audition
A high-stakes trial performance where a person is judged on their ability to perform a specific role or skill. It carries an inherent feeling of anxiety, evaluation, and competition. Unlike an 'interview', which focuses on conversation and personality, an audition requires a physical demonstration of talent. It is the bridge between a candidate's claim of skill and the employer's verification of it. While most commonly associated with theater, dance, and music, it can be used metaphorically in professional contexts to describe a probationary period or a 'test run' for a high-profile position.
💬Casual Conversation
How'd your music school audition go today?
Dude, it was chill. Think I aced the guitar solo.
Meanings
A short performance by an actor, singer, or musician to demonstrate their suitability for a role or position.
"She has an audition for the lead role in the play tomorrow."
Collocations & Compounds
acting audition
A tryout for a role in a play or film.
She landed the lead role after a successful acting audition.
music audition
A performance to demonstrate musical skill for selection into an ensemble or program.
He prepared for his music audition by practicing for weeks.
dance audition
A tryout for a dance position or role.
The choreographer held a dance audition for the new ballet.
callback audition
A second or subsequent audition for a role, usually for further evaluation.
She was excited to get a callback audition for the Broadway show.
open audition
An audition session open to anyone who wishes to try out.
The casting director announced an open audition for all aspiring actors.
Etymology
The word "audition" comes from the Latin word "audire," meaning "to hear." It entered English in the mid-17th century, initially referring to the act of hearing or a hearing itself, particularly in a legal or formal context. The sense of a test performance for actors, singers, or musicians developed in the 19th century, directly reflecting the idea of someone listening to a performance to judge its quality.