Audition (performing arts)

An audition is a sample performance by an actor, singer, dancer or other performing artist. It is used in the casting process to demonstrate the level and range of a performer's talent. It functions as a job interview for the performing arts. A typical audition involves the performer displaying their talent through a previously-memorized and rehearsed solo piece; a monologue for actors or a song for a singer.

The audition piece is typically not from the show being considered; an actor wishing to be cast in Hamlet would not likely do a monologue from that play. However, most performers do have a range of audition pieces and select something appropriate; an actor auditioning for Hamlet would have a dramatic Shakespearean monologue ready, and not perform a monologue from an Oscar Wilde comedy, or a contemporary playwright, such as Tom Stoppard. Similarly, a singer auditioning for a role in a musical theatre production would not sing opera or country music.

Some auditions involve cold reading, or performing a script that the actor is not familar with. This is similar to many dance auditions, in which the focus is on learning new choreography, rather than showcasing prepared work.

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