In the world of performance-based careers, it’s up to the students to stage a stellar audition, impress the appraisers and land the job they’ve been dreaming of.

But this is much easier said than done. Preparation is such a large part of the audition process that certain aspects of it could make or break you. Training for an audition is key to putting your best self forward for the job evaluators.

“For an audition, probably the most important thing is to be present and fully energetic toward the moment,” said Jan Erkert, head of the department of dance.

Presence and articulation are the two most important aspects, not only to an audition but also for an interview. For dance, Erkert emphasizes, this presence and articulation is shown through movement in the body, not necessarily in the form of speaking.

“A good interview is about a person really commanding a space and having confidence about them,” she said. “You do that in your body or you do that with words.”

The dance department at Illinois has this articulation practice within the curriculum, inherently teaching the students to excel in auditions, which are so crucial to their career.

In music, these two concepts also ring true but take slightly different forms. Luis Ricardo Herrera, professor of opera, underscores several major points to undertake to make sure the student is well-prepared for the audition.

Knowing who you are auditioning for and doing your research is a vital form of preparation in any field. In music, this means being aware of what style you should present and planning accordingly, Herrera said.

Since voice is so important to a singer, he or she must create a regular, healthy cycle in the days before an audition — a consistent sleep pattern and good health choices to keep the voice clear and in top form.

“In the performance field … it’s very visual,” Herrera said. “Whether you are singing or acting or dancing, (the audition appraisers) need to see you presentable, so you need to invest in some type of attire that suits you well.”

For theater, moreover, many of these concepts still apply, especially if it’s musical theater, which also includes dance and musical elements.

Whatever the style, it is critical to be fluid with the lines and material you have prepared, again having done your homework ahead of time.

“(The students) have to know the material well … and make sure that it’s appropriate for the theater that they’re auditioning for,” said Robert Ramirez, assistant professor of the theater department. “If it’s a theater that does mainly contemporary stuff, then you would have material that’s written at least within the last 10 years.”

If you have an agent, he or she might send you pages specifically from the play you’re auditioning for. With these, students should become acquainted with the different aspects of the scene and research any words or concepts they are unclear about.

Here on campus, there is a wide variety of areas that would help students prepare for their auditions. Faculty members in the dance department are eager to help dance students create a portfolio.

Community theaters and theater groups put on productions year-round for students to audition for and get experience. Various bands and singing groups on campus let students explore their musical talents.

In these three fields, the same general rules apply for looking for a job. Networking is essential to learning about different opportunities available. Graduates keep in touch with other graduates and friends around the area and around the country to hear about different auditions.

There are also several websites, magazines and publications devoted to the arts, like the magazine Classical Singer and website Backstage. These also list announcements for job opportunities and open positions.

On the search for jobs, especially in performance fields, it is crucial to continue to practice. Whether this training is in stance and presence, articulation through words or motion, or simply creating a healthy sleep routine, many seemingly small details could build a student up to be just what an employer looks for.

While it’s easy to get caught up in worrying about whether you’ll make it, it’s important to leave these feelings at the door as you walk into the audition. It’s best to simply be yourself and focus on the task at hand: to display the talent that you have worked so hard to perfect.