Elise Mestichelli on Chronicling the Competitive World of the Broadway Audition

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The South Jersey performer documents life as a working dancer, from Broadway auditions to regional theater opportunities.

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For all those aspiring performers who long to audition and get cast, Elise Mestichelli, a Haddon Heights resident and vibrant professional dancer/performer, vlogs and documents her audition process from soup to nuts as a “dancer over thirty,” as she bills herself, sharing her hopes, dreams, doubts, fears and inspirations as she pursues dance-heavy roles on Broadway or in regional or off-Broadway shows. Her behind-the-scenes look at the audition process can be found on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram where she sometimes goes out for multiple Broadway shows, visiting several theaters a day, navigating the competitive world of the audition season, and discussing everything from Actors Equity to headshots to staying resilient and prepared.

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We follow her as she begins her day and commutes to New York City for Broadway calls or pursues local opportunities in Philadelphia, riding the train and subway with her, taking jazz classes at STEPS or Broadway Dance Center, listening to her share pearls of wisdom from teachers that helped her like “When you know and feel that you are enough, opportunities are just going to come right to you” or greets one of the friends she’s made in this tight community of auditioner/dancers. The 30-something dancer has done every type of audition possible from open calls to personal invitations through an agent and has auditioned for such diverse shows as The Rocky Horror Show, Hamilton, Wicked, Cabaret, Frozen, Hairspray, Mean Girls, Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby. Her videos are a wonderful and entertaining chronicle of the fast-paced and thrilling audition season and a must for anyone who wants to tread the boards.

Q. Are theater and dance lifelong passions of yours? How did you begin your professional performing career? Were you studying dance at an early age or doing school plays?

Dance has always been a lifelong passion of mine! I’ve been dancing since I was 3 but didn’t do my first musical until my Sophomore year of high school and I fell in love with it! I’ve loved performing since I was small and decided to keep doing it through college. I went to Oklahoma City University for Dance Performance and that experience helped prepare me for the reality of the performing industry. My first professional show was Oklahoma! and I performed that at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma right after I graduated college and then I booked other shows shortly after.

Q. Was there any particular class or experience or show that you felt really furthered your development as an artist?

There’s something to learn from every class I take or every show I do but earlier this year I took a singing audition class at The Walnut Street Theatre in Philly. The class is called “The Business of the Business” with Brian Kurtas and I’m not exaggerating when I say it changed my life. I have always felt confident in dance auditions but singing auditions gave me anxiety. It had nothing to do with my voice but it was my mental state. This class had me singing in front of my peers every week and transformed how I approach singing auditions. Now I focus on trusting myself, having fun, and remembering to perform authentically.

Q. You obviously audition on a regular basis. What are some of the shortcuts or key things you've learned in that process to make it go smoother?

It took me a lot of time to get here, but I genuinely love auditioning. I treat it as a free dance class, a way to connect with my community, and continue working on my skills. And once an audition is over, I try to keep a neutral mindset. I’m proud I did my best but also have to remember that the outcome is completely out of my control.

Q. What kind of auditions do you prefer, because I know you've said you've done them all (Equity, etc.)

My favorite auditions are dance ECCs (Equity Chorus Calls)! It really is like a free dance class and I love getting the chance to put myself out there in front of the creative team.

Q. Tell me about your vlog. What made you want to chronicle your experiences as a dancer and performer, particularly the audition process? What has the reaction to your vlog been like?

I love sharing my audition experiences with others! I remember randomly making an audition vlog in I believe 2024 and people really responded to it. But more importantly I had so much fun doing it. I’m a very creative person who also loves being in front of the camera (I’m a Sagittarius in theatre so it’s not surprising lol), so I slowly started to dip my toe into the content creation world and couldn’t stop. I love being able to show people outside of our world what it’s like being immersed in it. The reactions from people have been so wonderful. I have a consistent community of people who show up in my comment sections excited to see what I’m up to and that feels really special.

