Yoga Teachers, Here’s How to Prepare for Your Next Yoga Audition

In Yoga Journal’s Archives series, we share a curated collection of articles originally published in past issues beginning in 1975. These stories offer a glimpse into how yoga was interpreted, written about, and practiced throughout the years. This article first appeared in Yoga Journal in 2016. Find more of our Archives here.

“Yoga teaching auditions are a challenge for anyone,” says Coral Brown, a teacher trainer, holistic psychotherapist, and longtime student of Shiva Rea. Although much of the usual advice to prospective teachers includes “stay calm,” and “bring yourself,” that’s easier said than done. Of course, you can draw on tools that you have learned in yoga, such as mindfulness, your breath, and maybe a mantra, explains Brown. Humble confidence can also help.

There are even more specific tools that can help conquer nerves so that you can ace any yoga audition.

5 Tips for Acing Your Yoga Teaching Audition

Each time you audition, you’re essentially integrating everything you have learned about yoga and teaching until that point in time. But don’t fall into the trap of trying to show how much you know. The following advice can help you keep things relatively simple.

1. Create a Complete Experience

“Create a brief but well-rounded sequence that showcases your ability to create a beginning, middle, and end of an experience,” suggests Giselle Mari, a Jivamukti teacher and teacher trainer. “This can include chanting; a brief talk about your theme, whether philosophical or the desired outcome for this sequence; asana related to that theme; and meditation.”

2. Practice, Practice, Practice

Take yourself and others through your sequence until you feel comfortable teaching it. Schedule time to practice it with family and friends who can share feedback on your delivery and overall presentation skills, says Mari.

You can also be your own student. “Filming yourself is also a great self-help tool and can reveal tremendous insights into how you communicate,” she explains. “Among other things that might make you wince, so have a sense of humor about yourself.”

3. Be Authentic

“My best advice is do you exactly as you would if no one was watching,” says teacher trainer Alexandria Crow. “I think trying to figure out what may get you the job and tailoring to that is unwise and never works. Be completely authentic and aligned to how you teach. If you can do that, the things that are meant for you will happen!”

“Also, change your perspective so that you are auditioning them!” suggests Brown. “Ask questions, meet people, get a feel for the place— maybe it isn’t good match for YOU, not them!” Remind yourself that your entire teaching career doesn’t rest on the outcome of this one experience.

4. Show (Some of) What You Know

“Once in the audition, move around the room so everyone can see and hear you,” recommends Mari. “Keep your teaching clear and concise. Be mindful of overused words like ‘good, ‘breathe,’ etc.”

Beyond these essentials, Mari recommends verbally breaking down and sharing information on at least one pose to demonstrate your knowledge of anatomy and alignment. “Know how to utilize props and offer modifications and demonstrate these adjustments on an as-needed basis. Most importantly, have your own voice.”

5. Teach for the Students

“Remember, this is a job of service and to be in service is to provide an experience for others that isn’t about you,” adds Mari. “Yes, you are bringing yourself to the mix, but be sure that your offering is for your audience and their skill set.”

This article has been updated. Originally published March 25, 2016.