As both a coach and a performer who’s still in the audition world myself, I know how much courage, preparation, and heart it takes to show up and put yourself out there. Whether you’re walking into a room, logging onto Zoom, or performing for a panel, these five reminders will help you bring your most grounded, expressive, and you version to every audition.
1. Run Your Material Beforehand — Fully
Have a dress rehearsal for yourself in a quiet, safe space. Visualize the audition: walking into the room, greeting the pianist, introducing yourself, making transitions, and staying present. Don’t go into “robo” mode — stay alert, listen, and be an active participant.
Bonus tip: Review talking points for each school beforehand. Why do you want to go there? What excites you about their program? What questions might you have for them?
2. Create a Mantra or Pep Talk
Auditioning is as much a mental game as it is a performance. Find a simple phrase or ritual that centers and energizes you before you walk in — something like, “I’m ready, I’m grounded, and I belong here.” Whatever works for you, let it be your anchor. And then, Step 3.
3. If You’re Prepared, You Can Play
Preparation equals freedom. Once you’ve done the work, it’s time to trust it and play. Focus on your “moment before” — that emotional and physical setup that launches your piece — and then commit fully to your objective. Be present, respond truthfully, and let it be alive.
Bonus tip: If you are prepared, stray from perfection or being over-polished. Keep it messy, real and new.
4. Trust Yourself (and Learn from Every Room)
Not everyone will respond to you — and that’s okay. Your job is to stand by your choices and be proud of how you showed up. When you leave, take a moment to reflect: What did I learn from that experience? Let go of what you wish had happened, and instead grow from what did.
5. Track Your Auditions and Follow Up
Write down who was in the room, what happened, and how you want to follow up with that school. This builds awareness and helps you see patterns over time.
And above all, remember this: there is no one like you. The right school will see that and believe in you, too.
Keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep celebrating your unique voice — because that’s what makes your storytelling unforgettable.
Allison Spratt Pearce grew up all around the world, but hails from Washington D.C. Since graduating from Elon University with her BFA in Musical Theater, she has consistently worked in the performing arts field from Broadway to film. She also holds an M.F.A. in Drama from The Old Globe/USD in San Diego, CA.
Allison has been a coach with MTCA since 2012. She resides with her family in San Diego, CA. She is still very active on stage & on camera. She can be seen in many ads and campaigns around the country and also the NBC station host for NBC San Diego.
Allison is a lead speaker coach for Google, AWS, Youtube and other corporations. For more info. on Allison, please visit: www.AllisonSprattPearce.com www.Pearce-Studios.com
