WHAT TYPE OF MUSICAL EQUIPMENT IS PROVIDED?

Due to the amount of time it takes to set up a drum kit, we have found that a DVD of your drumming or band's performance works much better for you and us. A DVD will allow you the time at home to tune and adjust your levels and will give us a more accurate representation of your talent than you would get in our audition room where no sound checks are allowed.  The DVD does not have to be of professional quality. It can be as simple as your friend taping you at home or a prior show at which you have performed.

If you would still like to play something "live" in the audition room, you may bring a portion of the drum kit (ex: a snare and hi-hat) so that you are able to literally ‘walk in and play'. Due to the amount of auditions we need to conduct, NO SET UP TIME WILL BE ALLOWED!  We have had some acts bring in a drum kit on a 4x4 dolly, but again you need to be able to roll it into the audition room in one trip.

Should you move on to the next round, you will be able to use a drum kit provided by the show.

Yes. You will be allowed to perform at your audition with your musical instrument, but you WILL NOT be allowed to plug in any instruments, so MAKE SURE IT'S ACOUSTIC or is portable and has a self-contained amplifier.

For those needing a keyboard, we will make reasonable efforts to provide one for you in the audition room (Usually a Yamaha Motif-8 keyboard or Roland Fantom x8).  We do not allow programming of the keyboard with your own sequences. You can, however, play to an audio CD if needed.

If you are in a band and have multiple and/or non-acoustic instruments, we advise you to come to the audition with all members of the band and bring a DVD for producers to watch in the audition room.

That said, if you have a big set-up please click here to fill out a form to tell us more about what you require. If we can accommodate you, we will contact you.

The list of prohibited items below is not exhaustive and even if an item is not listed below, the producers and security reserve the right to ask you to remove any such item from the venue.

People in possession of prohibited items will be denied admission to the line and to the venue and may be subject to immediate disqualification. All bags are subject to search:

• Coolers of any kind unless for medical reasons
• Fireworks
• Props that must be used with fire or pyro
• Video cameras or camcorders of any kind
• Weapons of any kind (including pocket knives, “army knives” or Swiss Army-type knives and all swords)
• Sharp tools
• Mace, pepper spray, or similar items
• Illicit drugs or alcohol
• Cameras

We are sorry, but during this first round of auditions we cannot have fire, swords, or other sharp objects at the venue. If you have prop or dull swords, knifes, or other props that appear dangerous but are not, or if you need sharp tools (i.e screwdrivers, scissors, etc) to do your act, please notify our staff  and we will try to accommodate you. Please bring a DVD of your act if your act does include these elements. If you are chosen to go through to the second round, you will be able to use your props and/or pyro if approved in advance by Producers.

Simon Cowell, who produces America's Got Talent, has the following advice for acts auditioning:
1) Be original.
2) Don't be boring.
3) Stand out from the crowd.
4) Be fearless.
Here is some more advice:

Dress to impress. Come with the outfit you want to wear on TV.  It doesn't hurt to wear something you're comfortable in but will also let you stand out in the crowd.

PAPERWORK: Not only is the paperwork important for contact information etc but it is a chance for you to share some stories and information about yourself and your talent. Producers do take the time to read your application, because we may not have time to ask you questions in the audition room it is always helpful to know a little bit about you.

PLEASE REFER TO OUR EXTENSIVE FAQ FOR MORE TIPS AND INFORMATION.

 

 

You want to shine at your audition. You may only have a chance to sing UP TO 90 seconds of one song, so please start off with your strongest. Remember that you can choose any part of the song to perform, so pick the part that best shows off your vocals. Keep in mind that original music is always tough with our judges. Even the Rolling Stones start a concert with a well-known hit and not their new material. Please have a cover song prepared as well if you choose to sing an original.

These are the most commonly performed and perhaps over-done songs:

 

At Last	Crazy
Summertime	You Raise Me Up
The Climb	Halo
Listen	Firework
Someone Like You	Ain't Got You
Fallen
I'm Yours	Who's Loving You

 

If you are planning on performing any of these songs, please make sure you make your performance your own.

Otherwise try to pick something popular, but maybe a little more unique and  still fitting your style. We want you to stand out. Maybe its your unique take on a well-know song. For example, a man auditioning singing a song typically done by a female singer.

It is always a good idea to have more than one song prepared, especially a few different genres or styles. You are only guaranteed 90 seconds, but if a Producer asks to hear another song, it is good to be prepared.