🙏 🫶🏻☺️

[@Kath_Steele]

aw yay!!!! 💖 Break a leg 🎉

[@Grinchy-i3c]

@@Kath_Steele thx I think I did good but I find out on Friday at the latest I’ll keep you updated

[@Grinchy-i3c]

@@Kath_Steele RIGHT AFTER I SENT THAT I GOT A TEXT AND I GOT IN TO THE PLAY BT I DONT KNOW IF ITS A OOD PART I THINK I PLAY ONE OF THE LEADS

[@lizlilliman3644]

My duaghter starts auditions for uni and performing arts schools on oct. At the moment the course she is on does a lot of things to help with auditions. They have to find a song to suit a brief ie contempary ballad and then song and get feedback from peers. They plan on them having 4 sings a classic ballad classic non ballad, contemporary ballad and contemporary non ballad as well as a contemporary and classical monologue. They are keen on my daughter doing something from a comedy as she really gets comedic parts and plays. Her dream job at 1st would be to work for the mischief theatre company, then she would like to write plays and musicals. She already has 3 plays written and 2 musicals.

[@dpl235654]

Pick a song that fits!! I literally auditioned for Grease with Pilots Dream from Jesus Christ Superstar. The director stopped me three notes and said, "Pick a different song. Something similar to Grease."

[@Kath_Steele]

True! Such a good point 💖

[@miss-kemberly]

i’m getting ready to audition for jovie in elf!! i’ll let you guys know how it went!

[@gabrieltate1778]

I wish this video had been uploaded before I auditioned for a straight play this past weekend. I got a callback, and I ended up not getting any role. And I have no idea what I did wrong because the casting director said I did an excellent job, and I still didn't get a role. ☹️

[@-_PlutoLuto_-]

You may have done really well, but they were probably looking for someone different

[@Mil0p9ds]

Thanks, i have my very first audition ( Shrek the musical) coming up next month and im pretty nervous but this video definitely helped ease me! :)

[@hannahlikestoread]

These are so helpful thank you! I recently auditioned for beauty and the beast and I could have def used this in the audition

[@violetmanthey]

auditioning for johanna in sweeney on tuesday!!

[@meeomelovescookiesandhisto459]

I'll never audition, but I always love getting a glimpse into the world of theatre and I always get to take away something for talks or job interviews. Good luck to everyone who's auditioning soon!

[@pepperimps01]

I have an audition tomorrow! Are you pyschic? 😂

[@Kath_Steele]

Omg no way!!! Break a leg! What are you auditioning for?

[@jessgovier1474]

Me too!! Break a leg❤❤ mine is for Shrek with a community theatre group. I haven't done theatre since high school (14 years) because of my anxiety, but I'm slowly getting back into it and it feels wonderful. What's your audition for?

[@kaisetic3150]

Me too! my school is doing Addams family and I'm so nervous cus it's my senior show and I LOVE the Addams Family

[@pepperimps01]

@@Kath_Steele It's a pantomime version of Jack and the Beanstalk! I honestly had never heard of it before but I wanted to give it a try

[@cobrakaiqueen6959]

I have an audition Tuesday!

[@anyanaylor]

I would add don't be literally inappropriate with your material! As in, unless you're auditioning for Cabaret or Rocky Horror or something don't sing a sexually explicit song. I have a great audition monologue that's one of my go tos that has a swear in it. I take that swear out when I'm auditioning for a children's theatre or family friendly show.

[@Ever5tar]

So real. Once I had to watch a guy sing a contemporary, sexual, (borderline explicit) song for Into the Woods

[@Kath_Steele]

@@Ever5tar😮

[@Kath_Steele]

very true! makes the team uncomfy

[@driftingthruspace]

Thank you for this video !!! I'm going to be auditioning for the first time and I'm not sure what to expect haha

[@Ever5tar]

Good luck! Have fun!

[@ElizabethKH]

I can't think of unmentioned mistakes off the top of my head, but the biggest advice I can give is try to have fun at any audition you go to! I had an audition for Young Frankenstein earlier this month, and was hoping for Elizabeth, the song I sang was Show Off from The Drowsy Chaperone because I tend to vocally really nail pieces Sutton Foster is famous for, and I practiced it and prepared it and I was rocking it when I practiced. At the audition I had to breathe in the middle of a long note that I normally breathe enough for and don't have to breathe in the middle of, and I was like "ah yes the curse of a singer, the song you nail while practicing and then make a little whoopsie." and I think I made a comment of those vibes while I was in the room but I was obviously having fun and not too bothered by it, and this was an audition for people I know and am familiar with and have worked with before and who didn't mind me making a small joke at my expense lol. Long story long I got cast in the ensemble and I'm still super hyped because GOD is this show such a fun one. But the rambling is to say, Have fun, even if you mess up it doesn't mean you won't be cast, and if you do mess up take it in stride because we're all human and we all make mistakes sometimes.

[@robinteel]

Bro I literally have an audition tomorrow 😂 love your videos! ❤

[@Kath_Steele]

omg exciting break a leg!!!

[@Kenzie_24601]

I have two auditions next month and then another one in October. I’m freaking out!

[@iHeardYourVoiceInADream]

i once had a person not look at the music we needed until the audition, and had to borrow mine, she just sight read and then get mad when wasnt cast- anyways, i have audition for flounder in the little mermaid next week!

[@kiwikiwi4150]

This video came at the PERFECT time. I have auditions for Once upon a mattress next week!

