audition
aw-DISH-un
/ɔːˈdɪʃ.ən/
A trial performance by an actor, singer, or musician to demonstrate suitability for a role.
Focuses on evaluating and selecting individual talent during a formal casting process.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'auditio' (a hearing, listening), derived from 'audire' (to hear). Originally referring to judicial hearings, by the late 19th century it shifted to describe listening to singers and actors try out.
Word relationships
- tryout: Tryout is an informal or general term, whereas audition carries formal artistic connotations.
- screen test: Screen test refers specifically to camera auditions for film or television roles.
- rejection: Rejection is the outcome of failing an audition.
Commonly confused with
- rehearsal: An audition determines who gets the role; a rehearsal prepares chosen actors for the performance.
Word family
- auditioner (noun): A person who participates in an audition.
- auditionee (noun): A candidate being evaluated during an audition.
Collocations
- hold auditions
- audition tape
- call-back audition
- open audition
Idioms & expressions
- line up for an audition
Example sentences
- "Over fifty actors attended the open audition, hoping to secure a lead role in the musical." Casting process
- "She was asked to audition for the main character by reading a passage from the third act." Performer experience
Memory hook
AUDItion comes from AUDI (hear, like audio); directors listen to hear your voice. A trial hearing for performers.
When not to use
Do not use for regular public shows; it specifically refers to the competitive tryout phase.
Fun facts
- In modern symphony orchestras, auditions are often 'blind'—performers play behind a screen so judges judge purely on sound.
Also appears in
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