What is an audition? An audition is simply an opportunity to act. We actor’s make audition’s way more than they have to be and psych ourselves out. Causing us to get nervous and not have a good experience. We put the carriage before the horse. We get caught up on things like, the size of the project, the size of the role, who is casting, how much money we will make, the exposure we will get from the project. None of it having to do with preparation, with the current moment.
The audition email from your representation.
When your agent or manager emails you an audition, READ THE ENTIRE EMAIL BEFORE REPLYING. Make sure you don’t have any conflict’s with the date’s requested. It is okay to pass on the audition if you do have something that cannot be rescheduled. Do not make it a habit though. You are of no use to an agent if you are never available. Either way let your representation know right away, when you reply, that you will attend the audition request or not.
Some roles require nudity and/or simulated sex. If you are fine with that, then you can go ahead and confirm the audition. However, if you are not, it is perfectly fine to pass on it. This is a case where your agent shouldn’t be upset if you decline. If they do get upset, find another agent. Don’t worry casting director’s will not black list you because you declined an audition because of those special requirements. Also, I just want you to know that agreeing to do nudity will not jump start your career. It might give you some exposure(no pun intended), depending on the project, but not go further than that.
How to prepare for a film or television audition.
First, get as much information about the project and those involved. Many times you may just be given a few pages of the script, sometimes one page, depending on the size of the role. Ask your agent if the entire script is available. Also, sites like imdb.com have a wealth of information. Sometimes imdb.com will not have any information on the specific project, but you can still use it to find out information about the producer’s, director, writer’s, etc. You can find out useful information as to what genre’s they usually produce. This might give you some insight into the tone of sides you have been given to prepare. Side’s are simply the pages from the script that have been chosen for your audition. If your sides are posted on actorsaccess.com, chances are that there are sides there for other characters of that project as well. Read the other characters sides(if available). The more of the story you know, the better choices you can make in your preparation.
When auditioning for a film, you might be able to find an interview online to give you some more clues. Auditioning for television can have more info, if the show is already airing. If it is already airing, then you must watch at least one episode. I recommend watch the most recent episode because this gives you the most current storyline. I understand you have a job and might not have time to watch an entire episode of a show, so watch as much as you can or see if you can find a trailer. It is important that you know the genre of the show, the pace at which the show is written, and who the other characters are on the show.
Using your acting discipline or style.
Now that you are armed with all this information on the project, it is now time to put all those acting classes to use. Use the acting discipline you have been studying to bring those written words to life. Remember, auditioning is simply an opportunity to act. With that said, auditioning is different to acting in that when you audition there are no props (for the most part), it’s usually just you, your sides, and a chair. The reader in the room simply reads the other character lines with no emotion. Where if you were acting on set, you would have props and the actor opposite you would be reacting to you. Don’t let the coldness of the room throw you off. Focus on what you/ the character are there to communicate.
The day of the audition.
On the day of your audition, you want the least stress as possible. Have your wardrobe ready the night before. If you are planning on driving, you want to make sure there is enough fuel in your car to make it to the audition. Have a couple of headshots with the resume stapled to the back of your photo and cut to match the size of the photo. Give yourself extra time to get to your appointment because Murphy might be enforcing his law that day.
You are a professional actor so you must act like it. Be on time. When you get to the office, if you have to use the restroom, do it before signing in. When you sign in, you are saying you are ready to go when they call you. Once in the waiting room focus on your work. It is not the place to chat or compare yourself to the other actors. If you see someone you want to catch up with, do it outside after both of you have auditioned.
When you are called, walk in confidently, follow directions, do what you have prepared, and have fun. Also, do yourself a favor and keep your sides in your hand. if you should blank on a line, that’s fine. Just simply look at your sides, pick up the line and continue. Don’t ask for another take, casting director’s will give you another take if they feel it’s necessary. Thank them and leave with your head held high. If you feel it didn’t go well, don’t be abusive to yourself. It serves no purpose. Instead, be grateful you had that opportunity and think about what could be improved for the next one, take notes if you have to. Casting director’s know that sometimes actor’s have an off day. It happens to everyone. But, if you feel it hasn’t gone well two or three times, then you might want to hire a coach or get into an audition technique class. You want to get to the source of the issue, because the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
If there is something you feel, I’ve missed or there is a specific topic you would like me to address, feel free to let me know, and don’t forget to check out my other blog posts.