Auditions

Auditions are very important, so you should learn how to audition well by being prepared and avoiding the errors that are commonly made.

First Principles

DO lots of auditions! Auditioning is a skill to be learned, so practice. That doesn’t mean go for every part available; doing so will soon frustrate directors!

DON’T take rejection personally. To do this is unprofessional self-indulgence. You may have been rejected for quite arbitrary reasons that have nothing to do with your talent or your chances of getting a part in the future. Regard all feedback as a gift. Take advice, try again, and remember that persistence is the most important personal quality for an actor.

DON’T brood on your mistakes. Finish the audition and forget it.

Preparation

DO your research. If you have time, find out about the style and repertoire of the company/society.

DO obtain and read the play or musical if you can. Making a note of your first impressions will help.

DO dress appropriately (but not literally) for the character. For instance, if the part is a whore, you don’t dress like a whore, though you may use sexy clothes! Clean jeans and denim jacket might be appropriate for a cowhand – the director must be able to see the character in you. In general, don’t grow a beard or put on heavy make-up. Let the director see you.

DO note the date, place and time of the audition.

On the Day

DO leave yourself plenty of time and space. Avoid hangovers or over tight schedules that will only add to the stress of the occasion. Prepare your clothes, notes, etc, the night before and have an early night.

DON’T be late!

DON’T get angry if they’re running late, or for any reason.

DO compose yourself. Don’t chatter to other people who are auditioning if you thing that will disturb yours or their concentration.

DO be yourself. Don’t try to be someone else, or compare yourself with them.

DO put yourself in the shoes of those who are auditioning you. If you are right for the role, they will have done their job perfectly and everyone can go home. They want you to be good.

When You Go in

DO behave in a confident, relaxed way. If you think you’re no good, so will they.

DO take your time. Get the feel of the space. There will probably be a chair and table if you need it. Ask for what you want. Arrange the furniture if necessary before you start.

DO direct your piece out front so that the panel can see clearly what you are doing.

DON’T use the audition panel as characters in the scene. This is off-putting to directors, who need to take notes. Directors also need a sense of distance.

DON’T ever apologise, whatever happens. Never ask for sympathy, verbally or with body language.

DO listen to advice, instruction or communication offered to you by the panel. Even if you are nervous, you must come across as responsive and receptive.

DO centre and compose yourself before you start.

DON’T ostentatiously “prepare.” Most directors will simply think you are showing off and/or have a problem.

DO communicate to the panel. This is much more important than getting it accurate.

DO look up. Don’t bury your head in the book. Let the director see you.

DO your best, and finish in silence. The director will probably say thank you. Don’t bow or say. “That’s it!”

DON’T ask unnecessary questions or try to chat with the panel.

DON’T be upset or put off if the director works with you on your piece. It is a compliment, not a criticism! The director is trying to find out if you can respond to instructions and change what you do. Hear what is said to you and act boldly to do what is asked of you.

DO remember that your brightness, enthusiasm and positive energy will help the director.

Afterwards

DO retain your sense of humour!

DO forgive yourself immediately for any mistakes.

DO enjoy the prospect of your next audition!

MOST OF ALL ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE.

These informative and entertaining techniques can be found, along with many others, in John Perry’s “Encyclopedia of ACTING Techniques” Designed and Produced by Quarto Publishing plc