Depending on what you look, sound, and act like, you may be able to play one or several types of characters. First, find out what “type” you are: lead, ingenue, or character singer. Then, find a song that fits that type of role. Lead roles tend to include strong or domineering character types who may need to sing in a belting range (Mrs. Lovett from Sweeney Todd or Alexander Hamilton from Hamilton); ingenues are the romantic leads and typically deliver a sweet message with a softened disposition (Billy from Anything Goes or Clara from The Light in the Piazza); character roles usually depict comedic or older characters (Kitty from The Drowsy Chaperone or Nostradamus from Something Rotten!). Once you’ve found your type and your song that fits your type, start rehearsing!

Rehearse your song every day, even if it means singing it over and over in the car when you aren’t able to meet with an accompanist. The more you know your song, the more you can make it your own. If you’re familiar with the notes and the tempo of the music, you’ll be more likely to add little adjustments that reflect your personal singing style.

Because musical theatre involves acting, you need to be able to sell the character as well as the song. Your character has motivation. What movements would your character make in relation to what they’re singing about? Make these decisions and rehearse them like you would for an acting performance.

If you have no emotional connection to your piece, the director will be able to tell. The more you can connect with your character and what they’re saying through song, the more you will embody that character. Your performance will be convincing and, even better, honest.

Like directors can tell when you connect with the character, they’ll also be able to tell when you LOVE your material. If you like performing your number, you’ll want to perform it more, which means wanting to practice it more. If you practice more, you’ll be more prepared. So love your songs. You’ll feel great before, during, and after your audition.

Live accompaniment sounds more professional and authentic than a MIDI file or an MP3 played off a CD player or an iPod. Also, technology has the reputation of being unreliable at the most inopportune moments. Do your best to have an accompanist that can play your music. Alternatively, ask the company you are auditioning for if there will be an accompanist at the audition. If there will be, be prepared to explain any notes you have written on your sheet music; help them do the best job they can do for you in that short period of time.

Nothing is worse than having a damaged voice or no voice on the day of your big audition. Take care of your voice always, but especially the week before your audition. Drink warm green tea, avoid greasy and spicy foods, don’t smoke, get enough rest, avoid using the two extremes of your vocal range (screaming and whispering), and slowly warm up your voice on a day to day basis. These activities will help you keep your voice healthy and fit.

Directors will always see you before they hear you. Make sure you choose an outfit that flatters your individual shape and helps you stand out from other performers. Stray away from busy patters and, instead, choose solid colors or stripes, as patterns may pull focus from your face. If you’re asked to return for a callback, make sure to wear the same outfit or one that is approximately the same color (if you cannot wear the same outfit again). Wear shoes that are comfortable, as you may be asked to stay after your audition. Finally, choose an outfit that you not only makes you look good but that also makes you feel good. If you feel good about the way you look, you’ll carry yourself more confidently, which means you’ll feel more prepared for whatever the audition throws at you. Dressing fierce and being fierce are closely linked, so walk in with your head held high, your shoulders back, and your chest forward to let others know you’re there to impress.

After you’ve finished delivering your spectacular number, take a moment as the character to come out of the song just like every Broadway actor does on stage. Show the director that you know how to savor moments. A rushed moment is a missed opportunity for your character and your audition—because you’ll never get that moment back. Remember to stay in character during the beat after the song has ended. Only after this can you break character and tell the director, “Thank you.” When you’ve finished, exit the room professionally and confidently.

Tiffany Weagly-Wilkie is the Director of Theatricals and Content for PerformerStuff.com. She is also the Casting Producer for The Imagination House.