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Audition Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽญ
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audition

[ษ”หหˆdษชสƒ(ษ™)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

performing arts

An audition is a tryout for a role in a play, movie, or TV show. It usually involves performing a monologue or scene in front of casting directors or producers to showcase your acting abilities.

Synonyms

casting, screen test, tryout.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
audition

Used when a performer showcases their talent for a role in front of judges or casting directors.

  • She had an audition for the lead role in the new musical
  • He was nervous before his audition for the movie
tryout

Often used in the context of sports or performance groups, where individuals demonstrate their skills to join a team or group.

  • Hundreds of athletes attended the tryouts for the soccer team
  • The band held tryouts to find a new drummer
casting

Refers to the process of selecting actors for various roles in a production. Often used in the broader sense of organizing tryouts.

  • The casting for the new drama series will start next week
  • They hired a casting director to find the perfect actors
screen test

Specific to film and television, it involves filming an actor to see how they perform on camera. Usually conducted after an initial audition.

  • She impressed everyone during her screen test
  • The screen test revealed how well he looked on camera

Examples of usage

  • She nailed her audition and got the lead role in the play.
  • Many aspiring actors attend multiple auditions before landing a part.
Context #2 | Verb

performing arts

To audition is to perform a piece to demonstrate your skills and suitability for a particular role in a play, movie, or TV show.

Synonyms

screen test, try for, try out.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
audition

Used when someone wants to perform in front of a panel to get a role in a play, movie, or other performance arts.

  • She has an audition for the lead role in a Broadway musical.
  • The casting director scheduled auditions for next Monday.
try out

Used when someone is competing or demonstrating their skills to be selected for something, like a team or a role, especially in sports and performance arts.

  • He is going to try out for the baseball team next week.
  • Many talented actors showed up to try out for the new play.
screen test

Used specifically in the film and television industry when someone wants to see how an actor looks and performs on camera.

  • The director asked her to do a screen test for the new series.
  • He was nervous about his first screen test for a Hollywood film.
try for

Used in a general sense when someone is attempting to get a role or position, not necessarily related to performance arts.

  • She decided to try for the soccer team captain.
  • He is going to try for the position of team leader.

Examples of usage

  • She auditioned for the role of Juliet in the upcoming production.
  • The dancers auditioned by performing a routine for the choreographer.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Theater and Film

  • Auditions often consist of cold readings, where actors perform without prior preparation, showcasing their adaptability.
  • Notable performers like Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro faced auditions that defined their careers, proving persistence pays off.
  • In the film industry, auditions are increasingly done digitally, allowing for broader casting opportunities worldwide.

Pop Culture

  • Reality shows like 'American Idol' and 'The Voice' popularized auditions, making the process a cornerstone of modern entertainment.
  • The 'audition' phase in these shows often includes dramatic narratives, highlighting the personal stories of contestants.
  • The audition culture has spurred a surge in talent search competitions, increasing visibility for aspiring artists.

Psychology

  • The pressure of auditions can lead to performance anxiety, a common issue faced by many performers.
  • Studies show that preparation and rehearsal can significantly reduce anxiety and improve performance in auditions.
  • Perfectionism often affects audition outcomes, with individuals balancing the desire to shine and the fear of failure.

Education

  • Drama schools and music conservatories often use auditions as a pivotal part of their admissions process.
  • Many educational programs offer workshops to help students prepare for auditions, focusing on aspects like voice control and stage presence.
  • In educational settings, peer feedback during mock auditions fosters a supportive environment for skill development.

Origin of 'audition'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'audire' meaning 'to hear', reflecting the listening aspect of the process.
  • Originally, it referred to any act of hearing, but evolved to focus on performances and tests of skill.
  • The term became popular in the performing arts in the late 19th century as theaters and music halls flourished.

The word 'audition' originated in the 16th century from the Latin word 'audฤซtiล', meaning 'hearing'. It was initially used in the context of listening to music or a performance. Over time, the term evolved to refer to the process of trying out for a role in the performing arts.

See also: audit, auditing, auditor, auditorium, auditory.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,719, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.