[@madelinevhart]

I actually have an audition today so this'll help a lot =D

[@Kath_Steele]

Omg!!!! Break a leg! 🎉😇

[@EmiTheGreat]

Break your legs!! ❤️

[@madelinevhart]

@@EmiTheGreat I suck at dancing so I probably will!! ❤

[@lachlanpdenbrok]

@@madelinevhart how'd it go??

[@madelinevhart]

@@lachlanpdenbrok Great! Let's hope I get a callback!

[@RoyalCookieYT]

I’m audition for William Shakespeare in Something Rotten Jr. it’s a pretty new musical, so not sure you know it. Also my biggest mistake I’ve seen is rushing through a song then having several measures at the end.

[@KatsYappingAgain]

My biggest audition ick is when people pull up like not in coustume for part they want but like basically especially for children's theater and community theater there was a girl who's been consistently leads at my beauty and the beast auditions she was in a blue maxi dress because she wanted to be Belle it didn't work with dance auditions and it looked really weird by the way I'm marie not that anyone cares but

[@K.OrmeAuthor]

I'll probably be starting up community/local theater since I feel more ready since retaking vocal lessons. A few of the teachers from where I take lessons think I should start going out for it now, and I very much trust their judgement so. I'm eating up musical theater content like free chips at a restaurant.

[@annaw.45]

i literally have an audition tomorrow and i saw this notification 😳

[@kaelasanchez1998]

My advice for auditions is not to sweat it when you do make a mistake. We're humans and it happens. What matters is how you recover from it. Mistakes can turn into happy accidents if you let it (thanks Bob Ross).

[@Kath_Steele]

So true! And I love that quote sm 😭🎨

[@whyismyaccountblue]

I have main stage auditions for my school this upcoming week! How'd you know!

[@arrow_of_ravenclaw5155]

“Stay confident” Me, who looked like a deer in the headlights the entire time I was singing unruly heart from the prom for my audition in May (I did book the show somehow though).

[@Ever5tar]

I found out yesterday that an upcoming audition I planned to go to will be directed by: a dear friend who’s been getting on my case lately about how she thinks directors have been overlooking me, and a costumer I’ve worked with for 10 years that I accidentally called mom once. Pros: They are both people I know to be passionate and capable, and who know me to be passionate and fairly capable as well. Cons: I WOULD RATHER JUMP OFF A BALCONY THAN DISAPPOINT EITHER OF THEM. I’m more scared now than before!😂

[@-_PlutoLuto_-]

I have a callback audition and they didn’t give a script or anything to practice. It’s a community play (and my first play) and I’m doing it with my friend, any tips?

[@peanutpenguin8552]

Hey Kat! (And the comment section) I’m auditioning for a performing arts school this year. Any tips for that?

[@Grinchy-i3c]

I have an audition in two days

[@jamesandrewtot]

Audition Mistake: Rushing

[@Kath_Steele]

^ true!

[@billy13249]

one mistake i have seen is when a girl had a stack of loose papers not a rep/audition book (it was Cinderalla BTW )

[@Kath_Steele]

True! Organization & physically prepping your audition material are v important!!!

[@eddieeverhart4474]

I know most people want to dress nicely for an audition, but what would you say to someone wanting to wear something outlandish in order to stand out?

[@EmiTheGreat]

I think it's kinda cheesy

[@anonymoususer12345-o]

Do you have any advice for people joining an audition panel? I am a student choreographer and have never held auditions before but need to for the next musical I am casting. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[@rot-d3n]

My school is doing Les Miserables! I’m going for my dream role of Éponine. Pray for me!

[@Emmamast-w6j]

What song should I sing to audition for Katherine in "Newsies Jr"? I am a mezzo but more comfortable singing alto than soprano, and I am 14.

[@ellarieerickson]

I'm auditioning for Katherine for Newsies Jr. too, and I'm also a mezzo soprano! I would definitely recommend "I Know It's Today" from Shrek the Musical or "Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?" from Frozen on Broadway. They have some good belting parts for mezzo's, and a couple moderately high parts that can still showcase some higher notes that are comfortable.

[@Emmamast-w6j]

@ellarieerickson thank you so much! Break a leg at your audition!

[@puravidaary8112]

Auditioning for Gabriella Montez from HSM JR in like 2 weeks… if anybody has any tips please let me know!! I am eager for them, she has been my dream role since before I even started theater!! I’ve currently decided to sing I have a dream from mamma mia for the audition, but if there are any better songs please let me know!!

[@Kath_Steele]

that’s so exciting !!! Break a leg❣️❣️

[@puravidaary8112]

@@Kath_SteeleThank you so much!!! Fingers crossed 🤞🤞

[@Wendy-je9zf]

idk if this is a mistake more than a pet peeve of mine, but it bothers me when people wear full blown COSTUMES to any audition/callback. Moreso at callbacks where the casting team has informed everyone that there is going to be a dance call. Obviously, it’s not really that serious, and wearing what you feel most confident and comfortable in should be enough. But aside from it generally being bad etiquette to come into an audition with a costume on, I can only imagine how uncomfortable it must be to do a dance call in clothing not designed for movement of that variety. So this is just my little PSA to not wear a costume to your audition, and that it’s okay if you don’t have a change of clothes for your callback; I promise you that you being you and giving what you can is more than enough.

[@totoross87]

First hour!

[@M3TALHEAD..]

Today I just auditioned for Grace Farell in AnnieJr!,there is more tryouts tomorrow😔🫶