There is nothing like the thrill of looking out over a sea of smiling theater-goers and singing your heart out. I know. I was six years old when the theater bug bit me, and to this day, my favorite seat in the house is back stage, preferable from the wings while waiting to go on. But even for die-hards like me, auditioning can be nerve wracking and it can be especially hard on children.

As Adventure Theatre MTC gears up for auditions for its production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Junior, I thought blogging on audition preparation would be helpful to parents and young actors and actresses.

Last week, I visited with Michael J. Bobbitt, producing artistic director for Adventure Theatre MTC, and some of his campers to get their thoughts on how to prepare and what to expect at the Sept. 7 audition. Hear tips and advice from the experts by watching our short video.

Overwhelmingly, Bobbitt and the campers urged kids to have fun, be yourself and be prepared. There are several ways you can prepare:

1. Learn about the audition date/times and requirements.
2. Learn about the Broadway musical.
3. Listen to some of the songs.
4. See a video about the Broadway musical.

Bobbitt says if you don’t get chosen for the show—and that can happen—then sign up for a class and learn musical theater techniques: acting, singing and dancing. Adventure Theatre, located in the historic Glen Echo Park, recently merged with the Musical Theatre Center, one of Montgomery County’s premier musical theater training programs. Adventure Theatre MTC offer two locations—Rockville and Glen Echo—for classes and ensemble opportunities.

Sept. 7 is right around the corner, so start practicing your music, put on your dancing shoes and shine up that smile!

For arts and cultural events in Montgomery County, go to www.DOandGO.org, an online cultural calendar serving all of Montgomery County. DOandGO.org and Behind the Scenes are programs of the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County.