Auditions

Audition – an interview for a role that demonstrates your skills and talents Almost every role you get will require an audition. Sometimes a less skilled actor will get a role because they are better at auditioning. There is definitely a right way and a wrong way to audition.

I. Getting Ready to Audition Preparing for Auditions Read the play or script before the audition if possible and decide what part(s) you think you are most suited for. If you can’t read the play, find out all you can about the different characters. If cuttings (short scenes used for auditions) are available, get them and practice them. Dress neatly and comfortably for auditions.

Behavior while waiting to audition Be punctual! Be courteous to other actors. Listen to the acoustics in the room and decide how loud you need to project. Look at the lighting and figure out where to stand so that your face is in the light.

If the audition is a closed audition (only actors currently auditioning are in the room), patiently wait your turn outside the door. If you talk, talk quietly. If it is an open audition (all actors trying out are in the room) remember the following rules for auditioning etiquette: Be quiet! Pay attention to what other actors are doing with the scene/ Don’t bother the director! Don’t try to “peek” at what the director is writing about the other actors.

Behavior while auditioning Pleasantly go up on stage when called. Wait until the director gives the signal to start. State your name clearly. If you have a choice of parts to audition for, tell the director which one you are interested in. Be poised and confident, not cocky. Project! Be energetic!! Play an honest, believable character. Don’t worry about making mistakes on your lines.

II. Types of Auditions Prepared audition – an audition where you have time to rehearse a cutting before the audition Cold audition – an audition in which you receive the cutting just before you walk onstage to audition Sometimes directors give out audition cuttings a week or two before the audition and sometimes they have them ready for you to review only a few days or hours before the audition. If your director gives cuttings, practice them well enough to give a good interpretation of the character and to be able to look up part of the time. Show him you are ambitious enough to work with what he gives you. If your director doesn’t give cuttings, remember that all of the actors are at the same disadvantage. Read through the audition parts and get a good feel for the character you will be playing. Concentrate on getting across a general characterization for the role, enough energy, and appropriate volume. Don’t worry about getting every word right, the director doesn’t expect you to run the lines perfectly.

“Selling the song” – conveying the meaning of the lyrics (words to the song) to the audience in a believable, energetic way If you have a chance to choose a song ahead of time, make sure you pick one that is appropriate to your style and vocal range. If possible use a song your character will sing or that is from the show you are auditioning for. Bring sheet music to an audition just in case. If appropriate put some movement into the song you audition with. If you have a dance audition, practice foot coordination. Throw your whole heart into the dance, remember the director is looking for potential, not a finished product.

Call-back – when the director calls you to come back for a second audition It means that you’ve made it past the first cut and they’re interested in you. If you make call-backs, practice any material the director gives you. He may want to see a slightly different type of interpretation next time, or he may have given you something to see how flexible and easy you are to work with. If the director gives you specific instructions, try extra hard to incorporate them in the call-back audition. Be respectful of the other contenders. Don’t make fun of those who don’t make the cast or belittle some one’s “tiny” part. Also, don’t get a case of “sour grapes” and make excuses for why someone got the part instead of you. This will mark you as being difficult to work with and may lessen your chances of getting a part in future productions. If you don’t get the part you wanted this time, be a good sport about it. Evaluate what you did well and not so well from the criteria we’ve talked about and use it to prepare for your next audition. Always do your best – even if you get the smallest part in the cast. Volunteer to help with the set or to help cue the other actors during rehearsals. This way, the director will get to know you and may keep you in mind for future roles. Stage crew to stage… If you made it, be grateful and gracious.

Announcing yourself at an audition One at a time, we will walk to center stage. Wait for the director’s signal to begin Give the director your name and the part for which you are auditioning. Wait for the director to write this information down and give you the signal to begin. Walk offstage as though you are done auditioning.