Auditions are usually nerve-wracking, but they can be fun if you arrive prepared. Suppose you get into a good mindset before your audition and stay focused. In that case, chances are that you’ll do well and impress the people who matter most: the casting director. Here are some tips to help make your next audition go smoothly.
Read, research and attend to the practical details of your audition.
You must be as prepared as possible to get the best possible result. Reading the script, researching the role, and attending to any practical details is a good idea.
In addition, it’s important to attend to all of your own needs during this
process. You don’t want to be over-tired or hungry during an audition (or any
other time). So make sure you are in good physical and mental shape before
going into an audition room.
Create a character.
You’ve already done the hard part: you’ve made it to the audition. Now you have
to show them why they should hire you.
Read through your lines and think about what kind of person would say these
words. Ask yourself: What does this character want? How do they feel about themselves, others and their circumstances? What is their backstory—and how does it lead them here today? How would this character respond to other characters in scenes with them? How does this character feel about their job or place in life overall?
Once you get a sense of who this person is, consider how they would say
those lines. Would he be sarcastic or serious; friendly or aloof; blunt or
obtuse; confident or uncertain; angry or calm. whatever emotion comes naturally
from interacting with other characters in the script should be reflected by an
actor’s performance when delivering his lines during an audition.
Be prepared when you walk in the audition room.
Be prepared when you walk into the room. You should clearly know where your audition is, when you must arrive, and what the dress code is. If there are special requirements (e.g., singing or dancing), make sure you know about them ahead of time so that you can prepare accordingly.
Establish eye contact with the people you’re auditioning for.
You might be thinking, “Eye contact is important, but isn’t that something you should do in any situation?”
The answer is yes. However, it’s even more important when auditioning for a role. Eye contact shows that you are engaged and confident—two qualities that casting directors will look for in an actor. It also shows that you’re listening to what the people asking you questions have to say (and not thinking about how late your lunch break is). Finally, it shows that you’re interested in the role offered rather than just taking any job offer so long as it pays well.
Decide how best to present yourself.
When you’re in an audition, you’ll want to ensure that you present yourself as best as possible. You don’t want to be boring or predictable, but at the same time, it’s important not to try too hard.
Here are some tips:
- If you choose to walk into the room confidently, do so with a smile. You could even go so far as making a funny joke about something like traffic or weather if it’s relevant! The more comfortable and confident you are when entering this environment, the more likely your personality will shine through during the audition process.
- Be yourself! Don’t try too hard by trying out accents or voices that aren’t yours—it will come across as unnatural and take away from what makes YOU special and unique! Just relax and have fun with it; after all, this is why we love acting so much: because there are no limits when creating a character(s)!
Don’t forget your prop requirements; it’s actually important and will make you stand out if you do remember to bring them.
Props can be a great tool for actors in auditions. Not only do they help you
get into character, but they also give the casting director a better idea of
what you’re capable of. If you have several props for your character, it will
show your range as an actor and show that you really know how to use them. Ask
around if you don’t have the time or money to purchase props yourself!
If there are no specific requirements listed on the casting sheet, don’t be
afraid to ask if it’s okay for you to bring something along! It never hurts to
ask!
If you feel like your nerves are getting the better of you, take a deep breath, pause and start again.
If you feel like your nerves are getting the better of you, take a deep breath, pause and start again. Remember that this is not the end of the world and everyone gets nervous before an audition. Don’t worry about what other people are thinking; just focus on doing your best work!
Give yourself enough time to prepare before the audition, but not so much that you get tired of doing it.
You want to prepare for the audition. You should give yourself enough time to do this, but not so much that you get tired of doing it. When you’re practicing your lines over and over again, think about how each line fits into the whole scene. Is there a pause? Why are there no punctuation marks in some places? How does this line compare with others in terms of volume and tone? All these things can help when it comes time for an actual performance. Because it allows you to focus on those aspects instead of getting nervous about forgetting your lines or losing track of what’s happening around you during the audition itself.
Stay calm and confident when auditioning for a role!
If you’re thinking about auditioning for a role, here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Be confident in your abilities. As an actor, it’s important that you know your strengths and weaknesses so that you can work on them before going into an audition. If something needs work, try practicing with a friend or family member until it comes naturally. It helps if you memorize all of your lines beforehand.
- Stay relaxed during the audition process! The most important thing is being in the moment and feeling connected to your character—if possible, try imagining yourself as part of the storyline instead of thinking about what might happen after the audition has finished. Prepare yourself for anything! So, if something unexpected happens, you can cope and stay relaxed.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be well prepared to have a successful audition. You’ve got the right attitude and approach, but now it’s time to put your best foot forward!
If you’re still unsure if you are truly prepared for your audition, book a Critiq request with Connor Weil. He can help make sure you’re showing your best side, and help make the most of your opportunity!
Featured Expert
Connor Weil
Acting | Film | Auditions
