tryout

A test to ascertain the qualifications of applicants, as for an athletic team or theatrical role.

An experimental performance of a play before its official opening.

a test of the performance capability of a person, to ascertain fitness for a particular task; in sports, a test by which the fitness of a player or contestant to remain in a certain class is determined.

one or more performances of a play prior to the official opening, held at a location outside of the city where it is to be formally presented, conducted for the purpose of determining audience response or ascertaining weaknesses needing correction.

to compete for a postition, as on a sports team or in a theatrical presentation.

to use (something not previously used) to determine its fitness for a particular purpose; also, to attempt (a deed) to determine if it will accomplish a particular purpose.

A test of the suitability or effectiveness of a person or thing, especially of a performer (an audition)

A trial run

a test of the suitability of a performer

trying something to find out about it