🎬 How to Prepare a Standout Video Audition: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents and Kids

Navigating the world of video auditions can feel like a leap — especially if you're a parent new to the musical theatre world. But with the right prep, it’s a chance for you and your child to work together at home to create something they are truly proud of.

Hi! My name is Katie, and I'm one of the co-founders at BeXD Create. I’ve seen and done a LOT of auditions — from national musical tours to community theatre to school choir — both as a performer and creative. I know how nerve-wracking the process can be (even, and sometimes especially, when you’re filming it in your living room!). So this guide is for the parents — and your kids — walking into their very first (or fifth!) video audition.

If your child is auditioning for The Wizard of Oz or any of our upcoming programs, here’s how to approach the video process with calm, clarity, and confidence.

Video Auditions are your chance to practice and have fun together at home, plus get excited for the upcoming show. If you have fun making it, we'll have fun watching it.

🎯 Step 1: Know What’s Needed

Before you hit record, take time to review the audition brief carefully. For our Wizard of Oz auditions, that includes:

• A short introduction (name, age, height, the character you're auditioning for, and a fun fact or two)

  
  

• A monologue or script excerpt for your chosen character

  
  

• A song (some auditions let you pick a song — usually 16–32 bars or 1 minute, ideally with a backing track or piano. For our Wizard of Oz auditions, we've provided selections for you based on which character you're auditioning for)

  
  

• A dance (sometimes — this is optional for your Wizard of Oz audition, but we highly encourage you to give it a go, even if you're not a dancer)

  
  

• A clear, well-lit video recorded in landscape mode

  
  

📝 You’ll find everything listed clearly on our auditions page, including how to submit and a few suggestions for formatting your video.

Read the Instructions!

🎭 Step 2: Choose Material That Fits

Let your child pick material they connect with and are comfortable performing — even if it’s not the flashiest. A simple song or short scene delivered with feeling is far more impactful than something too advanced or rushed.

💡 Think character and performance. We’re casting young performers who can tell a story and take direction — we're not looking for someone who can sing the most difficult song out there.

This is important to remember for adult performers too. A simple song delivered incredibly is a more impressive audition than a difficult song performed just okay. To give an example, one of my first auditions when I was still early in my singing training, I decided to sing "Titanium" — it was hard, but I could do it pretty well at home by myself. In the audition room, nerves got the better of me, and it kind of fell apart. Later, I sang a much more simple Adele song that was well within my range and I had sung at gigs a thousand times before: "To Make You Feel My Love." To this day, it's one of the best auditions I have done. I had to keep telling myself that just because it wasn't the difficult song I could pick, did not mean it was not impressive. Sometimes "I'm Not That Girl" is more impressive than "Defying Gravity."

Yep, really truly. Singing an 'easy' song well is better than singing a difficult song 'passably'.

🎤 Step 3: Practice With Purpose

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing us who they are when they feel ready and relaxed, plus that they are willing to do some preparation work.

• Practice in short sessions

• If you're feeling frustrated, take a break

• Record practice runs and play them back together (you might accidently get that great take!)

• Learn your lyrics and your script if possible

• Focus on facial expression, energy, and storytelling

  
  

🎧 Pro tip: Use a backing track. Please do not record your audition with a soundtrack of someone else singing in the background or a cappella.

Practice for mum, for dad, for the dog, for yourself on camera. Preparation is key!

🎥 Step 4: Create a Calm Filming Setup

We’re not expecting a professional studio! Just:

• Good natural light or a lamp behind the camera

  
  

• A neutral, uncluttered background

  
  

• Phone or camera set at eye level

  
  

• Landscape (horizontal) orientation

Avoid busy patterns or noisy spaces. A quiet corner in the living room can work perfectly.

🎭 Step 5: Introduce With Confidence

In their intro, your child should say:

• Their name, age, and height

  
  

• What role or roles they’re interested in. Suggesting multiple roles is really helpful for our casting team.

  
  

• One thing they love about performing, something they are excited to learn, or just something fun about themselves.

Encourage a smile and natural energy — this is where we start to see their personality shine. If you're having fun, the audition comes out SO much better.

⏱ Step 6: Keep It Short and Sweet

Stick to the time limits listed in the brief. Don't provide multiple takes. We want a glimpse of your child’s unique presence and potential, not perfection.

Video auditions are great because you get the chance to redo, but don't get caught trying to make it perfect. Do three takes, and pick the best one. If you're onto take six, take a break and come back later.

🎬 Aim for energy, clarity, and character — then wrap it up with a high-five or a hug. You did an audition? You've already won.

💌 Step 7: Submit and Celebrate

Once your child’s happy with their final video (or at least wiling to say "That's a Wrap!" - it'll never be perfect):

• Double check the file format (mp4 is best)

  
  

• Rename the file clearly: e.g., “Name_WizardofOzAudition”

  
  

• Upload to an Unlisted YouTube Link or Google Drive link

  
  

Celebrate! You’ve completed a huge step.

Then? Let it go. Every audition is experience — whether it leads to a role or not. Once you've submitted your audition it's out of your hands.

🌈 Bonus Thoughts

At BeXD Create, we care far more about courage and connection than perfection.

Here's a few simple things that really make your audition stand out:

• You followed the brief! I cannot tell you how much we enjoy seeing an audition that follows the requested format, is filmed in landscape, and has been combined into one video. It seems simple, but I promise it does make a difference.

  
  

• You sing with a backing track. Not a cappella. Not with the soundtrack (with another vocal in the background). It happens every time, and it makes it really difficult for us to actually hear your singing. Backing tracks ONLY, please.

  
  

• Submit on time. It doesn't make any difference to us if you submit 20 days or 1 day or 1 hour before the deadline, but please make sure you get in before the deadline. In rare circumstances, we accept auditions after the deadline, but we have to be fair and prioritize those who submitted on time.

  
  

If your child walks away from this audition feeling proud, curious, and excited to keep learning — that’s a win.

Whether they’re cast as Dorothy, a Crow, a Munchkin, or part of our Oz Ensemble, please reassure your kids that they should be incredibly proud of having done and audition and that this is just the start of the journey.

🎟️ Review the Audition Requirements HERE

📧 Secure your enrolment for The Wizard of Oz HERE

Questions? Reach out any time: Admin@BeXDcreate.com or give us a call on 0459 058 721

We can’t wait to meet your young performer — and see the magic they bring to the cast.