Seth Rudetsky Reveals the 5 WORST Audition Mistakes!!!

Seth Rudetsky does Master Classes about auditioning, teaching how to choose the perfect 16-bar audition cut. In this sneak preview, he discusses 5 of the worst mistakes you can make in an audition!
Get more information on how to sign up for the masterclasses here:
www.SethRudetsky.com

[@03krypton]

"I get it. We all wanna be Sutton Foster. I wanna be Sutton Foster." He's not wrong.

[@elizabeth.1905]

Mary Ella Dorotan nope. He ain't 😂

[@emilyv164]

and to think nobody else in Sutton fosters family is talented!

[@MartyMusic777]

Mary Ella Dorotan Eh, I'd rather be Patti Lupone. To each their own.

[@wengfong6742]

Foster sucks

[@gracyn879]

Her brother, Hunter Foster, is on Broadway too! He's just not as well known as she is

[@AaronBoltonArt]

Seth, despite the fact that I can't sing and don't know anything about theater, I like watching your videos and hearing you share your knowledge...which makes me think you must be an amazing teacher! Your successes are well deserved. Thanks for the insight and humor.

[@TayBee_123]

That answer to "Where do I look?!" has possibly been a life saver. Last year during the rounds, I used to look directly at panel, but was told it can make them feel uncomfortable. So far, I've been picking a spot on the wall to 'talk at'. Now I'm going to look between their faces and see if I can finally get a call back this year!

[@haydengray2315]

When I watch these videos where he's recording on his video cam, it almost feels like I'm skyping with Seth Rudetsky... Then I realize it's Seth Rudetsky.

[@RaisedThird]

4:47 “I can’t see you when you’re up here. Who are you singing to?” *Plays Jesus Christ Superstar theme*

[@Danixo02]

"I was amazing, she sucked!" IM LAUGHING TOO HARD😂😂

[@tWiLigHtnMuSiCx3]

The part about Gimme Gimme from Thoroughly Modern Millie is so accurate. I went into an audition with that song prepared and the director sighed at me when I told him which song I was singing. Not a good start to an audition

[@gamesport88]

That Wicked "Defying Gravity" bit made me laugh so hard!!! "You can't bring me down..." BOOOOORRRRRRRING!!!! HAHAHA!!!

[@AJLorenzini]

All of these are so accurate, but the last one really got me. I was at an audition where everyone watched, and a girl optioned DOWN the end of "I Could of Have Danced All Night" and I literally said "no" as if it was a bodily function I couldn't avoid.

[@brookenjonas]

Anthony J Lorenzini NOOO! That’s a song I used to use and you DON’T GO DOWN!

[@KatHickey]

just stumbled across this and it made me laugh.

[@bigsquare88]

So funny. In "Bunheads" Seth gave the same advice to Sutton, told her not to sign the song from Les Mis.

[@cecilbell6248]

It's true we all want to be Sutton Foster

[@lisahernandez8002]

It took me a decade to find a great 16 bar cut that suited my voice really well, was obscure enough that NOBODY else sings it but not so obscure that nobody has heard of it, and is easy for the accompanist to play.

[@ashleywinn1208]

If you don't mind telling me, what song?

[@thaliagrace4444]

Lisa Hernandez that's super impressive! what song is it?

[@tejaswoman]

^^^ well-meaning people who are missing one of the key points that makes her choice inspired

[@rva]

i think i love you

[@southernlady5085]

Ditto to Aaron's comment. Love learning about the inside workings of the theatre although I personally have no talent whatsoever in singing or acting. Thank you for sharing your remarkable insights. It makes going to the theatre all that more meaningful to those of us not in the business.

[@justinm2697]

You should realise that like it or not, you're in the business, even as part of the audience. Theatre is nothing without bums-on-seats. It's all part of the circle of life of the theatre.

[@NikkiRikki]

when you were looking up to the heavens and playing jesus christ superstar i lost it omfg seth you are a god

[@decarljones5556]

I wish i had done more research in some of my past auditions. I won't be making that mistake again! Thanks for the grand tips!

[@thomassomeone4868]

This man is my hero.

[@jhonwhite9571]

^

[@notameliethemusical]

+Thomas Someone so true

[@pineapplepie52]

I was amazing, she sucked! XD

[@corystajduhar]

"No, I was amazing! She sucked!" So hilarious!

