Stop the Showboating: Why Less is More in Your Audition

By Victor Lopez

I've spent three decades in the audition room, and while I’ve seen some incredible talent, I’ve also seen one mistake stop a performer dead in their tracks: over-singing and over-acting. As the owner of Lopez Studios Inc. Performing Arts School in Reston, Virginia, I know that every performer wants to give it their all. But in the fast-paced world of auditions, first impressions are everything. You have a fleeting moment to connect with the adjudicators and draw them into your world. Unfortunately, many aspiring performers mistake "giving it their all" for showcasing every vocal run or dramatic gesture they're capable of. This often stems from a desire to impress externally, rather than focusing on the fundamental task: telling the story and embodying the character from the inside out.

The Root Cause: A Focus on External Talent

From amateur auditions to professional Broadway-level tryouts, I've seen the same pattern. Performers who over-sing and over-act are usually not focusing on telling the story. Instead, they are externally trying to show their gifts and talents. They believe that their talent is a product to be displayed, not a tool to be used in service of the character and the script. This comes from a place of insecurity or a misunderstanding of what a compelling performance truly is. They're trying to prove their worth with every note and every move, without starting from the inside—understanding the character's heart. This disconnect prevents the adjudicators from stepping into their world, leaving them on the outside looking in.

Real-Life Lessons from the Audition Room

I've coached countless students who have fallen into this trap. But with a little guidance, they found the power in simplicity and authenticity.

I remember one talented young singer, we'll call her Sophia. She had a powerful voice and could hit every high note with ease. During her audition for a lead role in a musical, she chose a beautiful, emotional ballad. But instead of letting the story of the song unfold, she added extra vocal runs and pushed her voice on every sustained note, turning the performance into a series of vocal gymnastics. The audition panel looked impressed by her skill, but they were not moved by the character's journey.

I sat with Sophia and asked her, "Who are you singing this to? What are you trying to tell them?" We spent the next two weeks stripping away the embellishments. I had her focus on a single person and a single emotion. When she re-auditioned, she sang with a quiet, heartfelt sincerity. She didn't hit a single extra note, and the panel was captivated. She didn't just showcase her voice; she told a story, and it landed her the role.

Then there was Liam—we'll call him Liam. He was a brilliant young actor with a commanding presence. His monologue for a dramatic play was full of big gestures, shouting, and exaggerated expressions. He was trying to show the panel every ounce of his dramatic range in the first 30 seconds. While his energy was undeniable, it felt like he was performing for an audience in the back row of a massive theater, not for three people sitting 10 feet away.

My advice to Liam was simple: "Speak to me as if we were just having a conversation." We worked on internalizing the character's feelings and letting the emotion drive his words, not his arms. I had him practice his monologue in a whisper to force him to connect with the truth of the words. In his next audition, he performed with a quiet intensity that was far more powerful than his previous attempts. The adjudicators leaned in, and he commanded their full attention. He realized that a simple, truthful performance can fill a room more effectively than a loud or flashy one.

The Pitfalls of Over-Singing and Over-Acting in Auditions

When you over-sing or over-act, you inadvertently create a barrier between yourself and the audition panel. Instead of inviting them to experience the character's journey with you, you push them to the sidelines, making them feel like they're observing a performance rather than being a part of it. This often manifests as:

• Distraction from the Story: Excessive vocal acrobatics or exaggerated movements pull focus away from the emotional core of the song or scene. The adjudicators end up listening to your technique rather than the character's motivations.
• Loss of Authenticity: True connection comes from genuine emotion. When you're constantly trying to "show off" your gifts, your performance can feel forced and inauthentic, a hollow imitation of what it could be.
• Misinterpretation of Character: Audition panels are looking for performers who can understand and convey the nuances of a character. Over-acting can make a character seem one-dimensional or even cartoonish, rather than complex and relatable.
• Vocal Strain and Poor Technique: In an effort to impress, some singers push their voices beyond their comfortable range or attempt intricate riffs they haven't fully mastered, leading to vocal strain and detracting from their overall sound.

Steps to Conquer Over-Singing and Over-Acting

So, how can you avoid these common pitfalls and make a more impactful impression? It all comes down to returning to the basics and trusting your inherent talent.

1. Embrace the Story First: Before you even think about vocal embellishments or dramatic flair, truly understand the narrative of your song or scene. What is the character's objective? What are their relationships? What is the arc of their journey? Focus on conveying that above all else.
2. Connect with the Character's Inner World: Instead of trying to outwardly show emotions, tap into what the character is feeling. What are their internal thoughts and struggles? When you genuinely feel what the character feels, your performance will naturally become authentic and nuanced.
3. Trust Your Voice (and Your Talent): You've trained hard, and your talent is undeniable. You don't need to prove it with every note or every gesture. Trust that your natural vocal quality and your inherent understanding of character are enough. Let your voice serve the story, not the other way around.
4. Practice Thoughtful Dynamics: Instead of singing everything at full volume, explore the dynamic range of your voice. When are moments for quiet vulnerability? When does the character need to project power? Thoughtful dynamics will make your performance more engaging and truthful.
5. Rehearse with Intention, Not Exhibition: During your practice, focus on intention behind every word and every movement. Ask yourself, "Why am I doing this here?" If the answer is "to show off," then it's time to re-evaluate.
6. Seek Objective Feedback: Work with a trusted coach, like those at Lopez Studios Inc., who can offer an outside perspective. We can help you identify areas where you might be pushing too hard and guide you back to a more grounded, authentic performance.

Your Pre-Audition Power-Up: A Simple Checklist

Before you walk into that audition room, take a moment to reset your mind and body. This quick checklist will help you focus on the truth of your performance, so you don't fall into the trap of over-singing or over-acting.

• The "One-Inch" Performance: Sing or say your piece as if you are talking to someone just one inch from your face. This forces you to be incredibly honest and removes any temptation to play to the back of the room.
• Find Your Anchor: Identify one key person, object, or memory that your character is talking to. Focus all your emotion and intention on that anchor. This keeps you grounded and prevents your energy from scattering.
• Whisper It Out: Before you do your full-volume performance, rehearse your piece in a whisper. This simple exercise forces you to rely on the emotional and textual meaning of the words, rather than the power of your voice or gestures.
• Breathe and Release: Take a deep breath right before you begin. This isn't just for calming your nerves; it's a physical reminder to be in the present moment. Release the need to be perfect and just be the character.

The Audition Advantage: Letting Them In

By stopping the cycle of over-singing and over-acting, you're not diminishing your performance; you're elevating it. You're creating space for the adjudicators to truly connect with you and the character. Instead of feeling like they're on the outside looking in, they'll be drawn into your world, experiencing the story with you. This genuine connection is what truly makes a memorable audition and significantly increases your chances of landing the role.

Remember, the goal of an audition is not to overwhelm, but to invite. It's about showcasing your ability to serve the material with honesty, depth, and a compelling performance that resonates. Don't just sing or act; be the story. Trust in your preparation, believe in your talent, and let your authentic self shine through. Ready to refine your audition technique and unlock your full potential? At Lopez Studios Inc. Performing Arts School, we empower aspiring performers to master the art of the authentic audition. Visit our website or contact us today to learn how our personalized coaching can help you captivate any audition panel!

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