Overview of the show/event: If you can, learn as much about the play, commercial or scene as possible. Being able to talk convincingly about why you want the part will help you get the part. The Director/Casting Agent: You’re not going to get details on their personal life, but learn about their requirements and expectation of you. You need to know what the director or casting agent expects from you and give them more then they expect from you. Your Role Are you supposed to be funny? Dark and serious? Oftentimes this is said up front, but you may need to do some character research, especially if it is a play or event that’s already been shown. The Logistics: When are you needed for practice or performances? Nothing hurts your reputation like earning a role, but turning it down because you can’t actually play the part.
If the part has multiple characters, get a few friends to practice with you. While you could just practice your lines, having someone to help with timing and reactions will make you stronger. Don’t just read the lines blindly – pick a way to read the lines (cold, happy, funny, depressed, professional, etc. ) that fits the character and practice reading the script in this tone. All good monologues have movement – meaning the character is in a different place emotionally than when they finish than when they started talking. If you can practice this transition the role is yours. [1] X Research source
Focus first on reading each word clearly and calmly. Your first goal is to make sure all the lines get out clearly. When given a cold read, pick a mood or tone and just roll with it. Don’t try to get the perfect mood, just trust your guts and commit.
If this audition includes singing or speaking it is recommended to stay away from chocolate and dairy products that will make your mouth too moist. Instead, try to drink some warm tea with lemon and honey.
Some auditions require dance, so wear something comfortable to move in. For shoes, you can wear running shoes or flats. Make sure you’re comfortable! Also, if there is dancing, you may want to bring jazz or character shoes.
If you are underage, ask your parent or guardian if it’s okay for you to make changes should you get the role. Don’t just “assume” that your super cool mom will say yes. There is nothing worse than having an angry director because your parents wouldn’t let you do the thing you said you would.
Deliver your prepared monologue Perform a song of your choosing Cold read a brand new scene or monologue Improvise line with others
Don’t bother asking for advice or direction – if they have some, they’ll give it. Do not try to make too much conversation with the casting officials; they have others auditioning, too. If the auditioners ask you if you are nervous, respond no. Instead, say that you are excited. This way, you seem more confident that you may actually be.
It’s called public solitude as an actor to be able to be on stage or in front of a camera and to not be distracted by either. [3] X Expert Source Jim JarrettActing Teacher Expert Interview. 28 April 2020.
If the casting director wants to see another take, they’ll ask, so don’t fret and worry that you blew your own chance on a missed word they may not have noticed.
Rising Emotion: Basically, you let your energy grow as the scene does, which makes the ending the most energetic or momentous moment of the audition. This can help you both selling cars in a commercial or expressing your passion for an unrequited love. Sudden Turn or Realization: Find the line or moment when your character seems to shift gears, ideas, or emotions. This line is often the most crucial of the whole audition, as it requires you to naturally shift your acting from one emotion or the other. Shift and change your body language: Maybe your character is under pressure in the scene and they slowly start to fidget more. Maybe, as they keep talking, they grow confident, sitting up straighter and straighter as they go.
Never blame a reader for a tough audition. Like most people trying to act, they will only give back as much energy as you give them. If you’re in the role and committed, they will be too. [4] X Research source
Stay pleasant. You never know when the initial casting might go wrong or they need someone extra and they remember the very gracious, pleasant you who was ranked number 2 selection on their list. Don’t do anything to sour the good impression that they had of you; always leave the doors wide open. There are many different reasons why you might not get a part, but it is rarely “your fault. " Directors often have specific ideas in mind for their characters, and it’s not your fault if you don’t fit them.
Make sure that the headshots you have were professionally taken. While it may be tempting to simply ask a friend to take the photos, at the highest level you really need your headshots to pop. [5] X Expert Source Jim JarrettActing Teacher Expert Interview. 28 April 2020.
Generally, always have at least two tonally contrasting monologues prepared to perform. Be sure not to pick monologues that are frequently performed (like ones that pop up when you search “best monologues”), or ones that are famous. [6] X Expert Source Jim JarrettActing Teacher Expert Interview. 28 April 2020.
