Destined for Broadway and Beyond: Expert Tips from Broadway’s Tiffany Haas

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2025 Pink Issue of Showstopper Magazine.

Dreaming of seeing your name in lights on Broadway? Getting there requires more than just talent; it’s about preparation, passion, and perseverance. Tiffany Haas, founder of the premier training program Destination Broadway, knows firsthand what it takes to succeed on the big stage. With a decade-long career in musical theater—most notably in the role of Glinda in Wicked–and her role as Artistic Director of Destination Broadway, Tiffany has dedicated her career to helping young performers prepare for their moment in the spotlight.

Tiffany shares her own tips and insights from her prestigious program, offering helpful advice for aspiring performers who are ready to shine on stage. Be sure to check out the last page for more information on Destination Broadway to find out how you can join the one-week intensive!

What are casting directors really looking for in an audition?

Whether you’re a singer or a dancer, you must see yourself as a storyteller and actor first. “Everything you do with your movement has to have meaning and clarity to further the story. High kicks are great, but there has to be something behind it to move someone and make them feel something,” she explained. “A choreographer can teach someone a time-step, but they can’t teach someone how to light up the stage.”

The same principle applies to singers. It isn’t just about hitting the high notes; you have to deeply understand the lyrics and know exactly what you’re singing about. “The audience can see it and feel it in your expression. Story first!” Tiffany stressed. And the bonus? “If you dance with passion, your kick will be higher anyway! If you sing with emotion, your voice will have richness and power without added work.”

What gives you longevity in this industry?

In an industry flooded with talent, attitude and reputation are what set performers apart. “Make yourself irreplaceable,” Tiffany advised. “Having a great attitude in the audition room or rehearsal room will set you apart.”

In an audition, it’s pretty common to be asked to change your delivery or try a new approach on the spot—whether it’s adjusting your vocal tone, altering a dance move, or reinterpreting a line with different emotional intensity. “Listen carefully, take the note, and apply adjustments the best you can without taking anything personally. Show that you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone.”

Being adaptable, open to new ideas, and always maintaining a positive attitude are qualities that directors and casting teams value. A great attitude will not only make you memorable but can keep you in the running for future roles.

Expert Tip!
If you’re unclear about something, it’s okay to ask a clarifying question—just make sure to ask respectfully and not defensively.

What’s the best way to deal with rejection and stay motivated?

Tiffany’s journey to Broadway wasn’t a straight shot. She faced 72 rejections before landing her first role. “I auditioned for Wicked eight times before I was told they were so glad they ‘found’ me,” she laughed. “And I remember thinking, ‘Found me? I’ve been here the last eight times!”

Pererverance is key. According to Tiffany, you need to understand that auditioning is part of the job, not just a step toward it. “The job of an actor is auditioning, getting your foot in the door, and meeting new people,” she shared. “In many ways, this is like the last man standing competition. It sounds cliché, but you have to actually make the choice to never give up.”

The most important thing is to stay focused on what you can control. “This industry is subjective. Directors might have a vision, and you could be too tall, too short, or have the wrong hair color (yes, yes, yes, even if you wear a wig in the show),” she explained. But there is always something you can control—your work and preparation.

“Do the work before you go into the room,” Tiffany emphasized. “Many of the biggest casting offices in NYC are casting multiple shows. You might go in for an audition (that you don’t book), but the casting office will remember you and bring you in for something they are casting next week, next month, etc. Your audition is your chance to show the creative team what you can do with the material. Make it count.“

How do you keep a role fresh, even after many performances?

After performing the song “Popular” over 1,000 times as Glinda in Wicked, Tiffany still found ways to keep the role exciting. “We are never done learning or growing,” she said. “Each performance, I found a new moment of discovered something deeper about the character.”

For Tiffany, it was about approaching every performance with curiosity and a mindset of continual growth. “The moment we feel we’ve learned all there is to learn, we’ve stopped growing as performers. There’s always something new to explore,” she added.

Whether you’re preparing for your first audition or rehearsing for a show you’ve done many times, it’s important to keep an open mind and look for opportunities to grow. Every performance, class, or rehearsal is a chance to refine your craft and discover new layers in your work. Staying curious about your character, your movement, or your vocal delivery can make each performance feel fresh and exciting, even if you’ve done it countless times.

Expert Tip!
Growth doesn’t just happen during auditions, rehearsals, or on the stage. You can constantly be learning, whether that’s through new acting techniques, voice lessons, or different dance styles.