Broadway is the benchmark by which all other theatre productions in the US are measured. As the center of the theater industry in New York City, many actors, singers, and dancers aspire to land at least one Broadway role in their careers. The process of getting to Broadway-level performing is demanding, but it’s also predictable. Preparation, awareness of expectations, and consistency matter a lot more than luck alone.
Preparing for Your Broadway Audition
Preparation is the most vital aspect for any audition, but especially so for Broadway. Casting directors at this level often decide whether actors fit a role within seconds. That first impression is built upon a foundation of habits and choices made long before audition day.
Building Your Experience for Broadway
In the years and months leading up to your Broadway auditions NYC, you’ll need to craft your experience and skills to be worthy of the exclusive stage. Begin building your career step by step; most actors begin at a very young age, but with the right career moves, even older actors may be able to earn their way in.
Take a look at your favorite actors’ careers to get an idea of what paths you can pursue to reach Broadway. For example, Kristin Chenoweth began in community theatre before becoming a Broadway star. Audra McDonald also built her career through training and early stage work before becoming one of Broadway’s most respected performers.
What do successful Broadway actors have in common?
- An early start in school plays and/or community theatre
- Drama camps, lessons, workshops, clubs, and other performing-related extracurricular activities
- Formal training at drama schools, acting colleges, universities, or conservatory programs
- Consistent participation in productions, including regional theatre and touring productions
The skills successful actors acquire include stage presence, discipline, and how to be part of a cast, in addition to acting, singing, and dancing. Getting comfortable in front of an audience and developing unique acting strengths is only possible through real experience. Auditioning for musical theatre in your locality will give you the experience you need.
Meeting professionals and getting your name out in the performing arts scene in your city, even if it’s not New York City, is also invaluable. Building your name in any major city can make it easier to crossover to Broadway, should you have the means to meet the rehearsal and tour schedule.
Research and Selection
When it comes time to actually begin auditioning for Broadway, start by researching the productions you’re entering for. Look at the theatre company, director, and casting team to understand what’s expected for the role as well as the production team’s preferences.
Expectations for Broadway are unique, as are expectations for each production. A Shakespeare revival will require a different approach than a contemporary musical. Regional transfer actors will also need to adapt their approaches compared to places like Oregon or Santa Barbara.
A simple strategy for how to get on Broadway auditions requires focus on three main areas:
Focus on three main areas:
Is it classical, contemporary, or experimental theatre?
Understand age range, vocal type, and personality traits.
Is it part of a Broadway season, a limited run, or a workshop?
Understanding these elements helps you choose the right roles for your acting style, as well as audition material that will impress. For musical theatre auditions, select songs that fit with the show’s tone and avoid overused, cliché choices. If you choose a famous song, try giving your own rendition that speaks to your strengths rather than a reenactment of a famous performance. Casting teams want to know what unique interpretations you can offer, not how well you can copy someone else.
Auditions can vary by production. Usually, they are held year-round to prepare several shows per season. Check casting sites like Playbill, BroadwayWorld, and Backstage to find auditions and casting calls.
Make sure you have a few good options ready to go in case the team wants to hear something different. Research which productions will have a piano accompaniment and which will require acapella to choose your tunes wisely.
For acting auditions, choose monologues that demonstrate your range, but stay grounded. Generally, strong, clear pieces that display your center and give the casting team a good sense of your baseline are better than something overly dramatic or complex. It’s the same idea as wearing a distracting outfit to the casting call; if it’s too loud and distracting, they’ll have a hard time imagining you in anything else for the part. These tips will serve you anywhere, even in auditions in Phoenix.
Crafting Your Audition Materials
In addition to your monologues and musical numbers, actors must provide vital materials to give to the casting crew. They should be clear, professional, and easy to understand.
Headshots should clearly show your face without excessive editing. The photo should be simple and natural, rather than themed, and you should not be wearing too much makeup; the casting team needs to be able to envision you in the role, and obscuring your features distracts.
