An audition is a short performance given by an actor, singer, dancer, or musician to show their skills and try to win a role in a play, movie, concert, or other performance. When you audition for the school musical, you might sing a song and read a few lines from the script while the director watches and decides if you're right for a part.

During an audition, performers usually have just a few minutes to demonstrate what they can do. A violinist auditioning for an orchestra might play a challenging piece, while an actor auditioning for a movie might perform a scene (called a reading). The people watching, often called a panel or jury, compare the auditions of many candidates before choosing who gets the role.

Today, auditions can happen in person or by video, but they always involve watching and listening. They can feel nerve-wracking because performers know they're being evaluated, but auditions also give people chances to showcase their talents and land exciting opportunities. Some famous actors had to audition dozens of times before getting their breakthrough roles, proving that persistence through auditions often matters as much as talent.