5 Essential Tips for a Successful Show Choir Audition

If you have a passion for singing and performing, then a show choir might just be the right fit for you. Show choirs put on intricate live performances that involve both singing and dancing. The spectacle of it all makes it not only a wonderful performance to see as an audience member, but a great thing to be a part of as a performer.

For those who dream of show choir glory, the audition process can feel extremely intimidating and daunting. Many people erroneously believe that any slight mistake or flaw will be met with scorn and ridicule from those overseeing the audition.

The truth is that while show choirs certainly have a tough audition process, you won’t have anything to fear if you’re properly prepared. Here are five essential tips for a successful show choir audition.

1. Choose The Perfect Piece With Which To Audition

Many people make the mistake of auditioning with an extremely difficult piece of music. The idea is that if they can strain their voice to hit those high notes just once, the audition judges will let them in and then they’ll be able to sing parts more appropriate for their range and capabilities.

This is a bad idea for many reasons. Not only will you be presenting a false version of your talents, but if you have to strain to hit a note, it probably doesn’t sound as good as you think it does. Instead, choose a song that showcases your unique voice, not one that you have to strain to perform. What the judges care most about is seeing your unique personality and getting a sense of how you’d fit into the choir.

2. Practice Makes Perfect

The majority of show choir performers are singers who’ve learned how to dance rather than dancers who are trying their best to sing. Keep this in mind when you enter your audition, but do spend a good amount of time in the weeks leading up to the audition practicing your dance routine. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it needs to be good enough to convince the judges that you’re capable of mastering choreography.

3. Smile, Smile, Smile!

Most show choir directors, if given the choice between a decent singer with a winning personality or an amazing singer with no stage presence, would choose the former every time. There have been numerous show choir auditions where the singing was impeccable but the individual wasn’t chosen because they had no warmth or life to them. You can overcome a sour note or a missed step with a big smile that convinces the judges that you have the right personality for the stage.

4. Be Mindful of Your Nerves

It’s impossible to snap your fingers and suddenly not be nervous if your stomach is in knots. If that were possible, no one on planet earth would have a fear of public speaking. While you can’t suddenly force yourself to not be a bundle of nerves, you can indeed control how those nerves are channeled. Try to turn your nervous energy into enthusiastic energy. Instead of panicking that you’re going to mess up, focus on the excitement of finally getting to perform the routine that you’ve been practicing for weeks.

5. Take Care Of Your Health

For a competitive show choir audition, you need a healthy body and a healthy voice. In the weeks leading up to your audition, try to eat clean and exercise to ensure that you’ll be light on your feet when you’re dancing. You don’t need to shed a hundred pounds, but it’s amazing how much lighter you can feel after only a few weeks of healthy eating and activity.

When it comes to your voice, warm up regularly and stay hydrated. If you want to go the extra mile, try to minimize the amount of speaking you do in the days leading up to your big moment. You don’t have to be silent, but giving your voice a break is always a good idea before a singing audition.

Auditions are always scary, but it helps if you feel prepared and ready for the big day. If you follow this guide, you’re sure to have a successful show choir audition.