Behind the Table: Audition Tips from a Global Casting Director

Let’s set the scene. You have your music in hand. You walk into a big empty room and see a few people sitting behind a table. You hand your music to the accompanist and turn to introduce yourself to the mysterious figures at the table. Ah! It’s an audition!

If you’ve ever found yourself in this scenario (and most singers will!), you may wonder what is going through the mind of the "mysterious" and "scary" casting director. Luckily, here at VBC, we know an extraordinary global casting director (who is not scary at ALL), and he let us pick his brain!

Brian Baez has been in the performing arts industry for 20 years and has performed in over 40 countries on both land and sea. In addition to his extensive career as a performer, he also traveled the world as a global casting director for Norwegian Cruise Lines for the last 8 years, auditioning performers throughout 6 continents and working alongside some of the industry’s leading creatives on productions such as Kinky Boots, Jersey Boys, SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical, SIX, and Choir of Man! Brian recently took a huge leap and moved from the US to the Netherlands, where he has started his own casting office, headliner agency and creative hub called Baez Theatrical. Check out our interview with Brian below!

What makes a vocalist stand out from the crowd from a casting perspective?

"Honestly, there's so many factors that are outside of what your voice comes out sounding like that goes into the casting decision. Learning to walk into a room confidently, communicate with the pianist appropriately, and come off prepared and ready to 'play' is huge. Vocally, a casting director can tell almost immediately if the person auditioning is going to get a callback. So make sure you make a really great impression as you start your song. Start when YOU are ready, have a good deep breath, and take control. It's your audition, so whether it goes to plan (or better!), or some hiccup causes you to stumble, knowing how to navigate that and correct it to get back on the right path lets the casting director know so much about you not only as a singer, but as a performer and potential cast member."

Which female song would you gladly never hear again in an audition?

"Anything from Thoroughly Modern Millie. Not that they are bad songs, but they are such good songs that they will be heard often. Choosing very popular songs can be debilitating, because chances are the casting director has heard it a number of times already that day, and you will inevitably be compared with the original recording or performer. My advice is to think outside the box. What is the unexpected, but still appropriate choice? Perhaps it's appropriate to choose a song performed by another gender, or making something popular new by coming up with a new version (ie, taking a pop song and stripping it down to a piano ballad). I would avoid songs that contain explicit lyrics, or lack musical or lyrical depth."

What advice would you give to someone who is wanting to get into auditioning for the first time (and maybe scared to start!)?

"Remember that casting is ON YOUR SIDE. They are wanting everyone to be amazing so that casting the show is done sooner! I don't know a single casting director who lives to see talent fail, because their job is to find the best, most appropriate people. They're your cheerleaders!"

What are some of the most common mistakes you see vocalists make before they even enter the room?

"It's important to know that your audition starts from the moment you read the breakdown, or casting notice, and decide to submit or attend. Read everything thoroughly. Read it again. Now a third time. Do you know exactly what is required of you, and what you are asked to submit? Check everything 3x before sending it off. So many folks get eliminated because they didn't follow instructions up front, and casting unfortunately doesn't always have time to chase you down or wait for corrections."

Finally, if you only had one tip to give someone as they walk into an audition, what would it be?

"Never apologize for yourself or your audition before your audition starts. No 'I'm so sorry ::cough cough:: I'm sick.' We can hear if someone is in good health or not. And more often than not, folks sound just fine. Apologizing upfront sets the tone that you are going to not be what they want and are making excuses for it. 

Also - BE KIND TO YOUR PIANIST! Do them and yourself a favor and have sheet music cut and in the correct key, clearly marked. Never leave anything to chance. Take control of all the things you can, because there are so many factors of the casting process that you can't control."

Please tell us where we can find more about you and Baez Theatrical!

"I'm located in Utrecht, Netherlands, just 30 minutes outside Amsterdam. I can be found online at www.baeztheatrical.com and on IG and Tiktok at @baeztheatrical. Tiktok is new for me, but I'm having fun creating videos for platforms that hopefully help and enlighten performers all over the world!"

HUGE thank you to Brian for taking time out of his busy schedule to give us such awesome insight and words of wisdom! For even more tips, be sure to follow Brian and Baez Theatrical on socials.

So when your next audition rolls around, remember what Brian said- casting is on your side!

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