How to Prepare for College Auditions: A Guide for Musical Theatre Teens and Their Parents

Written by: Julie Kavanagh

Preparing for college auditions in musical theatre can feel overwhelming, but with the right plan in place, you can navigate the process with confidence. In this guide, we share key steps to help you get ready for college auditions and set yourself up for success. Whether you are a high school student or a parent, these tips will help you build a strong foundation as you look ahead at your audition process.

1. Invest in Your Training 

One of the most important steps in preparing for college auditions is focusing on your technique and training. Immerse yourself in educational opportunities to help you build your skill set. This can mean: 

• Taking voice lessons to improve your singing technique
• Attending dance classes to strengthen your movement skills and ability to pick up choreography quickly 
• Participating in acting workshops to refine your stage presence and ability to approach various texts  
• Performing in your school shows to get additional onstage experience

Take advantage of opportunities around you. There are also many free resources that can be found online to support the continuation of your training, no matter your budget! By investing time into training, you sharpen the tools in your toolbox. This preparation will not only build your confidence but also help you deliver a strong performance during your auditions.

2. Research and Build Your School List

Understanding the right musical theatre program for you is crucial. Start by researching different colleges and universities that offer musical theatre degrees. Consider the following:

• What type of degree are you interested in? (BFA, BA, or BM)
• What kind of program do you want? (Conservatory or Liberal Arts)
• What is the faculty like?
• What are their alumni doing? 
• What typical college experiences are important to you? (Study abroad, football games, Greek life, etc) 

Building a comprehensive "school list" early in the process gives you time to understand each program and make informed decisions. It also gives you the ability to build a varied “school list” (schools that range from highly competitive to non-audition based) that you feel confident in. This research is a vital step toward matching your goals with the right school.

3. Familiarize yourself with different types of Material

Your audition material is key to not only showcasing your skills but also making a great impression. Begin by:

• Visiting your local library and reading plays
• Researching different musicals and the performers who made them famous
• Listening to multiple interpretations of your favorite roles and songs

By exposing yourself to a variety of material, you can start to understand what resonates with you and what best showcases your talents. This early exploration helps guide your selection of audition pieces when the time comes.

4. Prepare Early 

Time flies, and the end of your junior year is the perfect time to compile essential materials for your college auditions. Consider these tasks:

• Letters of Recommendation: Ask for these early (April of your Junior year) so your teachers can plan ahead and you are not rushed when deadlines approach.
• Keep a well-organized list or folder of research on schools, application deadlines, and audition requirements.
• Start brainstorming for your wildcard video and essays: It’s not too early to start thinking about what skills and passions outside of musical theatre showcase who you are! Start a note or a journal in which you can jot down your passions and extracurricular activities. Then, when it comes to crafting these supplemental materials, you already have a jumping-off point. 

By preparing these elements early, you set yourself up for a smooth transition into the audition season and reduce last-minute stress.

5. Join a Supportive Program

The college audition process is complex, and having expert guidance can make all the difference. At Broadway Vocal Coach, our Aspire program provides a comprehensive, all-inclusive approach to college audition prep. With Aspire, you receive personalized coaching, help building your repertoire, and step-by-step support through every part of the process.

Ready to get started on your college audition journey? Here are a few ways to take the next step:

•  Download our FREE Getting Started Guide to kickstart your preparation.
  • Watch the FREE Junior Jumpstart Replay for insider tips and expert advice.
  • If you're a high school junior interested in our college prep program, book a FREE 30-minute consult to learn how we can help you shine. 

Take control of your future—start preparing today!