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Acting Auditions Tips
Auditioning with a "Cold Read"
Auditions for which you are handed a script and asked to perform a scene are called "cold reads." Many actors fear this type of audition because they feel they do not have time to prepare. There are ways of preparing for these types of auditions, however! If you already know the piece you're auditioning from, find it in a library or bookstore and read it ahead of time. Get to know your character. If the piece is an unproduced script, your auditioner will most likely give you a brief background of your character. Here's where all your human observation skills are put to the test, so it's best to start honing them now! Overall, be positive: Cold reads can often be thrilling experiences, as you don't run the risk of being over-prepared or burned out.
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Audition Tips
School for Film and Television Tip: You haven't seen the script. You lost the directions and showed up late. You were nervous and you blew it. So many things can go wrong during acting auditions. Follow these tips to feel in control no matter what.
·Double-check the audition time and location. Make sure you know how to get there.
·Try to arrive at least 20 minutes ahead of schedule. It's easier on your nerves and you can use the extra time to review your sides.
·When you receive your sides, read them through at least once before you start working on the scene. You need to get the full overview before you can make intelligent decisions about which direction to go in.
·Expect the unexpected. Don't let two people whispering or a ringing cell phone throw you. Always be ready to change your reading if you're asked to do so.
·Memorize the first and last lines. You'll create first and last impressions of you looking up rather than down at the script.
·Don’t just stand there waiting for your next line. Make sure you listen, react, and play to your reading partner. Stay in the process, not in your script.
·If auditioning for a play, speak at performance volume. Just because everyone is gathered close doesn't mean you should alter your voice.
·Don't rush through your lines. It makes it seem like you can't wait for the audition to be over. Calm down and speak at the appropriate tempo.
·No matter how nervous or desperate you feel, be professional and smile. Try to think of each audition as an opportunity, not a torture session.
·Last but not least, remember a rejection doesn't mean you're no good. It just means you didn't get that particular part at that particular time.
Here's hoping you stay cool, calm, and collected during your next audition!
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Getting Over a Botched Acting Audition
If you have had a bad experience with an auditor, when do you know it is “safe” to meet him/her again? You should only go back if you have shown improvement in some way. This can be either through additional training or additional acting experience. If the auditor previously offered any feedback, show that you have taken his/her advice to heart and incorporated it in to your acting. You should be able to show that your acting skills have evolved and improved since your last meeting.
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Let's Do Lunch
School for Film and Television Tip: When you’re new in town and trying to learn about the business, it seems impossible to meet casting directors, agents, and other professionals. But there's a simple way of expanding your knowledge and Rolodex — invite a professional to lunch!
Agents, actors, and casting directors have to eat, too. If you approach them the right way, most of them will be happy to take you up on your offer. If you approach them the wrong way, however, you might end up doing yourself more harm than good. Follow these tips, and you'll be fine:
·This meeting is about making a contact, not getting a job. If you fear your desperation might show, start by approaching an up-and-coming agent, casting director, assistant, or fellow actor. You'll feel more relaxed if you're sitting across the table from someone who's trying to make it, too. And don't forget, today's novice is tomorrow's wheeler-dealer.
·When you extend the invitation, simply say you respect the professional's expertise, and you'd like to learn more about the business. Maintain an attitude of curiosity and interest.
·Keep it friendly and casual. The point of the lunch is to get to know each other, so let the conversation develop naturally. Avoid copping a "what can you do for me" attitude.
·Avoid pitching yourself. Don't promote yourself or hand over your headshot unless you're asked.
·If you feel the meeting has been successful, ask your new acquaintance if she can recommend one or two other people you could contact. Once you have those names, invite them to lunch!
·Pick up the tab. Show you appreciate their time and help by treating them. It's a small investment with a potentially huge reward.
Whatever you do, avoid coming across as pushy or desperate. Instead, focus on being professional, interested, and appreciative. Keep your cool, and before you know it your Rolodex will be bursting at the seams!
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Audition Dress Code
When dressing for auditions, keep in mind the role you're auditioning for. There's no need to go all out and wear full costume, but dress with the essence of the character. If you're auditioning for the role of a young suburban mother, you may wear a nice twinset and slacks or a skirt. For a business man role, you might wear a suit or at least a sports coat. If your audition is a screen test, steer clear of wearing white, as it washes you out. The best color for screen is a medium blue. Remember the audition is to showcase your acting talent, not your wardrobe (they hire people for that!).
