Building Your Audition Book: Your Ticket to the Stage

By Victor Lopez

For years, I've coached vocal students, helping them prepare for college and professional auditions at Lopez Studios Inc. Performing Arts School. One of the most important tools we build together is the audition book. This isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a strategic and professional tool that can make or break an audition. A well-prepared book shows casting directors and music directors that you are not just a talented singer, but a serious artist ready for the stage. Every performer, from high school students to seasoned professionals, needs an audition book because it represents their professionalism, preparedness, and versatility. It ensures you're ready for any situation, whether you're asked for a specific style of song or a different cut on the spot.

What Broadway Expects from Your Audition Book

When you walk into a professional audition, you're expected to be ready. The music director has a limited amount of time, and your audition book is your first impression. Here’s what they're looking for:

Professionalism: Your book should be a clean, sturdy 3-ring binder. No tattered pages, no loose sheets, or personal notes that could confuse the accompanist.
Clarity: The sheet music must be legible and easy to read. The accompanist is often sight-reading your piece for the first time.
Organization: Every song should be in a page protector, and multi-page songs should be taped together in an "accordion style" to eliminate page turns. A table of contents is a must for quick access.
Preparedness: You must have a range of songs ready. You might be asked for a different song on the spot, and fumbling through your book is not an option.

Selecting and Preparing Your Song Cuts

Choosing the right cut of a song is a strategic skill that showcases your talent efficiently. This is the part of your audition that truly demonstrates your vocal and acting ability in a condensed format.

The "Rule of Three": For every song in your book, you should have three versions prepared: a 16-bar cut, a 32-bar cut, and the full song.

16-Bar Cut: This is for "cattle call" style auditions where they need to see a lot of people quickly. Its purpose is to get the casting director interested enough to call you back.
32-Bar Cut: This is the most common audition length. It gives you enough time to tell a mini-story and show off your vocal range and emotional depth.
Full Song: This is reserved for callbacks, where they want to see the full scope of your performance.

How to Select the Perfect Cut:

Find the Story Arc: Your cut, no matter the length, should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. It should tell a complete story. Avoid choosing a section that feels random or unfinished.
Start Strong: The first few bars of your cut should grab the listener's attention. Don't start with a slow, meandering intro. The moment you begin, you should be in character and in the moment.
Show Your Vocal Strengths: The cut must showcase the best parts of your voice. If you have a powerful belt, make sure that section is included. If your strength is a clear, high head voice, show it off.
End with a Bang: Your cut should build to a climax and end cleanly. Don't just fade out or stop awkwardly. The last note should leave a lasting impression.

Preparing Your Sheet Music:

Clearly Mark Your Cuts: Use a highlighter to mark the specific start and end points of your 16-bar and 32-bar cuts. This is crucial for the accompanist.
Add Specific Notes: Use a pencil to write in any specific instructions for the pianist, such as "faster tempo," "slower here," or "hold for drama." These notes should be minimal and legible.
No Page Turns! As mentioned before, tape your sheet music together in an accordion fold. This is non-negotiable for a professional audition book. The last thing you want is the pianist fumbling with pages while you are singing.

What NOT to Include and What NOT to Do

Just as important as knowing what to include is understanding what to avoid. These common mistakes can derail your audition before you even sing a note.

Things NOT to Include:

Illegible Music: Don't use photocopies of photocopies, or music with messy, handwritten notes all over it. The pianist needs to read the notes and markings clearly.
Random, Loose Pages: Avoid any loose sheets of paper or music that could fall out. Everything should be securely in a page protector and in your binder.
Lead Sheets (with exceptions): Unless you are a professional who can provide a separate part for the accompanist, avoid using lead sheets (just the melody and chords). A music director expects a fully arranged piano/vocal score.
Sticky Notes and Unnecessary Markings: While a few small, neat markings for cuts are okay, avoid putting sticky notes or excessive personal scribbles on the music.

Things NOT to Do:

Forget Your Key: Know your song's key and have the sheet music in that key. Don't bring a song and ask the pianist to transpose it on the spot.
Have Page Turns: You should never, ever have a page turn for the accompanist during a short cut (like a 16 or 32-bar cut). Tape pages together in an accordion fold.
Bring the Wrong Cut: Make sure your sheet music clearly shows the exact cut you plan to sing. Mark the start and end points with a highlighter.
Choose "Overdone" Songs: While a few classics are okay, having a book full of songs like "On My Own" or "Defying Gravity" can make you seem unprepared or lacking in originality. Find unique songs that showcase your voice and acting.

The Steps for Building a Professional Book

The Binder: Use a sturdy, black 1-inch to 1.5-inch 3-ring binder. Place a headshot and a copy of your resume in a sheet protector at the front.
The Table of Contents: Create a typed Table of Contents. This is a simple but highly effective way to show you are organized and professional.
Organize by Category: Divide your book with tabs by musical theater era or genre (e.g., Golden Age, Traditional, Contemporary, Pop/Rock). This helps you find the right song quickly.
Cuts are Key: For each song, prepare a 16-bar cut, a 32-bar cut, and the full song. Highlight the cuts on the sheet music.
Secure Your Music: Put each song in its own page protector. For multi-page songs, tape the protectors together in an accordion fold.
Placing Your Resume/Head Shot: For the most professional presentation, you should place your headshot and resume in a clear page protector at the very beginning of your binder, before the table of contents and any sheet music. This makes it the first thing a casting or music director sees when they open your book.

Your audition book is a living representation of your dedication and talent. It’s a tool that should evolve with you as an artist. Taking the time to build a professional book shows every person in the audition room that you are serious about your craft. It’s your handshake, your introduction, and your silent promise that you are ready to perform.

If you need guidance in building a book that truly showcases your unique abilities, we are here to help. At Lopez Studios Inc. Performing Arts School, we specialize in helping performers curate and prepare their audition materials for success at every level. Contact us today to start building your ticket to the stage!

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