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Auditioning preparation - what you absolutely, positively have to know

Ask the most established, well-known actor and most will say the same thing. They hate to audition. Nothing else can bring on a spastic dance of joy and a simultaneous rush of nerves then the news that a long awaited audition has been landed.

 

My own experience has taught me that as an auditioning actor, you’re not the only one nervous walking into the room. The casting director and producers are nervous too. With every actor that crosses the threshold they hope and pray someone will nail the role and their day can be done. The deal sealed. This wasn’t something I learned until I ended up on the flipside of the auditioning coin. As a theatrical and film producer I realized that I was actually rooting for every actor that walked through that studio door. No doubt, it’s quite a different view when you’re the one walking in, praying you remember your monologue or don’t stumble over the sides you’ve been handed. But I’m here to tell you, the director, the auditor, the producers, they all want you to be good. In fact, they need you to be great…even more than you need you to be great!

 

So, in order to keep from disappointing the star makers and stage creators here are my top three, absolutely, positively, have-to-know tips for auditioning.

 

Know Your Material: Depending upon the audition you will either be performing a monologue or reading from “sides”. Sides, for those that don’t know, are a section from the script, usually a scene. The most ideal situation is to grab a gander at the sides before the audition date. This allows you to get familiar with the scene and the character. Otherwise, its considered a “cold” reading. If it’s a monologue you’re being asked to prepare, its important to select material that falls within your age range. If you’re seventeen, do not perform the monologue of a character who is in their forties. And of course, the reverse applies as well. Sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised. Also, and I can’t recommend this enough, work to locate the entire play that the monologue is pulled from. You will have a better shot at grasping the material if you understand the character’s full arc. Knowing the struggle and the story, will help you breathe believable life into a three-minute monologue.

 

You’re a Book Cover: They say never judge a book by the cover, but going to an audition is like going to a job interview. From the minute you walk in you are presenting an image of who you are. If you walk in with ripped jeans and a wrinkled shirt, the casting folks have already formed an opinion before you’ve opened your mouth. There are of course exceptions to this rule. Some actors like to show up “in character” meaning they are dressed, as the character would dress. This approach isn’t entirely wrong. If you were playing a girl who’s “been around the block” so to speak, you wouldn’t want to show up in a turtleneck and long skirt. If you’re playing a businessman, it’s in your favor to throw on a sport coat and a pair of good shoes. The theory is, if you have some aspect of your wardrobe that reflects the character your auditioning for, it makes it easier for the auditors to envision you in the role. I can tell you personally, that theory is true.

 

Cut the ChitChat: This doesn’t mean sit in a corner, avoid eye contact and seal your lips shut. Instead, it means keep focus on the job you’re there to do. It’s about professionalism. If acting is your passion and you want it to be the one thing, the only thing you do then you need to be professional about it. Be polite, respectful and focused on the task at hand. Use your time prior to auditioning to review your sides or monologue, take a quick run to the restroom to freshen up and of course breathe. Auditions are an experiment in nerve control; the natural urge is to chitchat with others. But, it will suit you better and your auditioning skills if you learn to funnel that nervous energy in ways that are more useful to you nailing the role.

 

Since my return to Rhode Island after eleven years in NYC, I have been pleasantly surprised by the blooming arts and theatre scene in these parts. Seems to me, there are plenty of opportunities to get out there and hone your auditioning skills for the local stage. You can keep track of New England audition announcements at New England Theater 411 (http://www.netheater411.com/auditions.asp). And of course, be sure to check out my RI Theatre Resource Lists for more links to various RI theatre companies throughout the area. Most theater companies will post casting calls for their performance season directly on their websites.

 

And lastly, I discovered this little gem of a video on the HowCast.com website. It has a funny approach but its stock piled with helpful additional advice on audition preparation.