Chapter 9
How to Slay The In-Person Audition
Unlike online auditions, you only get one chance during an in-person audition. There are no second takes or editing.
The Night Before
Don't leave everything until the last minute.
The night before your audition:
Prepare your outfit.
Pack everything you need.
Download your backing track for vocals (if needed), and dance track into your phone case there's no internet.
Prepare a backup song.
Check the audition address and how you'll get there.
Set multiple alarms.
Put on a face mask in the evening to look fresh in the morning.
Go to bed early.
These are very simple advices, but I wanted to make sure you know all of them. And remember: a tired performer almost never performs at their best.
What to Bring
Pack a small audition bag with:
your ID or passport,
water,
your phone and charger,
headphones,
your backing track,
hairbrush or comb,
light makeup (if you wear it),
tissues,
deodorant,
a spare T-shirt if you're dancing.
It's much better to bring something you don't need than need something you didn't bring.
On the Way
Leave earlier than you think you need to. Traffic, delayed buses, or getting lost can happen.
Arriving 20-30 minutes early gives you time to relax instead of rushing into the audition already stressed.
Before You Perform
Warm up your voice and body. Do a few stretches. Don’t forget to drink water; it will help to reduce stress and also not to damage your voice.
Avoid watching other applicants right before your turn. Some people are amazing, some people are beginners, but comparing yourself won't help your performance.
So, focus on yourself.
Don't Change Your Performance at the Last Minute
One of my friends was living in Korea and preparing for an audition. She practiced the same dance for an entire month. Then, three days before the audition, a new K-pop song was released.
She loved the song and thought it suited her much better. Even though she was an experienced dancer, she decided to change her choreography.
During the audition, the pressure got to her. She forgot several moves, looked uncomfortable, and lost her confidence.
She didn't pass.
The problem wasn't that she couldn't dance. She simply hadn't spent enough time with the new choreography for it to feel natural.
If you've been practicing the same song or dance for weeks, don't change it right before the audition. Trust the work you've already done.
However, if you're still at the beginning of your preparation and haven't practiced your performance much yet, it's completely okay to change songs or dances until you find one that fits your voice, dance style, and personality.
During Your Performance
Smile. I would say it for 100s of times in this book. Always smile.
Take your time before you start. If you make one small mistake, don't stop. Most judges won't even notice unless you show it on your face. And even if they notice, the most important thing would be how you handled the situation.
So keep performing as if nothing happened. Many applicants fail not because they made a mistake, but because they panic after making one.
If the Judges Ask for Something Else
Sometimes they might ask you to:
sing another song,
dance freestyle,
perform without music,
answer questions,
show another skill.
Don't look surprised. Take a second to think, smile, and do your best. They know you weren't expecting it. They're also watching how well you adapt. Be one step ahead.
After Your Audition
When you finish:
Thank the judges.
Smile.
Leave confidently.
Don't ask how you did or whether you passed.
After You Leave
Don't spend the whole day thinking about every tiny mistake. Instead, ask yourself “what went well?” and “what can I improve before my next audition?”
Every audition makes you better. Even if you don't pass, you're gaining experience that many applicants don't have.
Don't be afraid to audition for the same company again. I would suggest actually doing it. Many successful trainees were rejected several times before finally getting accepted.
There's another reason not to give up: judges may remember you.
If you audition for the same company again, they might recognize your face and notice how much you've improved since your last audition. Seeing your progress, hard work, and determination can leave a positive impression.
The K-pop industry values dedication. Companies want trainees who are willing to keep learning, improving, and working hard.
One rejection doesn't mean "never." Sometimes it simply means "not yet."
Helpful Tips
Wear comfortable clothes that let you move easily.
Eat a light meal before your audition. Don't perform on an empty stomach.
Drink water, but don't drink too much right before performing.
Go to the bathroom before your name is called.
Keep your phone on silent.
Don't practice your choreography for the hundredth time while waiting. You'll only tire yourself out.
Trust your preparation. Audition day is the time to show what you've already practised, not to learn something new.
Remember, the judges don't expect perfection. They want to see your skills, your potential, and how you handle pressure.