Call 608.332.8245 for info or to schedule your audition
How to Choose a Solo
Choose two contrasting styles: up tempo and a ballad.
Find a song that you love and can relate to yet best shows your strengths.
Beware of songs that are difficult to perform under stressful conditions and require careful coordination between pianist and singer (Sondheim and James Robert Brown are taboo).
We want to hear YOU sing, not your favorite performing artist or imitation.
You will be asked to limit to your selection to 2 minutes. Choose the best part of the song...
Know your song. If it's from a musical, learn about the musical and know where the song fits in the show.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early. This gives you time to warm up, fill out forms look over your music one last time and generally calm down before going into the audition itself.
Don't forget that the impression you make on those checking you in, measuring you for costumes, or escorting you to the warm up room is important too. We are looking for people who work well with others, who are articulate and above all, people who do not exude ego.
Music in a 3-ring binder, in the correct key with cuts clearly marked. Copied music is fine but it must be in a binder to make page turns easy for the accompanist.
Extra copy of music so you can look it over while waiting.
Two outfits: one for your solo audition (professional dress) and one for dance portion (clothes you can move).
First impressions are very important. Show yourself to be a person of taste, confidence, and sincerity. Come dressed as you would to a professional or college interview. As a Badger, red is always a good choice!
For the movement audition, wear clothes that are not restrictive but are not too baggy..if you are choreographed to move your hips, we want to see that you are doing that! Shoes for a movement audition should be comfortable- tennis/wrestling shoes are best. Character shoes are a bit difficult to move in on our slippery floor.
Watch some music videos and try learning the combinations. Some of our best dancers have never had a lesson in their lives but they are good at "mimic-ing" others.
Dances will be performed in small groups. You will not be asked to dance by yourself!
When in doubt...smile, smile, smile. That's part of showmanship!
During the movement audition
Don't be afraid to ask questions about moves if you don't understand something.
We are not necessarily looking for who will pick up the dance the fastest, but instead, we are looking for people who have a strong work ethic.
Prior to your callback, be sure that you review your second song and pick the best 16 measures from the song you sang in the first audition.
Spend time going over the dance audition that you were taught.
The Callback itself
Callbacks will include having you sing your second song as well as a part of the song you sang in the initial audition. We will then do part-singing to check your ear. Finally, your group will be split into two and half will work on the second dance audition while the other half will do interviews and get measured for costumes.
Finally, you will all get a chance to ask any questions you have about the program. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have and write them down ahead of time so you don't forget.
Solo audition in callbacks
You will be asked to sing the song you did not sing yet and may get some instruction on how to try it differently.
You may be asked to sing part of the first song as well.
Be careful to watch the others who are auditioning with respect..no texting, no reading your music, etc. Be attentive and learn from others.
Part-singing
We will take time to "teach" you a 4 part song.
We will ask you to sing this in quartets.
Remember: Very, very few people are good sight-readers and we are really making sure that your voice is "blendable" rather than relying on you to be a tremendous sight-reader.
Interview/movement
You will be taught second, contrasting style of movement as well as allowed to do the first movement audition a second time.
Final question and answer
The final Q and A session allows you to ask questions of the student audition panel that will be honest and insightful with you, we promise!
Answer truthfully. Give some thought to the role you think you would play as a new member.
Humility is a valued character trait in this business.
We are simply looking for individuals who know their strengths/weaknesses, take direction well, and get along with others.
What to expect
RELAX!!! Take some deep breaths and share yourself with us. We are really interested to get to know you.
Eye contact as you answer is a big plus.
Think about how you can incorporate personal strengths and successes into your answers without coming across as egotistical. It is also nice to hear about real life examples of how you achieved success by overcoming an obstacle, or how you learned from failure.
Remember that we are not trying to put together a troupe of thirty identical personalities. Diversity is key to keeping one's sanity when we spend so much time together so don't hesitate to highlight something about you that is interesting.
We are simply looking for individuals who know their strengths/weaknesses, take direction well, and get along with others.
"Joining the Wisconsin Singers was a huge benefit. My friends recommended classes, helped me in my current courses, and were always there to lend a helping hand. I cannot imagine my life without the Singers now."
dancers