List your theatre credits, training, and relevant skills. Including your dance style specialties and vocal range can be helpful.
For singing auditions, bring sheet music clearly marked for accompanists. Cuts should be clean and easy to follow.
For yourself, bring printed copies of your monologues and music to review while waiting for the audition. It’s better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them! For many, especially new talent, it can be a great way to settle nerves.
Digital submissions are increasingly common. If you’re submitting a video audition online, be sure to provide a good-quality clip:
- Use good lighting and audio
- Frame yourself against a simple, neutral background
- Follow all audition instructions; don’t let the nature of the self-taped video fool you into thinking the rules are more relaxed
Being professional above all puts you in the casting crew’s good graces. Unpreparedness or lateness, or missing or incorrect material in-person or with online submissions, may lead to immediate rejection.
Rehearsal and Coaching
Rehearsal builds confidence and fluency. Practice your material before audition day until it feels natural and consistent without being forced. Your aim is not perfection but reliability and self-assurance.
A coach can give you valuable insight on how to audition for a Broadway musical. A trained eye (and ear) can identify habits you may be unaware of and provide solutions. An acting or voice coach can help you refine your pacing, diction, pronunciation, tone, projection, conviction, and physical presence. Breathing techniques and vocal warmups are vital for actors and singers alike, and a coach can help you develop those skills.
After countless auditions, the understanding that this is not the first or last audition of their lives takes a lot of the pressure off.
JV Mercanti, Broadway director
Your acting and body acting while singing should be natural to you and the character. Connecting with the emotions of the part is necessary.
Alone or with your coach, practice mock auditions to simulate the pressure you may feel on the day. Run through new but realistic material with limited preparation time to practice quick pivoting in the event the casting team wants to see more. Honing your skills this way can help you in auditions in Atlanta, Santa Barbara, New York, or anywhere else.
The Audition Day
The day of auditions often moves quickly. Understanding how the schedule and process work can help reduce anxiety and make you a more confident candidate. Your experience with auditions in other productions can help you approach the day with poise and conviction.
What to Expect
Broadway auditions in NYC may vary in size and structure depending on many factors. The size of the production, whether the audition is Equity or non-Equity, and other various elements can influence how audition day goes. Large, open auditions may feature large studios with long lines. Invite-only auditions may be smaller and more intimate.
Open or Equity Chorus Calls may require waiting several hours. In these cases, Equity performers may get priority, but they may still need to wait. Non-union actors risk not even getting an audience with the casting team, depending on how much time is left at the end of the day.
Most likely, your first audition for a Broadway musical will be a prescreen. This is a chance for the casting director, associate, or assistant to get the chance to know you and your work.
JV Mercanti, Broadway director
Try to get to the audition as early as possible to avoid the long wait and to see the casting team while they’re still fresh. Bring necessary materials with you, like your headshot, resume, and preparation materials. Also, bring water and snacks to stay sated while waiting. Gently warm your voice and body before your audition.
Here's an example of what an audition day schedule might look like:
Morning or Scheduled Time
Arrive Early
Arrive as early as possible, or at least 15-30 minutes before your scheduled slot to get settled and avoid delays.
While Waiting
Warm Up
Go through your gentle vocal and body warmups to prepare.
Call In
Promptly Enter and Slate Your Name and Piece
Distribute your materials (resume and headshot) to the casting crew.
Perform Your Material
Demonstrate your monologue(s) and song just like you practiced. Avoid going over time or rushing.
Any Additional Elements
Possibly receive brief direction. Take anything said in stride and do your best.
Dismissal
Exit the Audition Room
Don't linger. There are many other auditions to conduct! Thank the team for their time.
Callback
Possible Same-Day Callback, or Multi-Day Auditions
If the casting crew or other staff indicated you should wait in the building for a callback, do so. Otherwise, it can sometimes be a good idea to stay nearby just in case.
