Tips For Auditions

The thing is, auditions are a nerve-wracking experience for actors. They prefer to have their eyebrows waxed. Unfortunately, they are an essential part of being an actor. So, by following these steps, you will have the best chance of getting the coin. To get the audition in the first place, you or your agent will need to send a photo and resume to the casting director. Sometimes you will receive an open call that anyone can join, but these are the exception, not the rule. Most auditions are by invitation only. If you are called for an audition, you will usually receive what are called "sides". or a few pages of a script that you will have to read during the audition. In the theater, you may also have to prepare a kind of monologue. The first thing to do is read the script and prepare for the role. Find out everything you can about the character you are going to play. The jokes are not yet important. Focus only on the character. How many years, from where, how does the character feel about the other characters in the story. Only after learning everything you need to know about the character do you start learning the lines. Use whatever method you feel most comfortable with. You won't be required to know the entire script during the audition, but be prepared.

 Before going to the audition, dress for the role. Wear clothes that match the character and the story. If you're playing a cowboy, don't wear a costume. You don't have to go rent spurs, but wear clothes that suggest the role. Jeans and boots for this role will do. Warm-up for the audition like a pitcher warms up before a baseball game. Do some stretches and sing exercises. Review your lines. Don't go cold. It's normal to be nervous, but by preparing you won't be so nervous and you can relax a bit. When you arrive at the audition, sign. You may have to wait. Others will read the same part. Be patient. Avoid talking to other actors. They will just try to distract you. Focus on what you came here to do. When you're actually reading for the casting director, be prepared for anything. Some may sit down and chat with you for a few minutes and others will get right to work. Forget it's an audition. Do the performance as if you were actually in the production. You only have one chance to make a first impression. Make the director think you ARE the character. They want you to be the best person for the role because that means their job is done. There are some things not to do when reading to the casting director. Don't suck. A sincere compliment is fine, but a casting director will know when you're crawling. Besides shaking his hand when you walk in, never touch the casting director. Finally, don't throw away the desk. Some hyperactive actors will do this while performing a physical scene. This is a sure way to NOT  get the part. Once you've finished reading, the director will let us know when he gets back to you. Forget it. Don't do sketches. Be professional and walk away. If the casting director likes your performance, you will be asked to come back. Right now there will be fewer people auditioning and more people watching your performance. Maybe a few producers, directors, and screenwriters. Wear the same clothes you wore in the first audition and perform in the same performance. what you did and what you think you can do better next time. If something went really well, write down what it was. The more auditions you pass, the better you will improve.