Q. You said that you thrived on being a swing in shows where you covered multiple parts. What about it appeals to you?

Being a swing was one of my favorite performing experiences. A lot of it has to do with how my brain works. I love the chaos, unpredictability, and being ready for anything. But the reason all of those things are so exciting is because of the preparation that comes with it. You have to know the show backwards, forwards, and sideways in order to be a successful swing. I remember once in a job interview for a non-performing job, they asked me my greatest strength and I said adaptability. I credit swinging for making me so much more adaptable in all areas of life. By the way, I did end up getting that job.

Q. What is the most challenging aspect of dancing? How do you keep fresh as a dancer? How do you take care of your body?

I think the most challenging part of dancing is building stamina to do a routine or combo multiple times in a row, rehearse for hours at a time, or perform multiple numbers in a show. Fortunately, I’m a naturally high energy person so whenever I go to NYC, I try to take multiple classes a day in addition to any auditions I’m attending. It’s also important to cross train as a dancer. I lift weights, love Pilates, rollerblading, and try to walk every day on my walking pad at home.

Q. How many classes minimum do you feel are necessary per week to be competitive as a dancer? What would you say is essential to be well-rounded?

I don’t think there is a set number of classes to take a week because every person is different. It’s important to stay consistent but for some people that might mean one class a week, and for some people that might be taking four classes a week (or three classes a day occasionally if you’re me lol). My favorite way to feel well rounded is to take a class a little outside of my comfort zone. I like the challenge and even if I’m not feeling 100% confident, it always teaches me something new.

Q. How do you psyche yourself up for auditions and performing? How do you deal with rejection? What keeps you motivated? Do you get stage fright?

Auditioning is the main job we have as performers so I always treat them like performances. I’m lucky that I don’t get anxious for dance auditions and I’ve worked really hard to make singing auditions feel the same. I really try to go in the room with the goal of showing up authentically and taking the pressure off myself because that’s when I have my best auditions. I don’t think anyone is an expert in dealing with rejection, myself included, but I try to let it go the second I leave the audition space. I can’t change anything and obsessing over the outcome has only made me spiral in the past.

I stay motivated by remembering the joy of being on stage. I feel my most at home when I’m in a show and that is my overall why. I’ve also been able to find a good balance of performing bringing me happiness but not being my only source of happiness. My mental health around performing became so healthy once that clicked. Fortunately, I don’t get stage fright, I live for it! That’s not to say I don’t have nerves but it’s more excitement versus anxiety.

Q. If you could pick out some of your favorite moments as a performer, what would they be? What has been most satisfying to you?

Ah I have so many!

Singing the song “Oklahoma” during Oklahoma! the musical in Oklahoma City and having the entire crowd stand on their feet and join in. My first time going on as a swing at Goodspeed. Performing at The Walnut Street Theatre and having my entire family able to see me since that theatre is local.

Q. How often do you commute into New York from South Jersey?

I typically commute to NYC from South Jersey 1-2 times a week depending on what auditions are happening! I’m fortunate that I’m able to stay with my brother in Hoboken or other friends if I need to spend the night. I prefer to come home because I love my own bed!

Q. What do you ultimately want to achieve as a performer/dancer? What would the ideal be for you at this point?

My biggest goal is to be in a Broadway show. It’s been a dream since I performed in my first musical. But along with that, I just want to perform as much as possible in theatre and some TV and ideally as locally as possible. Philly theatre is really special to me and I can’t wait to be back on stage near my hometown.

Elise Mestichelli is a professional dancer, fashion lover, content creator, and adventure seeker in her 30s. Some of her favorite credits include C.H.E.R.Y./L. The Robot (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Shrek the Musical ( Walnut Street Theatre ), and Thoroughly Modern Millie & Chasing Rainbows ( Goodspeed Opera House ). Elise graduated from Oklahoma City University with a BA in Dance Performance and is still actively auditioning/performing. Check her out @eliselm___ on all social platforms.

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/article/Interview-Elise-Mestichelli-Chronicling-the-Competitive-World-of-the-Broadway-Audition-20260608)._