If I were to ask you exactly what moment was the most crucial, the most important, or had the most significance doing a theatrical production, what would you say? Some might say opening night, overcoming your nerves before going on, the climax of the play itself, or simply the fact of overcoming the difficulties of developing your character. In my opinion, the most crucial point of a theatre production, whether it be a small storefront theatre or a grand three thousand seat stadium, is without a doubt the audition process.

Actors, directors, producers, anyone involved with theatre cringe at the thought of auditions. Actors because it is the lifeline to having a career, directors and producers because no one wants to sit in a hot stuffy room for hours watching countless people recite the same monologue over and over again. So why audition? Because it is a business transaction, you are the goods and theatre is the market as Andrew Gerle, author of The Enraged Accompanist’s Guide to the Perfect Audition, explains in his newest book.

Andrew Gerle is a name musical theatre veterans are quick to recognize; being quite possibly one of the most talented composers and pianists working today. Gerle is the recipient of four Richard Rodgers Awards, and he also won the 2006 Jonathan Larson Award for his musical Meet John Doe, which most recently made its Midwest premiere right here in our Windy City of Chicago. Not only is Andrew a successful composer, he has also spent fifteen years of his life behind the piano accompanying actors and actresses as they perform their short, often five minute auditions.

Fifteen years is a long time for someone to watch person after person either fail or succeed at their audition. So without question, Andrew Gerle knows the simple fixable mistakes performers make before the directors, producers, or as Gerle likes to call them “table people”. It is often small mistakes, yet they are so crucial and important, they may just cost you a role in the play. Thankfully Andrew Gerle found it in his heart to inform auditioners on the “do’s” and “don’ts” for the average musical audition. Andrew’s latest book will honestly save your life, or career at least, one day.

The Enraged Accompanist’s Guide to the Perfect Audition is a must have for all upcoming and even veteran actors and actresses. This small 120 page book is busting at the seams with useful tips and tricks on how to nail that dreadful audition you’ve been so nervous about. Andrew takes an in-depth look into what you should and shouldn’t do from the view behind the piano, or the “Enraged Accompanist”. Andrew Gerle has seen so many terrible auditions, he’d probably be a very rich man if he had a nickel for all of them. Now with his latest book, Andrew passes along the secrets that could very well land you a job one day.

Andrew points out a variety of detailed aspects about your audition that are commonly overlooked and lazily forgotten. He comments on the right attire to wear, the proper way to organize your song book, how to speak with the “table people”, how to sing the song you’ve selected, and best of all, the correct mindset you should have walking in. These are all great topics, which are exceptionally explained. You will put this book down having the upmost confidence for your next audition.

Andrew Gerle is many things, but most of all he is just an “Enraged Accompanist”, and is mad when he sees talented people screw up their auditions in simple ways. With his book in hand however, I am safe to say that your next audition could be the one you land. Gerle’s advice is pure gold that even veteran auditioners could learn something from. After reading his book, you will feel safer about auditions and how to master to them. In the words of Andrew Gerle, “see you at the piano”.