Audition Tips for a Better Audition
DO Be Early.
Try to get there at least ten -fifteen minutes before your audition. It will give you time to loosen up and prepare. Also it makes a good impression.
DON'T Be Late-You want Casting Directors to remember you for the right reasons!
DO Relax.
Even Casting Directors remember how nerve-racking auditions can be. Relax and do your best. No one's going to shoot you if you don't do well; the worst that will happen is that you don't get the part.
Don't Panic- You have to remember YOU didn't have the part to begin with, so you have lost nothing. You won't always get cast no matter how good you are. Don't take it personally, there will be other auditions.
Do Dress Comfortably.
I don't go anywhere without a change of clothing and my brush. If the part call for casual wear - wear casual! Nothing is worse than attending a casual wear audition wearing semi-formal wear. Don't laugh, I have seen it before! Always check with your agent regarding attire for the audition, it will save you the embarrassment. Special Note: Wear the same clothes for callbacks as you did for your audition; when they look for that girl in the red dress, you want their eyes drawn to you and not to your competition! Helpful Hint- Keep a journal-noting wardrobe - it will save you the ciaos of trying to remember what you wore during your auditions.
DO Be friendly.
When you register for your audition be polite. These people need to know that they will be able to work with you. Smile. It will help you to relax.
Don't be loud and obnoxious while waiting for your turn to audition. Others are trying to focus on their audition and so should you.
Be prepared.
Directors and Auditioning Boards are always short on pens, scripts and so on. Bring your own
Helpful Hint, Remember during your audition they need to see your face and hear your voice. Follow down the lines with your thumb so you can look up without getting lost. Try to memorise short bits so you can be looking up. Glance ahead to your next cue line so you can be looking and reacting to the actor/actress you're reading with. Remember acting is actually reacting.
Speak up!
Don't fall into the trap of dropping your voice because your audience is right in front of you. They need to know that the people in the back of a theatre, auditorium, park, etc. are going to be able to hear and understand you. Watch your posture! Stand straight and keep your head up.
Slow down!
It is not a race! This is your moment to shine. Read your sides and live moment to moment. It is very common for a person who is nervous to speed up their speech.. Remember to vary the pace, volume, inflection, tone, etc. as much as you can but make sure they can hear and understand you! Enunciate! Articulate! Pronunciation!
Play to your audience!
Your audience at an audition is the Casting Director and Camera. Many times actors will focus on fellow actors and not the directions of the Casting Director. I have seen too many people at open auditions turn to play it to the rest of the room. Make every effort not to fall in this common mistake.
It's your chance to show them who you are and what you can do
I've seen too many people get up for a prepared monologue and read from a book or paper! Prepared means rehearsed and off book. Practice different inflections and interpretations until it feels right. Follow Michael Shurtleff's Guide Posts to character development. Practice in front of a mirror. Practice in front of anyone who will let you. Practice in front of a video camera. Critique yourself. Practice it every chance you get, it's very important.
Monologue Selections - Choose Them Carefully
Have at least two contrasting pieces that both show your theatrical range. Most theatre auditions require this, so have at least twoready, and keep it under five minutes.
Too many times actor's choose passive monologues. Choose a piece that builds. Choose a monologue that is close enough to your theatrical age range and type. Create something new and different with your character choices. Don't just recreate a famous interpretation. That can work against you, as you will be compared to the original performer. Don't use just the popular monologues, you know the ones that everyone has heard. Casting Directors can get tired of hearing them. Consider performing one or two non-traditional pieces. Whatever you use, find something that speaks from your head and heart and soul. Perform and live the moment. If you enjoy what you're doing, there's a strong chance they'll enjoy what you're doing and want to work with you. Even if you don't get the part, they will remember you and will be glad to see you again.
Know Your Monologue - An Inside Tip
Many times after an actor has delivered their monologue as they prepared and rehearsed, the casting director will ask the actor to deliver the same monologue as a small child, or another character with different emotions. The reason for this is to see your ability to take direction and to see your theatrical ability and range. Be Prepared.
