We’ve done the work for you and asked the experts what it takes to set yourself apart from the madding crowd
If you’re having dreams of making it big in the world of musical theater, it all starts in the same place—the audition.
Over the past year, Philippine theater has been experiencing a renaissance. Original productions are standing toe-to-toe with international touring shows, playing to sold out houses all over Metro Manila. Theater actors now have their own fan bases, judging from the crowds that gather for the now must-have meet-and-greet after every show. This has spurred on many an aspiring actor, hoping to claim their time in the spotlight, to keep dreaming, and dreaming big.
After taking the workshops and the time to hone their acting, singing, and dancing skills, the next step could be the most terrifying, and the most exciting of them all—the audition. With Theatre Group Asia’s recent announcement of an open casting call for their 2026 season opener, A Chorus Line, we reached out to some of the best musical theater directors in the country to find out what it takes to ride the audition train all the way to your dream role.
Song choice is key!
Following the success of The Sandbox Collective’s SideShow, which is also his directorial swan song as he is set to leave for further studies abroad, Toff De Venecia says that it is important to “…pick a song that complements and showcases your vocal range beautifully. One that can plant a seed in the panel. It’s not about how you can fit into the mold, but it’s about what you as an auditionee can bring to the table.”
This isn’t American Idol, where only vocal prowess and quality is judged. We look for storytellers.”
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Take your song and tell us a story
9Works Theatrical artistic director Robbie Guevara is currently in the thick of rehearsals for the upcoming production of The Bodyguard, set to open this September over at Proscenium Theater. He has this nugget of wisdom to share about how to sing a song as though you’re wearing your heart on your sleeve, “memorize your song to the point that you can “play” with it. If it’s serious, angry, funny, or sad, use the lyric to show those emotions. Never just “sing” it empty-hearted. This isn’t American Idol, where only vocal prowess and quality is judged. We look for storytellers.”
As for how much of the song should you be ready to perform? “If they say 16 bars, prepare 16 bars, but make it full of heart.” Now, if that doesn’t sway the panel in your favor…
Prepare, prepare, and prepare some more
Up-and-coming musical theater actor Jordan Andrews, who was PBB’s ‘musical dream chaser,’ has found much success on the audition circuit, nabbing roles in 9Works’ productions of Rent, and Once On This Island, and, most recently, Trumpets’ Joseph The Dreamer, where he played the lead role of Joseph. What gets him through each audition? “Prepare, prepare, prepare. I find that usually when I’m excessively nervous it’s because I feel underprepared.” He will next be seen in Newport World’s upcoming production of Shrek.
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Be authentic
“Authenticity is key! While you are trying out for a specific role/character, panelists are interested in seeing your authentic, true self as that makes you stand out.” This is the most critical element to acing the audition, according to A Chorus Line executive producer, and Samsung Performing Arts Theater director, Chris Mohnani.
In addition, Mohnani also stresses how Being your best and true self when standing in front of the panel goes hand in hand with being prepared on all fronts. “Take classes or refreshers. Review the specific requirements needed – dance routines, sides/monologues, songs. Even your resume and headshot,” he explains further.
Be a star that you know you are
Stepping out onto that stage takes gumption. A lot of it. Along with that inner voice telling you what you already know: that you were born for this. This sentiment is echoed by Emmy Award winner and Broadway powerhouse Karla Puno-Garcia, who will be directing and choreographing the Manila production of A Chorus Line. To further her point, she says “We’re searching for talent that’s exciting, unique, and individual—performers with a strong sense of self. Each dancer should make the effort to be seen.”
In fact, Puno-Garcia encapsulates what it takes to land that dream role with these words , “dance your face off and be a star! Follow your gut. Get ready. Then go for it! Trust yourself. What you perceive as flaws might just be your superpower.”
Be confident!
It is the first lady of Philippine theater, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, who will be playing Kimberly Levaco in Kimberly Akimbo for Pangdemonium in Singapore opening mid-October, says there is one key ingredient to nailing that audition. “It’s all about confidence!” she points out. “And singing without reading the lyrics.”
Armed with these tricks of the trades (or audition hacks, if you may), you should be well on your way towards getting the role of your dreams. And as luck would have it, the upcoming open casting call for A Chorus Line may be the best place to start. Dancers, singers, and actors ages 18 years old and above, of Filipino heritage, can sign up for any of the five nationwide audition dates – September 6 (Manila), 13 (Cebu), 20 (Bacolod), October 11 (Davao), and 25 (Manila). Pre-registration is recommended, but there will be limited slots available for walk-in registrants on the audition dates. An option for online submission of video audition materials is also available. For more audition details and registration links, follow Theatre Group Asia on their social media channels, or their official website.
Celebrating its 50th year as one of Broadway’s most iconic shows, A Chorus Line follows the lives of dancers trying out for a coveted spot on a chorus line, in a story of ambition, sacrifice, and individuality. The award-winning show won the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and also the Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Book of A Musical (James Kirkwood), Best Original Score (Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban), Best Director (Michael Bennett), and Best Choreography (Michael Bennett and Bob Avian). The Manila production is set to open in March 2026. Ticket details to follow soon.
As you walk through those doors on audition day, keep this line from A Chorus Line in mind: that you are “one singular sensation, with every little step she takes,” and knock their socks off!
