In an acting audition, preparation is king. Regardless of the type of role you are pursuing, you should internalize your lines and character choices. You should also take the time to warm up your voice and body before the audition. The mic and camera are very close, so subtle movements matter. Once you’ve got the requisite preparation, it’s time to nail the audition. Here are a few tips to nail your audition.
Be on time. Arriving late to an audition can look unprofessional and show you don’t care about preparation. The acoustics of the venue will determine how much vocal energy you’ll need. For monologues, select something that reflects your strengths and talents. If you’re asked to do a cold reading, learn your lines beforehand, and practice them. You should also ask questions to learn more about the role. Regardless of the type of role, prepare thoroughly for the audition.
Dress smartly. The casting director will greet you and hand you a script. You should dress accordingly, but do not overdress. While you don’t want to offend the director, be courteous to the receptionists. Casting assistants are influential and can accidentally lose contact sheets. Similarly, try not to insult the script or the producer. The auditioner will judge your level of familiarity with the material, so dress appropriately. Once you’ve gotten to the audition, don’t let nervousness interfere with your performance.
Always be prepared to memorize the script. If you’re auditioning for a role on TV, for example, it’s a good idea to study a few episodes of the show beforehand. This way, you’ll know the characters and the tone of the dialogue. You can also consider the character description and practice a monologue. However, you’ll want to avoid the temptation to be overly dramatic during your acting audition.
Prepare yourself. Acting auditions can be intimidating, but if you nail them, you’ll land your first role, or even more. If you’re prepared, the casting director, producer, and dance choreographer are likely to be in the audience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t land the role – practice will pay off. So don’t give up! Good luck! Hope this helps! And remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s all about working hard and making the most of the opportunity you’re given. You’ll be glad you did.
If you have representation, make sure to submit your resume every day. Include details about recent bookings, new agent signing, and any other information you think is important. Don’t forget to add special skills you have or any other information that will set you apart from other actors in the casting pool. You never know, the director might be looking for someone just like you. And if your audition doesn’t work out, your next try might be perfect.
Lastly, don’t forget to ask faculty members any questions you may have. Many reputable colleges and universities offer faculty assistance to candidates. Some of them even have specialized coaching for students. Caitlin G. is an acting coach in New York City and offers online sessions via Skype. She holds a BA from Wellesley College and an MFA in Drama from Boston University. She specializes in assisting actors transition from stage to screen. And she loves working with new actors!