Your knees knock together from your violent trembling. Short bursts of breathe catch in your throat and your voice (your most vital asset) is inaudible. Sweat cascades down your neck and forehead as the row of furrowed brows glares back at you, waiting for the desired outburst of song that cannot possibly come. You can feel the hook coming from the wings of the stage to drag you away in humiliation from the  

college audition

  that will decide your fate.

This is the nightmare scenario for hopeful musical theater majors facing their first college audition. Auditioning in front of a panel of extremely qualified judges for a highly coveted spot in a college musical theater program is intimidating. The simplest ways to quell the anxiety of college auditions is to remember preparation, paperwork, and presentation.

Preparation:
Song Choice
This step in the preparation process is one of the most important, as it is often the deciding factor in your audition. There are many guidelines you should follow when choosing your song(s).

Your Limits
The song should be of a range and style that highlight all of your strong suits. For example, if you have a higher break in your voice, choose a song in which you can belt to showcase this feature. Do not be afraid to transpose the key to better flatter your voice if the original key is lacking.

Appropriate Material
The song you choose for your college audition should be age- and gender-appropriate. Judges tend not to appreciate when a teenage female performs a song written for a middle-aged man, no matter how flattering the choice.

Originality
Most college programs require one upbeat song and one ballad. Some schools require that one song must be "classic," (written before 1960). In addition to these guidelines, try also to shy away from choosing the most popular song of the moment, or the most recent Tony-winner. Performing a song the judges have heard 100 times before prevents you from standing out, and gives too many precedents with which you will be compared.

Practice Makes Perfect
Contrary to the old saying, "Practice makes perfect," no amount of practice is sufficient for college auditions. There is always room for improvement and establishing and refining your practice strategy is the best way to efficiently rehearse.

Know the Words
Too frequently applicants are reviewing their words as the introduction is playing, or staring at the inky smear of a cheat sheet written on their hands. It is imperative to know the words as well as your own name -- nothing is less professional or appealing than butchering the lyrics to a classic Sondheim piece -- or worse, freezing.

Know your Song
In addition to the words, know the composer, source, and history of the song. You never know, you might be questioned on your general knowledge of the field. You should understand the context for which the song was written. What is happening in the particular scene? What character sings the song, and who/what is it about? Understanding the song's context allows for a more accurate and convincing portrayal of the piece.

Be Confident
Know the key you are singing in and why. If you kept the original key, know it. If you transposed the song, know the new key and be able to explain why if asked.

Over-prepare
Choose the precise 16 bars you wish to sing, but be prepared to sing more or less if asked. Like the key, be able to explain why you chose this particular section.

Don't Count on the Accompanist
One of the most variable aspects of the college audition is likely to be the accompanist. Just because the institute in question is a highly-esteemed program does not guarantee that the pianist is an adequate sight-reader, so if your song is unfamiliar, he could be thrown off, which could, in turn, throw you off. When practicing, use a number of pianists, some of whom have never read your music before. Also, be able to carry the song "a capella," or without accompaniment, in the event that the accompanist does struggle.

Paperwork
The elimination process is not based solely on your in-audition performance. The judges strongly consider the minute details of your resume, headshot, and even sheet music, each of which can have a substantial impact on your candidacy. Because this is the one most controllable aspect of the college audition, there is no excuse for substandard paperwork.

Your resume should follow standard format and be presentable -- if it does not look fresh from the printing press, do not submit it. That means no wrinkles, folds, or marks on the paper. Even your sheet music should be presentable. Placing each sheet in plastic pockets and in a binder is manageable for the pianist and more professional than a stapled packet.

The same applies for your headshot as well. Your headshot should actually look like you. Resist the urge to be photographed with a full face of makeup and overly-done hair, no matter how glamorous and appealing it may seem.

Presentation
It is impossible, to anticipate the unknown terrors that await you behind the audition doors. Instead, there are a number of tips that can enhance your audition despite any mishaps or surprises you may encounter in the actual audition.

Dress the Part
Look professional and clean-cut, and try not to stick out with your outfit choice. Your safest bet is an all-black ensemble, whether it is black slacks and a black button-down for men or women, or a black dress or skirt for women. For women, makeup and hair should be natural and clean-looking.

Stay Focused
Do not exaggerate your song with too much movement. You should be able to sell your song with just your voice, expression, and emotion, and should not need to resort to blocked movement or choreography.

Be Engaging
Maintain eye contact with the judges. It allows you to connect with them as a person rather than just a number. Also, along these lines, always thank the judges for their time and express gratitude for the opportunity, regardless of the outcome.

The anxiety that accompanies college voice auditions is unavoidable. Prepare, do your paperwork, and present yourself well. And even though these organization tactics won't replace talent, you will be extra confident.

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