Shall We Dance? Live Auditions, Prescreens, and Being Yourself at a Dance Call with Marjorie Failoni

Written By: Chelsea and Cynthia

Dance prescreens are a pivotal part of the college audition process for musical theater programs. For some students, this may feel like an opportunity to shine; for others, it can feel intimidating—especially if dance isn’t their strongest area. To demystify this process, we turned to Marjorie Failoni, Associate Program Director and Dance Coach for Broadway Vocal Coach’s Aspire Program. Drawing from her Broadway experience and years of teaching, Marjorie shares everything you need to know about preparing a standout dance prescreen and tackling live auditions with confidence.

Question: Marjorie, can you start by sharing your background and how you became involved in musical theater and dance coaching?

A: Of course! I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, which has an incredible arts community. I started dancing at four years old, and my love for musical theater began when I played Molly in Annie at the Muny at age eight. That experience solidified my passion for the stage. I later earned a BFA in musical theater from the University of Michigan, which prepared me for my professional career.

After graduation, I toured nationally in productions like Disney’s High School Musical and 9 to 5, and eventually made my Broadway debut in Escape to Margaritaville. Now, I balance performing with teaching, choreographing, and mentoring students. Helping young performers build confidence and showcase their strengths has become one of the most fulfilling parts of my career.

Q: Let’s dive into prescreens. What are the basic requirements for the dance portion of a musical theater prescreen?

A: Most schools ask for a 30–60 second video that showcases specific technical elements: a turn, a leap or jump, and some form of extension or rotation. The goal is to highlight where you are in your dance journey. You don’t need to be perfect, but you should demonstrate clarity, precision, and confidence in the skills you choose to include.

Q: What’s the most important thing for students to convey in their dance prescreens?

A: Personality is absolutely key! Schools want to see who you are as a performer. Your energy, joy, and unique style should come through in your movement. It’s not just about technical execution; it’s about storytelling. Think of your prescreen as another opportunity to connect with the panel and give them a glimpse of what makes you special.

Q: What advice do you have for students who don’t consider themselves strong dancers? How can they still shine in their prescreens?

A: First, remember that schools aren’t expecting perfection—they’re looking for potential. Choose movements that feel comfortable and showcase what you can do well. It’s better to perform a simple sequence cleanly than attempt something overly ambitious and struggle with execution.

Focus on storytelling, musicality, and confidence. Even if your technique isn’t advanced, your ability to express emotion and connect with the music can make a lasting impression.

Q: How do you approach creating a dance prescreen for your students?

A: I start by getting to know each student—their training, comfort level with dance, and goals for the process. I usually teach a couple of combinations to gauge their strengths. Then, we tailor the choreography to highlight what they do best.

Music selection is another important step. I recommend songs that resonate with the student, often from the musical theater canon for storytelling purposes. However, contemporary or pop tracks can work too if they feel inspiring. The key is that the music energizes the student and brings out their best performance.

Q: Is a ballet combination always required?

A: Many schools do require a short ballet combination as part of the prescreen. This typically includes foundational elements like pliés, tendus, grand battements, and pirouettes. Even if ballet isn’t your strong suit, having a basic understanding of technique is helpful. For students without much ballet training, we simplify the choreography while still demonstrating clean lines and control.

Q: What if a student doesn’t have a dance coach?

A: That’s totally okay! If you’re choreographing your own piece, stick to movements you feel confident executing. You can also use existing footage, like a solo from a school musical or a competition routine, as long as it clearly features you. Be sure to credit any choreographers in your slate. The most important thing is to present a polished, authentic performance.

Q: Learning choreography on the spot can be stressful. What strategies can students use to handle this in live auditions?

A: Start by identifying your beginning and ending positions—these are your anchor points. Even if you lose track of the choreography in between, you’ll have a clear way to recover.

Pay attention to musical markers in the routine, like big accents or shifts in the music. These can help you stay oriented. Most importantly, don’t let small mistakes throw you off. Commit to your performance, focus on storytelling, and keep your energy up. Panels care more about your ability to adapt and engage than about perfect execution.

Q: How can students improve their ability to pick up choreography quickly?

A: Practicing short combinations regularly is a great way to build this skill. Try learning dances from TikTok or following online tutorials. Focus on retaining movement patterns and quickly transitioning between steps. The more you practice this, the more confident you’ll feel in a live audition setting.

Q: What should students wear for their prescreen or live auditions?

A: For prescreens, wear something form-fitting so the panel can clearly see your lines. This doesn’t have to be a leotard and tights—it could be leggings and a fitted tank top. Choose colors that complement your skin tone and feel true to your personality.

For live auditions, bring all required shoes, like ballet flats, jazz shoes, or character heels. Test your outfit in advance to make sure it’s comfortable and allows for full movement. Feeling confident in what you’re wearing makes a huge difference in your performance.

Q: What are your tips for students who don’t have access to a dance studio? Where can they film their prescreens?

A: You can get creative with filming locations! Some great options include school gyms, church halls, or even a clear section of your living room or garage. Make sure the space is well-lit and allows for full-body framing. If you’re filming outside, pay attention to the ground surface and lighting conditions to ensure a clean, professional-looking video.

Q: To wrap up, what’s your biggest piece of advice for students preparing for dance auditions?

A: Be yourself and let your personality shine. The audition process isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing potential and individuality. If you make a mistake, keep going with confidence and commit to your performance. Schools want to see who you are as a person and a performer.

Remember, this process is part of your journey, not the end goal. Celebrate every step, and trust that you’re growing as a performer with each audition.

With Marjorie’s expert advice, students can approach their dance prescreens and auditions with clarity, confidence, and excitement. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just starting out, your unique personality and story are what make your performance memorable. Trust your preparation, stay true to yourself, and embrace the process!