Editor's Note: Dear Deborah is a new column running every month in AMG. If you would like to
submit a question to Deborah, email info@athenamagazineforgirls.com with "Dear Deborah" in
the subject line. Not all questions can be answered, however, if your question is chosen, only your
first name, age, and state will be published.

Dear Deborah,

I want to try out for my school play in the fall, but I'm really nervous.
I've never done it before. I don't want to look stupid. How should I get
ready for it?

~ Lakeya, 15, Chicago


                   Dear Lakeya,

                   Welcome to the world of theatre! I commend you for
                   thinking this far in advance. This leaves you with
                   plenty of preparation time, preparation is the key to
                   any audition.

                  To begin, you need to find out as much as you can about your
school audition. Talk to some of the drama students or better yet the
drama teacher. Specifically, find out if you are auditioning for a musical
or a play and also what is required of you at the audition.

Generally speaking, a musical audition has three elements. First, is
singing. You will need to come in with 16 bars of music. The best music
selection will be something of the same style of the musical you are
auditioning.  (TIP: Start by looking at musicals written by the same
composer). Make sure you have the sheet music in the proper key and
practice, practice, practice.  

The second element of a musical audition is dance. Bring comfortable
clothes and shoes. If you feel adventurous try taking a dance class or two
before the audition. Third is reading, typically a scene from the musical.
(TIP: the performing arts section of your local library may have the
script. If so, give it a good read before the audition.)

Actors auditioning for a play are typically are asked to prepare a
monologue and may also be asked to read from the script. Try your
library for books on monologues—an appropriate selection will be one
similar to the character in the play you could believably portray. The
monologue should be memorized. Again, practice, practice, practice!

Become familiar with the play or musical for which you are
auditioning.  Watch videos, read about the characters on-line, get the
soundtrack –learn the show.  This will empower you at the audition. If
you think you could get a specific part go for it and be sure to keep that
character in mind when singing and reading.  

Just a note on school shows—older students tend to get the better parts as
do past participants. This should not discourage or intimidate you!  
Starting from now means you will be more prepared than the majority of
the other auditioners —find confidence in this and do your best.

Break a leg!!

~ Deborah