[@ashtonvids4167]

That's true we all want to be Sutton Foster.

[@Love.Ruby.]

“I was amazing, she sucked!” WHAT A MOOD! 😤😂

[@samantha.brauch.]

Not gonna lie wish I was sutton foster

[@TheSongwritingCat]

My auditions have always been terrible. I wish I still had an excuse to take your class.

[@lizziemenzies7663]

LOVE the eye contact tip. Thanks!

[@rararaka2348]

Oh the song memory, I was thinking as that for my audition song

[@DrJones20]

"I was amazing! She sucked!" LOL

[@randyslovacek]

I love that you reference Brenda Braxton!!! Diva! These are all great tips for actors, Seth. Thanks for posting this. Btw, please ask young teenage girls to never sing "At Last." I don't know why so many do - other than it's a great song - but when you're 19 or 20 or 21, the phrase "At last..." is almost laughable as life is just beginning at that age. Great post, Seth.

[@tejaswoman]

Randy Slovacek - Never once would have thought of this point (I'm middle-aged, FWIW, so I could get away with it), but you couldn't be more right. Well done.

[@PaulTheillusionist]

Thank you Seth for the tips. I am an 18 yearly thespian who aspires to be on broadway. My go to audition song is The Old Red Hills of Home. Is this song not overdone?

[@warrenmoore4743]

Don't try to convert them...just sing your truth with all your heart. If they believe, they will convert...if they don't....next...and THAT'S SHOWBIZ!

[@allengumm1157]

+Warren Moore I don't understand. "Convert them?" What do you mean? Thanks.

[@NikkiRikki]

can you adopt me please

[@sugarhoneyicedtea123]

I died at The Jesus Christ Superstar reference lol

[@RyanWorthman]

Does anyone have a great 16 bar cut for Finishing the Hat from Sunday in the Park with George? Or a great 16 bar audition cut by Stephen Sondheim (Not from Into the Woods or Company) that is in the range of a BariTenor?

[@swaingles]

I have recently discovered you, Mr. Rudetsky, and please let me tell you that hardly have I found as so loving and precise know-how professional person as you are. What a wonderful teacher you are. Thanks for sharing your experience with the younger generations, and I do not say it because I actually am neither young or a student. I am a teacher of English.

[@seventiesmemories5116]

Seth Rudetsky is a national treasure! I'd pay $250 to attend a dinner party benefit at his apartment, hosted by Seth, and watch him serve wine while deconstructing Chicken Marsala.

[@jimjimmyjames59]

I've probably already said this, but I'm two vodkas in, so here goes: I fuckin' love that you referenced the divine Ms. Braxton!!! I was lucky enough to crew on two shows with her and she was wonderful!! Ps: It's a year later and it still makes me laugh!

[@minsusings]

STOP LOOKING AT ME

[@clamman27]

I don't want to be Sutton Foster lol

[@MalikHolley]

Be yourself

[@dominicjoseph2442]

i love your cander, you are the greatest, my daughter is training, how I wish i could hire you or you could mentor/manage her, she is performing in a small way lead rolls in high school, church events, partys and conventions some for governers, and celebrities. she was stand in on two broadway productions in detroit area with small singing rolls. she is a promising performer but needs someone like you to mentor. see her on what little we have on facebook/youtube, "HUNNAH JOSEPH" she is 13 years old, her best is not posted online

[@dominicjoseph2442]

oh forgot sorry my cousin Is Sandra Joseph performed for years as Christine in Phantom, she has motivated and encoraged Hunnah

[@spicedclay]

I loved you in DISASTER! :)

[@fedexairbus]

I love you Seth. You're so awesome. I will probably never audition for a Broadway musical but I do sing in church and your videos are a help. Thank you so much for your generous spirit.

[@frederickcombs8661]

His advice makes me go to the grocery store and belt out a few.

[@museatdawn3556]

BUT CHESS SONGS ARE PERFECT !! *crying with no breathing control*

[@NOONE-cd4gu]

How many minutes is 16 bar 😂😂😂

[@r0cketi]

I'm auditioning for kids musical theater showing, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor dream coat. Do you think it's okay if I sing a song from Wicked for my audition?

