Audition Tips
A queasy feeling settles into your stomach. You are surrounded by a group of gossiping men
and women who sip cafe mochas while complimenting each other's headshots. Suddenly, the
casting director calls your number. "What monologue will you be reading for us today?" she
asks.
"Oh, sorry," you reply. "I didn't know I was supposed to bring one." Her annoyed expression
tells you everything. You won't be getting a callback.
This scenario can easily avoided by following these simple audition tips:
Read the Audition Notice Carefully
Actors should arrive at auditions fully prepared, not just ready to perform, but also to present
any requested material. Examine the audition notice. Should you prepare one monologue?
Two? Make certain you match the material to the play. For example, if you are auditioning for
Oedipus Rex, prepare a scene from Greek drama, not The Odd Couple.
Finally, based upon the audition notice, make certain you are trying out for an appropriate
part. If the casting director is looking for a tall, bald man in his 60s, don’t show up hoping that
they will change the script for your short, frizzy-haired, thirty-year-old self. Follow whatever
guidelines are offered to ensure that you arrive at the audition as organized as possible.
Be Professional
Show the casting director how reliable you are by showing up at least fifteen minutes before
the audition. Be courteous, but don’t be too talkative. Don’t pester crew members or fellow
actors with idle conversation. Spend your time privately readying yourself.
Most casting directors expect you to bring a headshot and resume. This might not hold true for
community theatre productions. However, if you are committed to a career in theater, you
may want to bring these along just to make a favorable impression.
In general, think of an audition like a job interview. Avoid inappropriate behavior, whether its
chewing gum, using profanity, behaving too shyly or brashly, or making long-winded speeches
as to why you are perfect for the role.
Dress Appropriately
Usually, it is best to wear “business casual” attire. You want to exhibit charm and
professionalism, but you don’t want to look like a stock-broker or a banker. Remember, many
new actors make the mistake of wearing costumes to audition. Perhaps they say to
themselves: “Hey, I’ve got a great pirate outfit from last Halloween! I’ll wear that!” Sadly, this
is bound to cause casting directors to chuckle under their breath. They might be amused, but
they will definitely not take the actor seriously.
If you are auditioning for a dancing part in a musical, wear dance attire. It should not be
anything flashy or expensive. Any choreographer worth her salt will focus on your dancing
ability, not your sequins.
Perfect Your Monologue
If you are asked to bring a monologue, make certain that you have rehearsed it completely.
Do not just know the lines, know the character you are becoming. Let the directors see a
striking difference between the person that just said hello to them, and the character that is
now coming to life on the stage.
At the same time, be flexible with the audition material. They might have you read the lines
over, asking you to take on a different personality. Sure, you may do great when you perform
the monologue with tears in your eyes, but be prepared if they ask you to do the same lines in
a calm, icy voice or a whimsical British dialect. If given the chance, show them that you can
interpret the role in many different ways.
Get to Know the Play
Many auditions involve reading “sides.” Sides are small, hand-picked portions of a script.
Sometimes they are a brief monologue. Sometimes they are short scenes involving two or
more characters. Most of the time, you won’t know exactly what scene you’ll be reading. In
that case, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the play in general.
If you are auditioning for a popular play feel free to buy a copy of the script online or at your
local book store. Better yet, visit your local library. Watching a film version of the play might
help as well. However, don’t simply mimic the movie actor’s performance. Casting directors
want to see what you can create, not what you can imitate.
Practice Cold Reading *
If the play is rather obscure or brand new, it may be difficult to purchase a copy. In that case,
you’ll want to polish up your cold reading skills. Cold reading is the act of performing lines as
you read them for the very first time. It can be a nerve wracking experience, but with practice
most actors can become quite adept at it.
The best way to become a fluent cold reader is to read aloud as often as you can. When you
cold read during your audition, do not worry if you stumble over a word or two. The important
thing to remember is to stay in character. Create chemistry between you and your fellow
actor. Make the casting director, and anyone else watching, believe that you are thinking and
feeling the words on the page.
Don’t Apologize
After an audition, an actor becomes his own worst critic. Often times, hopeful thespians are
tempted to explain themselves to the directors. They provide excuses or even apologies in
hopes of gaining sympathy. Avoid this as much as you can. Thank the casting director and
leave the stage knowing that if you are right for the part, they will contact you. If not, know
that you did your best. And remember: there are many other wonderful roles out there just
waiting to be filled.
*Cold Reading During an Audition
What is Cold Reading?
Imagine that you are at an audition. The casting director hands you a script that you have
never read before. Now, she expects you to look at the lines for about a minute and then
somehow perform the scene brilliantly.
That’s cold reading. Brrr. It does sound rather chilling doesn’t it? But follow these steps and
you’ll eventually warm up to the idea.
Research the Material:
Actors should expect to cold read in a number of situations:
High school drama try-outs
Community theater auditions
Film / commercial casting calls
If you are auditioning for a movie or television show, you might not be able to read the script
in advance. But don’t let that stop you from researching the part. Use the internet, trade
magazines like Variety and Hollywood Reporter, and any other sources to find out about the
storyline and the character types that the directors might be looking for.
For more information about acting in front of the camera, visit the Film / TV Career Guidesite.
If you are auditioning for a play, you should be able to obtain a copy of the manuscript. (Try
your local library or the internet if the play is a classic). If you can read the play in advance,
do so. Get to know the characters inside and out. Practice reading the lines. If you’re truly
ambitious, memorize a few key scenes or monologues.
If you can do this, then you’ll be a step above other actors who have no idea what the play is
about.
Don’t Block Your Face:
This is simple but incredibly important. Because the script will be in your hands during your
audition, you might be tempted to hold the words right in front of your face.
Don’t! The director wants to see your facial expressions. If you hide behind the script, you’ll
never get the part!
Relax:
This is good advice for auditions in general. If your nerves get the better of you, the director
might see that script shaking in your hand. If you look and sound uncomfortable or tense,
then get ready to hear those dreaded words, “Thank you – next!”
Does that step just stress you out even more? Then you should take some time to learn how
to relax.
Practice Reading Aloud:
This is essential to mastering cold reading. Whenever you get the chance, read out loud. And
don’t just read the words in a monotone voice, read the words with emotion. Read the words
“in character.”
Find opportunities to read to others:
Read storybooks to children.
Read magazine articles to friends.
Read poetry to your loved ones.
Read this article out loud to your computer!
The more you read the more natural your voice will sound. Remember, the challenge of cold
reading is to sound as though you are saying those written words spontaneously. Practice
makes perfect.
Move While You Read:
During a cold read audition, most actors stand still as they read from the script. However, if it
seems appropriate for your character to move, I suggest you move.
Therefore, as you practice reading aloud, make certain you incorporate natural movements.
Nothing extreme -- nothing too distracting. Go with what feels right, or what the stage
directions indicate. Remember, body language is a major part of the audition, not just your
voice.
Listen and React:
Many “cold readers” mistakenly look down at their script while their fellow actors are
delivering their lines. Instead, you should be in character, listening and reacting to their
words. Much of your performance relies on how you respond to the other characters.
Be Creative and Receptive to New Ideas:
There are limitless ways to read a scene or monologue. Show your creativity by developing
unique characters. The director may ask you to read the part in a different way. Embrace the
director’s suggestions and show him what a team-player you can be.
Your creativity, your cold reading skills, and your professionalism will all help you nail that
audition. Break a leg!