Audition days involve sitting around all day for a chance to sing for five minutes, often with no indication of how long you might be required to wait. How do you prepare for such a hectic, unpredictable day? Create your very own audition survival kit!

An Organized Music Binder

A good binder is the foundation of a good audition. Make your pianist's job easy by separating your audition pieces with binder tabs, clearly marking all of your cuts, and providing clean, readable copies of your music. Double check the three hole punches in your binder to make sure that none of the music will fall out when your pianist turns a page, and use reinforcements if necessary.

Water Bottle

During a long day of singing, it's important to stay hydrated. Make sure you always have a spill-proof water bottle that is easily accessible in your audition bag. Watch out for bottle tops that might smear your makeup or spill water out of the side when you take a drink. Random spills and smudges are the last things you want to worry about right before you sing. 

Extra Shoes

If you are planning to wear heels or dress shoes during your audition, bring along a comfortable pair of shoes that you can wear while you wait. A simple, flexible pair of black ballet flats will go with most outfits and will save your feet from blisters. The less time you have to spend standing in your audition shoes during the day, the less your feet will hurt when it is time to sing.

Something To Write With

Most auditions require you to fill out some sort of paperwork before auditioning, so make sure you bring something to write with. It's generally a good idea to carry both a pencil and a pen, especially if you are at a graduate school audition where you might be asked to sit for placement tests on-site. 

Snacks

It can be hard to find food at an audition, so make sure to bring your own snacks. Bring something healthy, easily portable, and clean; crumbs and audition outfits do not mix well. Some good snack ideas include grapes, apple slices, carrots, and granola bites. 

Headphones

With so many people milling about at an audition, it can be difficult to get any time alone. Give yourself a chance to focus and collect your thoughts by listening to a pre-audition playlist on your phone with a good pair of headphones. Create a calming playlist to soothe any frazzled nerves or create a pump-up playlist to get you excited to sing!

Makeup

If you're wearing makeup to your audition, make sure you bring your makeup with you so you can touch up your face during the day. Lipstick especially has a tendency to disappear, so keep an extra tube in your bag.

Extra Tights

Tights always develop runs at the worst moments, which means that your tights will probably run in the middle of your audition day. Don't run the risk of singing with an unsightly hole on your leg - invest in an extra pair of tights.

Don't waste time and energy at an audition worrying about the little things; by planning ahead and packing a well-equipped bag, you can focus instead on the audition itself. Take out the unnecessary stress and be prepared to sing your best!