Most auditions are less than two minutes, no matter where you go, from Chicago casting calls to Portland. Casting teams typically take notes while you perform, and you may not get feedback. Don’t let this intimidate you; it’s a normal part of the process. If you do receive notes and adjustments, take them seriously and graciously. This shows flexibility and a willingness to take direction, as well as your depth.
Always remain professional, interacting with all staff and other performers politely in and outside of the casting room. Bad behaviour at any time can cross your name off the list immediately. Thank the casting team for their time, and step out of the room promptly when your audition is over.
Types of Broadway Auditions
There are several different types of casting calls in New York City’s theatre world. Knowing how to approach each one will help you meet expectations on audition day.
Open Calls
Open calls are generally available to all performers, union and non-union. They may or may not include time slots, depending on the production's size. Larger productions may not have time to schedule each performer; these are the ones you want to get to early in the morning, if possible, to avoid missing out or waiting for hours.
Open calls are a common entry point for new talent. They often attract hundreds of actors, singers, and dancers. The competition is intense. You will likely face many rejections, but don’t let that deter you.
Equity Principal Auditions (EPAs)
EPAs are designed for Equity actors (members of the Actor's Equity Association). The parts in these auditions tend to be principal roles suited for more established performers. These auditions usually focus on character-driven performances, requiring performers to demonstrate strong acting choices and clear interpretations. Non-equity actors can sometimes audition if time allows.
Most likely, your first audition for a Broadway musical will be a prescreen. This is a chance for the casting director, associate, or assistant to get the chance to know you and your work.
JV Mercanti, Broadway director
Equity Chorus Calls (ECCs)
ECCs focus on ensemble roles, like background characters with few or no solo speaking parts. These auditions often include dance calls, especially for musical theatre productions. Singers and dancers here must show versatility and fluency in their craft, demonstrating quick learning and adaptability. New choreography and combinations are often taught on the spot, so being able to memorize and execute a new routine within minutes is essential.
Invited Calls
Those who already have a good reputation in the Broadway scene may be invited to this selective audition. Casting directors usually request specific performers they think might suit the part. They base their decisions on prior work, agent submissions, or referrals.
This type of audition offers more time and attention; the casting team wants to see the actor they invited. The day might include callbacks, so expect to stay for up to several hours after your initial audition. You may be asked to do chemistry reads or extended sessions. For most Broadway actors, this type of audition comes later on, with lots of experience and connections.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making mistakes at an audition could cost you the part. Repeated mistakes can earn you a negative reputation. Prepare yourself well in advance to avoid these common mistakes.
Showing up late and/or demonstrating an overly flustered demeanor and not providing your slating promptly
Choosing material that does not match your type or the production, or presenting inconsistent or outdated materials.
Overacting or forcing emotional moments.
Ignoring audition instructions or time limits. Contacting the casting team by any means if the production company has indicated that doing so is not allowed.
Showing unprofessional behaviour in waiting areas or interactions.
Avoiding these issues improves your chances of being taken seriously. Casting decisions often depend on small details like these. Any indication that you’re not a team player, that you don’t respect people’s time, or that you’re unreliable can lead to you being crossed off the list.
When you have a more established presence in the Broadway scene, you may be able to have a little more freedom. As a newcomer, your best bet is to be on your best behavior, but without making yourself seem too eager. It’s a delicate balance, but with experience, you can learn how to put your best foot forward in any situation.
References
- “How to Prepare for an Audition in Musical Theatre.” NYFA | New York Film Academy, 27 Dec. 2023, www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/properly-preparing-for-musical-theatre-audition. Accessed 26 May 2026.
- Mercanti, JV. “What a Broadway Audition Is Really Like, According to a Director.” Backstage, 17 June 2020, www.backstage.com/magazine/article/broadway-audition-really-like-1735. Accessed 26 May 2026.
- Mink, Casey. “How to Get Cast on Broadway.” Backstage, 19 Aug. 2022, www.backstage.com/magazine/article/get-cast-broadway-3437. Accessed 26 May 2026.
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