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Audition Like a Professional
School for Film and Television Tip: When you go to an audition, what's your goal? If you said, "To get the part," you're only partially right. Auditions are an opportunity to accomplish several goals at once. Sure, you want the part. But you should also be aiming to build your reputation as a talented professional, foster relationships with casting directors and their assistants, and hone your auditioning skills.
Follow these audition tips, and turn casting auditions into multitasking opportunities:
Foster relationships:
· Be nice to assistants. Today's assistant is tomorrow's casting director, so be careful not to burn any bridges. Avoid snapping or otherwise being rude.
·Ask people about their projects—and listen when they talk! But only do this if you're truly curious. People hate brown-nosers, but they appreciate genuine interest.
Nurture your reputation:
·Be confident. An actor who expresses his opinion with assurance yet keeps an open mind and listens to others will come across as charismatic and together.
·Be on time and reliable. Be supportive of other people, including rival actors. Communicate when you have a problem. Refrain from gossiping.
·Keep your inner diva in check. We know the film business is full of spoiled brats, but nobody likes working with them.
Hone your auditioning skills:
·Adapt the character to you. Film auditions are about naturalness. If you try too hard to get a certain image of the character across, you'll end up overacting.
·Stick to the information in the script. Don't look for hidden meanings or motivations in your lines. Play the part straight, and trust your abilities.
By having several goals when you audition, you'll stay positive, build your reputation, and improve with each rejection. And oh — you'll land some parts, too!
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Acting Audition Readings
Always come prepared to a reading. Make sure that you know the material that you have been given beforehand. If necessary, ask pertinent questions about the character you are about to portray. It's expected you have done your homeowrk, so keep any questions brief. You don't want the auditioners' time to be wasted. If you are given direction during or after a read, follow it exactly, even if you disagree with it. Directors sometimes work in mysterious ways, so it's best to go with the flow.
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Acting Audition Interview Attitude
On occasion, an auditioner may wish to talk to you after your technical performance. While many professionals weigh the actor's performance more heavily, the interview is still very important. Whatever you do, don't "act" during an interview. Be yourself. Be professional and courteous. Present yourself well, in terms of both dress and demeanor. Feel free to answer any questions that are put to you in an honest way, but be careful of talking too much. It's always good to leave a little mystery so that they'll want more!
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Panicking in an Acting Audition
Don't panic if one interview goes bad...and don't let one bad interview spoil the next one. You'll be meeting a lot of agents and casting directors throughout your acting career. Having one bad experience with an auditor does not mean that you'll always have a bad experience. remember that every experience makes you a stronger performer, a stronger artist. Take an objective look at what went wrong and make note of it in order to avoid making the same mistakes in the future. Above all, remember you're human! Kicking yourself too much is just as damaging to your art as being arrogant.
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Acting Audition Interviews
A crucial part of the interview process is conforming to current industry trends. Right now, commercials and film are often given a very “natural” look. (Perhaps this is the result of the popularity of reality television programs!) Keep this in mind and be comfortable with yourself and your identity during your interview. Allow your natural personality to show during the interview. Have trust in yourself, and you will come across as confident, calm, and poised.
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Acting Audition Presentation
Auditors note your character traits during acting auditions. Be sure that you present yourself as a person that they would want to work with. Show that you communicate well. Should any conflicts come up, try to mitigate them amicably. Make sure that you confirm and commit to audition times; auditors will not look favorably upon you if you keep changing dates. Show up on time (or early, if possible) so you have plenty of time to sign in and get comfortable with the environment. Do not use your audition slot as a chance to warm up! Do this before you set foot in the audition room.
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Acting Audition Slumps
Don't panic if you find yourself in an auditioning slump; acting auditions can be tough. Slumps usually present themselves following a period of auditioning success. After you have found what works to land a few roles, your auditioning can become mechanical, leading to a slump. Get back in the game by focusing your training regimen and attacking each new audition. Slumps can also result from disillusion with the auditioning process. When this happens, it is best to take a week or two off to refocus other aspects of your life before returning to acting.
