Crushing the Audition: 5 Director Secrets for The Wizard of Oz
The script is in and auditions are coming soon!
The Emerald City is officially coming to Maricopa.
With The Wizard of Oz auditions happening on May 4th, 5th, 11th, and 12th, actors across the city are preparing their 60-second vocal tracks, brushing up on their choreography, and getting ready to step into the room. But what is the casting team actually looking for when you walk through those doors?
To answer that, we sat down with Marcus, the director taking the helm for this massive summer production.
Marcus knows exactly what it feels like to fall in love with the theater. His origin story started in a small-town melodrama theater run by his brother, where he stood backstage rattling sheet metal to create thunder sound effects. It was the sound of the audience cheering, laughing, and booing that hooked him. Now, 66 directorial credits later, his passion hasn't shifted from the spectacle on stage—it has shifted to the people creating it.
Known for directing deeply emotional, human-centric shows, Marcus operates on a strict culture of respect. "We have to treat each other like gold," he says, noting that his rehearsal rooms are strictly drama-free zones designed for collaboration and compassion.
If you are nervous about auditioning, Marcus wants you to know that his casting table isn't looking for flawless, robotic perfection. They are looking for heart. Whether you are a seasoned theater veteran or stepping onto the stage for the very first time, here are his top five secrets to crushing your cold read.
1. Treat Your Song Like a "Songologue"
You only get 60 seconds to sing your prepared track. It is easy to obsess purely over hitting the right notes, but Marcus is looking for something deeper.
Because you don't always get the chance to perform a monologue right out of the gate, your vocal solo is your monologue. You need to sing and act simultaneously. We need to see your vocal range, but more importantly, we need to see a distinct character choice and genuine emotional depth behind the lyrics.
2. Bold Choices Beat Perfect Reading
When the audition transitions to cold reading or character improv, do not panic about getting every single word perfectly right.
We are looking for actors who make strong, definitive character choices. That commitment shows the directing team that you are flexible and willing to take risks. It is far more important to make yourself stand out and show us your energy than it is to simply read the text flawlessly and fade into the background. If you believe your character, we will believe it too.
3. Perform Through the Choreography
Dance auditions terrify non-dancers, but here is a secret from the other side of the table: we are not expecting perfection.
We are looking for basic coordination, but above all, we are looking for someone who can perform while they dance. Staring at your feet to ensure you get the steps right will not work. A better choice is to commit fully to whatever you can do. Keep your smile, maintain your character's emotion, and let your confidence carry you through the routine. Confidence will get you everywhere.
4. The Golden Rule of Mistakes: Do Not Apologize
If you mess up a lyric, drop a line, or miss a dance step, there is only one rule: keep going.
If you make a mistake at the very beginning of your vocal solo, you generally get one start-over. But any later than that, you must push through. Do not stop. Do not start over. And definitely do not make excuses or apologize to the casting team. The ability to recover smoothly and stay in character is one of the most impressive things you can do in an audition room.
5. Bring the Melodramatic Flair
Every show requires a different energy, and The Wizard of Oz is incredibly unique. It is a dream within a musical.
Because of the scale and style of the show, it is all about going big. We are looking for larger-than-life performances. Bring a bold choice, a big character, and a touch of melodramatic flair. Do not hold back—show us your magic.
The Maricopa Mission: Why We Need You
Ultimately, these auditions aren't just about casting a single show; they are about building a home for the arts in our city.
Maricopa is growing rapidly, and beneath the surface, there is an incredibly deep, untapped well of talent. There are brilliant student actors, visionary costume creators, skilled set builders, and passionate artists who are looking for a massive, community-driven stage to converge, collaborate, and be celebrated. Marcus's mission—and the mission of Broadway Maricopa—is to help build that space.
If you are reading this and thinking, "I'm not good enough," or "I haven't been on a stage in ten years," or "I'm too scared to try," this is your official invitation to step out of your shell. We aren't looking for polished Broadway elites; we are looking for brave, passionate locals who want to be part of something bigger than themselves. We want your unique energy, your quirks, and your willingness to try.
We have the stage. We have the vision. Now, we just need you.
Are you ready to step into the spotlight?
👇 Take the leap and join the family.
[CLICK HERE TO CLAIM YOUR AUDITION TIME SLOT FOR MAY 4TH, 5TH, 11TH, OR 12TH]