I am going to be auditioning for the play Aladdin. The play is only for ages 13-19, and it's at the local theater, so I don't think it's nothing too professional.
Anyways, in the info packet, they are asking that I prepare a song, just a verse to a song. Now I do know a few songs off the top of my head, but I haven't done any real practicing with them, and I don't have sheet music either. Is it okay to perform something like this, or should I really hunt for a song, get sheet music, and learn it?

It depends ...

what part are you auditioning for. If it's one of the lead characters, pick a song that shows your ability to sing songs that are like the ones the character sings. Also familiarize yourself with the songs from the show (in case they ask).

I would not sing from the show UNLESS they request it but singing something LIKE the songs from the show is alright.

Bring sheet music if you can and know the song you are singing (that's why they ask that you PREPARE). So yes, really hunt for a song that you can do well, get sheet music and learn it !!!

Good luck and ... most of all, have fun!

It sounds like you are just getting started with auditioning and don't know what to expect.

Even though it is a local theater, by the age of 13 many of the teens going out for this show will be experienced in auditioning for musical theater. (That doesn't mean that they are better than you -so don't be intimidated!) You want to be as professional as possible. That means:

- you have sheet music for your song. (Sheet music can be downloaded from the internet straight to your printer. Most songs costs less than $5.)

- your sheet music is marked with the section that you plan to sing. Most songs are a couple of minutes long. Auditions usually ask for a 1 minute piece - about 16 bars of music. (A bar is one of the vertical lines on the staff.) You can pick any part of the song that you want and often the end is the most dramatic. The song you chose should show as much of your vocal range as possible.

- you are ready to sing your best. That means that you have practiced the song, know it by heart, and can sing it in a way that shows them you will perform well on stage.

Auditions tend to follow the same pattern. You will sign in when you arrive. They will ask for a headshot/resume. If you don't have one, a good photo will do and a list of any experience you have - school plays, recitals, etc. When it's your turn, you will go into the audition room, hand the piano player your music and sing. Don't expect any kind of reaction or feedback. Thank them, take your music and go. In most cases you will only hear from them if they want to see you again.

Prepare, go, and have fun with it. If you are cast - fantastic, if not, you have gotten that first audition out of the way and will know what to expect the next time.

Break a leg.