Audition Tips

Here are some techniques for good auditioning. First and foremost, the most important rule of auditioning is to demonstrate your dedication to the show.  That can be done by doing the following:

1) Behave at auditions.  You are going to have fun, but recognize the moments when your quiet attention is desired and give it.

2) Be patient.  It takes a long time to run auditions for a big show and much of your time spent at auditions will likely be time in which the director focuses on others and not you. (after all, there are likely to be at least 50 "others" and only one of you).

3)  Feel free to ask questions for clarification – but don’t be afraid to just go out there and “do it!” 

4)  Don't reserve, restrict, or censor yourself.  Holding back will get you nowhere.  Performers who hold back are hoping that the director will have a magic ability to spot potential.  It is true that potential CAN be spotted, but it is risky to hope that you will be awarded a role based on your POTENTIAL.  It is about what you DO DEMONSTRATE that will be rewarded.  So, get yourself mentally ready to give energy and demonstrate abilities which you might not be used to demonstrating in front of others. 

5)  Watch the movie only to be familiar with the story. Directors do not want to see carbon-copies of the film actors. They want to see original takes on the roles and want to work with actors who can be creative.

6) Learn more about the show itself.  Read the play, go on-line and read about the story behind the show, and watch the movie - - but NOT to copy it.  This way you will have the "big picture."

7)  Fill out your audition form completely - especially the part about the conflicts you have in your own personal schedule which might conflict with rehearsals for this show.  Then take a serious look at it. Will you be able to make the scheduled rehearsals, learn your lines, plus get everything else done?  Some folks forget that the director is hoping to choose people who are available to work, and if your schedule implies that you are never available, then what are you doing here? But, that does not mean you should lie on the form. It just means that if you are serious about being a big part of this show, you should drop a few of your other activities to make room for rehearsals.

8) Wear clothes that are appropriate for an audition. That usually means to dress up but still wear something you can move around in.

9) Give yourself time before the audition to relax.  Eat something before you come so you will be happy and ready to go. Cancel plans immediately before the audition hour, so you can concentrate on the task ahead of you. Don’t schedule plans for after the audition. You never know if the auditions will run long, or if you will be called back. You don’t want to hurt your chances of getting a role because you had to rush.

10) Do not judge yourself against others.  Often performers who could do a great job get psyched out by someone else who goes before them and does a great job. That's their great job. You just do your great job.  You strive for your own personal best.  Also, it is easier, to spot the good in the performance of others than it is for us to feel great about what we have just done.  So, it may just be your point of view.  Maybe your singing/acting/moving was actually better than theirs was and you just can't see it.

11) Open your mind to several different roles.  If you are there to earn a slot in which you can participate with the full group toward the end goal you will succeed!   However, if you go into the audition thinking that you just have to get that ONE role or nothing else, then you are setting yourself up for disappointment.  Twenty other people might have the same idea.

12) Demonstrate flexibility.  Actors are wanted who can do the same thing three different ways.  You will read a scene and then be told, "That was great...now do it like this...." And it isn't because you didn't do it perfectly the first time.  Maybe you did!  The director is trying to see which performers have the widest range of interpretations.  Think of it as your opportunity to show that you can take direction, try something new, and yield creative results.

Be familiar with the play and the characters.

Show yourself off to the director.

Be loud and expressive.

Be confident.

Take risks!