Palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy.

Don't be afraid, though. A good audition can happen, without the threat of mom's spaghetti reappearing.

Beverly Patton, an associate theatre professor who teaches an auditions class, has a few tips about what to do before and during the audition.

"It's important to get the specifics about the show before auditioning. Read or listen to the show -- have an idea what you're getting into," Patton said.

There are several on-campus theatre groups, including No Refund Theatre (NRT) and Thespians, and both presidents stress familiarity with a show before auditioning.

NRT President Caitlin Cassidy (senior-secondary education and theatre) said NRT looks for members who are interested in theatre and like new experiences. Cassidy explained that NRT auditions are not meant to stress potential members, and said she believes being prepared can help ease some of the auditioning nervousness.

"Knowing a little bit about the plot and characters will help you tremendously when you are reading a part for the first time because you will already know a few things about the character, thus giving you an edge," Cassidy said.

Thespians President Nick Semon (senior-civil engineering) also said familiarity is a key component to a good audition.

"The best tip I can give potential auditionees is to make yourself as comfortable with the pieces you'll be auditioning with," he said.

In addition to being prepared and comfortable, on-campus dance companies like Orchesis, Whiplash, and Tapestry also stress precision in dancing and personality. Dance auditions, like any audition, can be nerve-racking, but Orchesis President Alyse Sciolla (senior-public relations) explained that sometimes a smile can work wonders.

"Smile and have fun through the whole process," she said. "Everyone is nervous, but smile through it and show us the kind of dancer and person you are through your performance."

Whiplash President Dayna Hasson (senior-psychology) stressed attitude as well. Whiplash only accepts about 10 women per year on average, so standing out at an audition is key, she said. Technical training and natural talent are the first things Hasson looks for, but she said attitude is a high-ranking factor.

"It's important that we find new members who not only create a talented group of dancers, but also a friendly group of girls," she said.

Choral auditions obviously focus on a different skill, but one conductor feels the same audition tips apply. Lynn Drafall, who conducts the Penn State Concert Choir and Oriana Singers, said that sometimes potential members don't realize the evaluators understand what it's like to audition.

"We find that auditioning students who are timid and scared in their singing or make excuses for themselves often do not sing their best," she said. "Those who really concentrate and approach the audition with a positive attitude are usually the happiest when they leave the room."

At the very least, Drafall said she believes an auditioning student should try their best and have a good time.

"Go after it, and don't be scared," she said.