[@braytastic]

totally dependent on the director, in my experience they would rather you sing a song from the show. but honestly sing whatever you believe represents your voice and your talent the best. your director isn't looking for someone who already has all the lyrics memorized, but instead someone who has talent and who would fit in the show.

[@jesse7604]

Rocket Isaac I sang "I know where I've been from hairspray and I got the lead of Jesus in Godspell.

[@noddonnoddon]

The look on Seth's face after "and you can't bring me down" is priceless.

[@MSTe98]

I wonder if there is a 16 bar excerpt from Hellfire that could be used for an audition. I was able to do a full song for my last audition, and that song got me my role.

[@ileymontero715]

Thank you for saving me I Almost used one of these. This helped me so much.

[@bman342a]

Generally, how strict is 16 bars for an audition? Am doing a song in cut time, and the cut I'm doing is 22 bars, with "beginning, bridge, and end". It times out to 40 seconds, and my research is telling me that 16 bar auditions on average go from 30 - 45 seconds.

[@ImNotOdd]

this is late: but it really comes down to how it fits on the page for the pianist. if the pianist is having to do crazy page turns and look all over the music for their part, it comes across as unprofessional and can make ur accompanist mess up. if it fits nice within 2-3 pages, and fits the time constraint, go for it!

[@aingeav497]

Thank you thank you THANK YOU SETH! As someone who doesn't really take classes other than voice often (I don't live in NY and I don't do a ton of master classes), this is amazing!!!!!!

[@wendydarling5790]

Re: transposing. I have a huge binder of songs but can only comfortably sing a handful of them in public. What's the cheapest way to get this done? I'm assuming I have to hire a pianist with the right software to play them and the computer magically makes them right? Is that the way it's done?

[@ThatOtherGuy1100]

I recommend buying your sheet music from musicnotes.com from now on. I can sing very high tenor, and often find myself transposing songs to higher keys where my voice sits more comfortable. With musicnotes.com you literally hit a button to choose what key you want the song in and thats all. You could program your music into music software and transpose afterwards, or find a genius pianist who can sight transpose, but musicnotes.com is a great option!

[@wendydarling5790]

Wow, that's amazing. I'll check it out, thanks. If only I knew how to read music I could figure out keys. I know my starting note and that's it. Very ignorant. Been spoiled with savvy accompanists so I never had to learn. I'm not sure what you mean by program your music into software. I do have one of those genius pianists I can sing with where she plays, but sadly, she's not portable. Oh how I wish she was.

[@bigred8432]

wendy darling Be careful with music notes as it can sometimes be incorrect. ALWAYS get a pianist to play through it afterwards so you a rent caught out. If you google transposition services you will find hundreds of people to do it online.

[@trapease]

the ending must be solid and sassafras, advice for life

[@gracegori5560]

Thank you so much for this, especially for your succinct description of what makes a good 16-bar cut. I teach singing to young students, and it drives me nuts when a newbie comes in and says, "Oh, I'll just sing the first verse, 'cuz that's 16 bars!" I will now be directing these types to your vids.

[@greeneyedgirl313]

I love you so much. You are so knowledgeable and you make me appreciate musical theatre more than I ever thought I could. Thanks for keeping up with these videos over the years. They are extremely helpful.

[@asher6567]

Geez, I wish I had seen this video earlier. Totally flubbed an audition today. Flubbed, as in one of the worst in my life.

[@Thebeautygymnasts]

I got that last one down I hold a high c at the end of my audition song

[@francescagrace]

Are you singing think of me?

[@Thebeautygymnasts]

No, I sang a song from Shrek I can't remember what it was called.

[@lucyfoster4082]

Hi Mr Rudetsky, thanks very much for these valuable tips. Question--if there are two dates for an audition, is there a clear benefit for showing up for one or the other? How about for being one of the first of the day vs one of the last? Also, do you chop the song all up to get that beginning, middle, and big finish all in there, or just start near the end? Could I see an example of a good cut?

[@DMCMT01]

Hey Seth, I have an audition for a college show tomorrow morning and this video really helped! I know it may not be a big extravagant Broadway audition (or West End) but your tips really helped! Thank you so much :)

[@SethTV]

That's great!!

