Auditions are the most important part of a talent competition. If you don't get past the audition stage you have no chance of winning the competition. Here are six key tips that will prepare you or your young one for talent competitions in Pennsylvania and help get past the auditions.

Firstly, there are numerous categories of gift shows, auditions and competitions open to the public. Some of the gift activities include Magic act, playing music, singing, puppet show, dancing or baton twirling just to name a few. And if you feel you don't have any gift why not dress up as a clown and perform a little skit? This will make everyone laugh and you will be the hit of the show.

Don't make excuses. Don't tell the judges that you have the flu. It won't make the slightest bit of difference. Just do you best on the day. Don't apologize if you hit a wrong note, just continue. Stay positive throughout your audition.

Remember you have done most of the work already or you should have. The hard work you have spent practicing is what will get you through the audition. If you have spent the time, energy and effort perfecting your audition piece you have done the work already. How your audition goes depends heavily on your preparation. If you have prepared well, then you have a good chance. If you haven't prepared well, then there is little you can do at this late stage to salvage the situation. Either way, do not stress yourself out.

Dress to impress. Think about it like this. You want to dress as if you are going on a first date. No tracksuits, no baggy clothes and don't dress too formally. Make sure your clothing is comfortable but also presents you in a positive light. How you look is just as important as how you sing. Hey, it's show business baby.

Dance and music instructors often provide gift show preparation classes to improve a child's gift show performance. As an added benefit, they can provide non-biased, confidence building criticism and offer solutions to correct any weaknesses in your child's performance. This in-turn makes your child more successful and happier with his or her achievements.

Know how nerves affect your voice. What is your main tendency? Do you sing flat? Do you sing sharp? Do you have trouble with a particular vocal range when those nerves jingle? Nerves often highlight a "problem" area with your current vocal ability. Make sure you choose a range and key of song that hides this "problem." (Hey, you are not a professional singer just yet so it's okay to have a problem range. Just don't let the judges hear it.)

Pageant and gift show preparation classes are offered at local dance and music studios to help prepare students for the gift portion of beauty pageants and compete. If your child is interested in competing in a pageant or other gift show, gift preparation classes will help prepare them by working with professional choreographers and dance teachers to turn your child's gift to show them off at their best. Ensure to explore your gift and live your life to the fullest.