By exposing yourself to the “greats” of play writing, you’ll build up your knowledge of good scripts and develop an intuition for reading them. Many copies of your favorite scripts can be found in part or whole online. Do a general keyword search for your favorite movies to find these. The classics, especially ancient ones (like Euripides, Sophocles, and Aeschylus) can usually be found online for free. [2] X Research source
While some facial expressions, like quirking a single eyebrow, can be difficult at first, as you practice they should become easier. Combine your favorite gestures and expressions with a recitation of your favorite lines from scripts, movies, and plays. This is an excellent way to integrate your body with spoken lines.
Monologues are common requirements for individual auditions. [4] X Research source Find books of monologues at your local library or online. Try to choose at least two tonally contrasting monologues that are rock-solid home runs and that aren’t frequently performed. [5] X Expert Source Jim JarrettActing Teacher Expert Interview. 28 April 2020. Perform your favorite monologues to friends, family, and strangers. Ask for feedback. Friends and family may be overly kind to you, so it’s a good idea to perform in front of people you don’t know, too. Steer clear of monologues that pop up when you search something like “best monologues,” and also try to choose one that isn’t from an iconic film or performance. You don’t want to be compared to multiple people, and you don’t want to be automatically compared to Oscar winners either. [6] X Expert Source Jim JarrettActing Teacher Expert Interview. 28 April 2020.
Your basic stats (hair and eye color, height, weight, age, etc. ) Acting training and experience Special skills and abilities the director might find desirable
Beyond simply giving you more experience, you’ll also receive professional level critique and advice from the instructor of the class. If you’re nervous about taking a class by yourself, invite a friend to join you. Many basic acting/improv classes have open enrollment.
When choosing a performance to audition for, keep your personal style in mind. You may be a versatile actor, but oftentimes people are strong-suited for certain roles, like comedic or dramatic ones. [8] X Research source
Even if you aren’t cast in a performance, ask if you can work as a stage hand or backstage. This will expose you to active talent, directors, and producers.
In some cases, a director may love your ability, but think you’re the wrong choice for the part you’ve selected. By having backups, you’ll show that you’re really interested in being a part of the performance and not just a single part.
Some plays, like My Fair Lady, are set in a location that requires an accent. In the case of My Fair Lady, which takes place in London, you’d want to show off your British accent. Watch famous, popular, or iconic recordings of the performance for which you’re auditioning. These can help you identify features you’ll want to demonstrate in your audition.
Analyze the performances of other actors who played the part you’ll be trying out for. Include your favorite features of their performance in your own.
Come to the audition dressed in period clothing for the audition piece you’ll be doing. Be confident. If you’re the only person dressed up, that might work to your advantage. Choose a pivotal moment in your audition piece. Craft that moment so it has a large impact on those watching. Usually this involves (believably) accentuating a moment of high energy, like a punchline or dramatic climax.
Use the information you learn about your character to add depth to the part. This might be reflected in your gestures, delivery of lines, and more. Think about how a character’s life choices or job affect things like their posture or mannerisms. A military part, for example, would likely have good posture.
For example, in My Fair Lady, the character of Pickering is described as “a confirmed bachelor. " You might interpret this to mean the character isn’t interested in women. In Fiddler on the Roof, the main character, Tevye, sings “If I Were a Rich Man. " When playing this part, you might act somewhat self-consciously around successful characters.
A good technique for losing yourself in your character involves imagining yourself and your personal experiences burning up in a flame, leaving only your character behind.
Avoid drinking alcohol before performing. Alcohol dehydrates you, which can strain your voice before performing. Get plenty of sleep before performances so you feel refreshed and at full energy when you go on stage. It’s common to be affected by nerves before a performance. Take melatonin, which is available at most drug and convenience stores, to aid in getting a good night’s sleep.