[@graceliz865]

We ALL want to be Sutton Foster.... well at least I do. 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻😂

[@aingeav497]

The one downside to modern day musical theater is I cannot go to any library and find a musical score. All the libraries around me secretly hate me, too.

[@Mleencihols]

You are most incredible. Just discovered your channels... and I am in "awe". You have illuminated so much to me. I am a Broadway Baby... who loves all things Broadway. And all things "hyper-pop" such as Streisand and others.. You are most wonderful...keep up the good work....

[@PaolaMancera]

GOD I LOVE YOU

[@stephaniewilson247]

God, he's so right though! Literally when I was new to musical theatre my first audition song was in fact "Gimme, Gimme"! I absolutely killed it, but did I get the role? No i didn't.

[@panchaliparbhoo3263]

Katherine Steele and Seth Rudetsky are literally my theatre teachers.

[@JackBellamy1997]

Oh my god I love this man! I wish I had a teacher like him xD

[@stanleyslawski1339]

Oh, Seth, you are so right about finding music to sing. I'm just before your time (I guess), and spent many an hour at a musical library in Lincoln Center.... going through the scores, show by show, trying to find some interesting and seldom used cuts. And auditioning AT the theaters! OMIGOSH, the memories! Walking alone onto the stage of the Winter Garden on only my 2nd day in New York, looking out at that almost empty auditorium, and then hearing Joel Grey ask me for my name. 44 years later, and I still shake at the memory of feeling "I'm home".

[@DMCMT01]

"We all wanna be Sutton Foster" Me: Buh-but I wanna be Raul Esparza

[@NoahLindquist96]

Seth, I have a question about 16 bar cuts. Do they always need to be exactly 16 bars? How much give or take would be acceptable?

[@JoeHarkinsHimself]

Noah Lindquist Since Seth has not answered you, I will share what I have heard from every Casting Director I have heard answer the question. 16 bars is just way of saying your entire time in the room should not exceed two minutes. So between your hello and telling the accompanist any details you want him to know (skips, tempo, etc) and your "thank you for hearing me today" your song should probably be about one minute long. Of course if they invite you to stay and talk or (be still my heart) actually sing another song - you stay until they say "thank you" - which audition protocol says is always your cue to leave. However, I have heard horror stories - rarely - where the accompanist stops literally at 16 bars even if there are only 2 or 3 more bars to your big last note. So I preclude that in my instructions to the accompanist by pointing out exactly where I will start and exactly where i will finish. Then I state the tempo I want. By your manner you making it plain that if he has questions or objections, that's the moment to offer them. After that moment, this is YOUR audition and the piano player is there to support you.

[@seanaanderson2194]

Thank you so much. One of the first songs I auditioned with in the early '80s was The Rose. The director (thank God also a friend) pulled me aside and told me never to sing a famous song because no matter how good I was, I'd never be as great as, for example, Bette Midler. That advice served me well over the next 20 years. By the way, thank you and James for being there morning and evening during this pandemic. Much love.

[@broadwaymike92]

You're the best Seth. I have to say I've been learning to choose better songs for my brand and my voice.

[@peevish2111]

Omg omg it’s great gits great oh no now I’m depressed and bored

[@andyp5067]

thank you sir!! i’m a young actor and this was very helpful. my theatre teacher always told me to look above the casting directors, haha.

[@Mackwonza]

I love, love, love Seth and his videos. Hilarious, excellent advice, and so entertaining!

[@TenorReacts]

Thanks Seth, you're a life saver!

[@hannahortizstrauss8950]

I love Seth so much! I wish I could have gone to one of his Master Classes.

[@learntogrow6861]

You are the absolute best

[@TheOddree]

10/10 tips :)

[@VHF.brunoverdoni]

Really love your educated and humorous take:)))) I wish I was in NY. I USED to be a singer - just straight acting since. and I MIGHT audition for a musical and need to be prepared - it'll be original material I believe. Would you know anyone her in TORONTO who could help me out. Thank you Bruno Verdoni (imdb)

[@misskikixxxx]

Well what's exactly a GOOD Audition song?

[@laurarose8154]

thanks. its the little things that make the difference- if you got the big things of course!

