How can I audition for High School Musical 4?

How can I get a good part in a musical (High school) for my first audition?

• I need tips on training (my voice and things I'll need) and stage presence, blah blah blah... This will be my first time auditioning for anything, let alone a HIGH SCHOOL level play...When school starts. And I can't help but be nervous. Also, will I get a good solo or duet of some sort if they like my voice, but I don't have any experience on my 'resume'? I have a lot of questions, I know. But I'm really nervous. I also would like to know what being in a play is like-even though hopefully I'll find out- and I'd like to know what the people supervising the whole project will want to see. :) So I can be prepared, I guess. Thanks :D P.S., Are there any songs from different musicals I could possibly practice? Or...'numbers', I really don't know. But I'd love to be in this play, and also I'm auditioning with a friend. I'm a fairly good singer. I've been singing for years. I pretty much practice every day. I'm the type of person that gets really nervous but does it for the fun anyway. (Sort of like riding roller coasters except I need talent, although one thing is similar: Guts.)) :D Thanks again!!

• Answer:

  For your audition: Go all out! Ham it up. Act like you would if you were alone or being filmed for a movie. Sing your heart out. Virtually IGNORE those in the room (except whoever you're acting with). It's the once chance you have to show how good you are. A résumé in HS isn't important. That comes later, much later. What it's like: It's a tough schedule between choreography (if you're doing a musical, which I'm assuming you are), blocking, vocal coaching, and rehearsals. But, it is a blast as you'll get to know your castmates really well and there's only one kind of bond like that. It's amazing. It's just like when you play a team sport. And performing is a blast! Especially when you have those bright spotlights because it lets you forget about the fourth wall (the audience) and just act/sing. You can't see anyone in the audience which, in my opinion, definitely helps with the nerves. To practice: Do loads of vocal warm-ups. I'm unsure of your range, but working on the songs listed below definitely do help and can also be used in auditions. As for acting, watch the taped version of the Broadway performance of Into the Woods. (For a musical comedy, you can act without the fourth wall. However, don't do this for anything but the musical comedy.) If you're a soprano - No One is Alone from Into the Woods Will I Lose My Dignity from Rent (needs lots of control) Castle on a Cloud from Les Mis Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again from Phantom Mezzo/Alto - In His Eyes from Jekyll & Hyde I'll Give My Life For You from Miss Saigon When You're Good to Mama from Chicago You're What You Own from Rent