Episode #358
Air Date: March 20, 2025
In The Room-SINGERS
Casting Actors Cast – ECC & EPA Audition Tips
INTRO: Hey there, fabulous performers! Welcome back to Casting Actors Cast, the podcast that helps you navigate the wild world of auditions with confidence and skill. I’m Jeffrey Dreisbach, your casting director, teacher, and industry cheerleader, here to give you the inside scoop on what really goes down in the audition room.
Recently, I had the pleasure (and challenge) of sitting behind the table at both Equity Chorus Calls (ECCs) and Equity Principal Auditions (EPAs). Wow—I saw some fantastic talent! But I also noticed a few common habits that could be holding performers back from booking the job. So, let’s break it down. If you want to up your audition game, stay tuned because I’m about to share some audition gold!
Singing Audition Tips (ECCs)
1. Overacting and Oversinging – Less is More Big emotions and vocal theatrics might seem impressive, but they can quickly become overwhelming. Show authenticity and connection to the material rather than pushing too hard.
2. Clothing – Dress Smart, Not Distracting Wear something that makes you feel confident and allows you to breathe easily. Avoid overly formal outfits or anything that restricts your movement.
3. Listening to Yourself Instead of Investing in the Character Singers who focus too much on their technique instead of the story end up feeling disconnected. Make sure you’re emotionally present in the performance.
4. Choosing the Right Tempo – Let the Song Breathe Picking the right tempo is crucial. Too fast, and you lose phrasing. Too slow, and it can drag. Find a natural flow that complements the song’s storytelling.
5. Don’t Show the Effort of Your Singing Technique Great singers make it look easy. If your face is tense or you seem strained, it distracts from the performance. Keep your technique under control and let the sound flow effortlessly.
6. Don’t Look at the Team During or After the Last Note Looking directly at the casting team can feel awkward for everyone. Keep your focus in the world of your song and maintain presence without making eye contact.
7. Watching Yourself Sing – Avoid Over-Self-Awareness Like dancers checking the mirror, singers who seem overly conscious of themselves feel disconnected. Let go and perform instead of analyzing yourself in real time.
8. Tablets and Accompanists – Paper is Better While tablets are convenient, they can be difficult for accompanists to navigate. Page-turning delays and screen glare can disrupt the flow of the music. A well-prepared, printed copy is best.
9. Health Excuses Before the Audition – Own Your Performance If you’re feeling under the weather, keep it to yourself. Announcing vocal issues beforehand draws attention to weaknesses rather than strengths. Do your best and let us decide.
10. Should Your Song Be From the Show? Unless specifically requested, avoid singing a song from the show. It can invite direct comparisons to how the role is traditionally performed.
11. Confidence Creates a Confident Audition Your energy affects how we see you. Walk in knowing you’re meant to be there. A confident performer is much more engaging than a tentative one.
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