[@themajono1196]

I'm watching this before my musical audition in my highschool. I'm a freshmen and I'm going for the part of pugsley addams from Addams family, this really helped.

[@merissastarmsp4132]

How'd it go? :)

[@mariahnagle]

I'm a freshman too. Auditioning for Pippin and hoping for Catherine... Wish me luck :)

[@JAHinHK]

+MariahNagle Good luck to both of you. I'm a 42 year old banker in HK and I'm watching this because it's a fascinating look into a world I'll never know. Plus this guy is hilarious.

[@maciegoodspeed4097]

true! I'm a freshman in my home town, and next year they're doing The Addams Family. going in for Wednesday!

[@williamledbetter2223]

Seth, it's been YEARS since I played in your pit orchestra for 'The Apple Tree', and again with 'Company' (I think you were conducting?). Anyway, it's wonderful to see nothing has changed - you are the same amazing, passionate, crazy-wonderful person. Thank you for these audition tips. As a 'straight' actor, I used to pull the last 16 bars of 'Soliloquy' as my big voice, and 'losing my mind' as my lyric. Much love and take care!

[@SethTV]

BILL!!!!! So great to hear from you!! Totally remember THE APPLE TREE and your trumpet playing!!!

[@williamledbetter2223]

@@SethTV I'm honored and impressed you remember! If travel is ever permitted again, you always have a place to stay if you are visiting Singapore. Would love to host you.

[@sophia212]

OKay so anyone can answer this like Seth or just anyone that knows. Is the song Maybe from Annie a good audition song for Matilda the Musical? It's a 16 bar cut and I got the exact CD. It starts with "Betcha he reads" and ends with a long "Maybeeeee"

[@Mxyzptlksac]

I was a theater student in NYC in1988 and part of out time there was spent watching auditions... if I heard On My Own one more time... the en Vogue says nags annoyed me

[@taylorwiseman8078]

How do I find the key for my voice? I don't even know what voice type I have or anything, I just sing along until I like how I sound. I'd very much like to think I sound good, but I have *no* idea.

[@madswags58]

Another audition flop story: rehearsing your music in a totally different key then breaking out into whistle tones on the climax of “Memory” from Cats...a moment that will live in embarrassing infamy.

[@palmerdavis101]

Video class for us west coasters? I'd pay for video of class. Although I get other people may not want to be on tape. But I'd take you!!! Cheers from Palmer, we go way back to Mrs. Santa Clause. Love your videos!!!!!

[@Herfinnur]

That looking above people's heads thing bothers the hell out of me, but aaaaall vocal teachers and coaches are agressively militant about that, to the point where even singing colleagues will scold me for not doing it

[@morganirbs2523]

I’m in the unfortunate place where I am having to audition for a JRB show and my only options is really The Last Five Years from Cathy’s songs 💀✨ Meaning I’ve got Summer In Ohio which isn’t the vibe of the show. Still Hurting which is pretty overdone, Part Of That which is wonderful but hard to find a cut and also weird in my range, and then See I’m Smiling which is also hard to find a cut! Like for Sondheim, with JRB you gotta audition with a JRB show 😮‍💨

[@marionmarkham660]

I worked with you during the S. Lazarus days- you were helpful then, you're helpful now and after years of hearing you on Sirius, is great to see your virtual reactions. Thanks for good info and laughs!

[@andyp5067]

thank you sir!! i’m a young actor and this was very helpful. my theatre teacher always told me to look above the casting directors, haha.

[@BetterOffRead]

GAHHH, you make me laugh. Seth: A One Man Show, please.

[@godstenor770]

I going to America got talent in Jan can I do the phantom of the opera

[@sarah_cary]

SETH! I have to attend your masterclass!

[@javimu111]

Seth: I was so entertained by this. I'm here in LA. Good for you, sir. You're amazing and you explain it all so well!

[@byron9727]

Omg how isn’t everyone on the whole world totally in love with you I could just watch your videos for hours if I didn’t have to actually do other things

[@osahju914]

What song is he singing at 3:15. “Oh man, oh man?”

[@PabloLopez-rp7lq]

What song is he referencing that was sung a lot by men in the 80's?

[@TyHarrellShow]

Thanks for the tips and the great sense of humor.

[@katienoelh]

"No! I was beautiful! She sucked!"