Ieisha’sAudition Tips

Know what you are auditioning for. Check out the company’s website. If there is material available Read it!  If you are auditioning for a play, go out and get a copy.  If you are auditioning for a TV show, make sure you’ve seen it.

Know the genre or style you're auditioning for.  Is it film, theatre, TV, or a TV commercial?  Each has a particular style of audition.

--Theatre auditions require articulation, projection, and stage direction.  Since stage performances require broader physical performances than on-camera roles, you should expect to have more freedom of movement when reading or performing the material required.

--Film auditions tend to be more internalized.  The medium for film is the camera and when auditioning you should let the camera find the performance.  That means you should move little and be much more subtle here than on stage.

--Television auditions like film auditions are often videotaped.  When auditioning for a comedy be upbeat and conversational.  TV dramas usually showcase more intensity, and daytime dramas tend to feature performances with a full range of emotions.

--TV Commercials are broader and more generalized; focusing on “types” (young mother, young professional, preppie, teenager, etc) For these you will more than likely be put on video tape, asked to read copy, and often be paired with others auditioning for the same spot.  When it comes to commercials--expect anything.  You could be asked to do anything from dancing with a Great Dane to playing a human toilet paper roll.

Don’t forget to smile.  Do not go into the building, and double don’t go into the auditioning room with out a happy disposition.  At least pretend that you are happy and that you are excited about the possibility of working with the company.  No one wants to cast a grump that they think will drain the fun out of their production.

Show up on time.  Know how to get there and how long it takes to travel.  Try to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.  Give yourself time to relax, get your bearings and prepare mentally for the audition without feeling rushed.  But remember if given an appointment time, respect the time.  Don’t show up too early.

Wear appropriate clothes.  As a general rule dress clean, neat and casual.  When deciding what to wear it is important to know the style and type of role you are auditioning for.  But no matter what character you are auditioning for allow yourself to wear something comfortable enough for you to move in.  (Girls, you better be able to run in those heels and bend in those pants!)

Don’t make excuses to yourself or to others.  I was up late.  I’m working two jobs.  I didn’t get the material on time.  No one cares.  And no one wants to hear it.  When you make excuses to yourself, you’re giving yourself permission to achieve less than you are capable of.  When you make excuses to others you are telling them that you are wasting their valuable time.  Also don’t get into the habit of apologizing when you make a mistake.  If you make a mistake, just pick up where you left off, and try not to call attention to whatever you messed up.

Don’t linger after your audition.  Say "Thank you" and leave right away.  Resist trying to be clever or making conversation because it can backfire on you.

Don’t ad-lib.  Unless you are asked to ad-lib, go with the material that you have been given.  If the writer is in the room, this is one sure way of killing your chances.

Make strong choices.  Be imaginative.  Trust your instincts. Decide on a direction and go with it.  If you’re working with another character or reader, listen to them and react to them.  A common saying is acting is reacting.  You can’t react if you aren’t paying attention to the other people you are auditioning with.

Don’t deliver your reading to the casting director.  If you are auditioning for theatre or stage, choose a spot somewhere just over their head and deliver it there.  Also do not try to include the casting director in your monologue or scene, by running to them or grabbing their hand.  They are there to observe you.   Keep your focus completely on your piece until it is completed.

Pick the right song.  If singing is involved chose a piece that is from the show or similar to songs in the show.  Choose a piece that you can easily handle that is in your range.  This is not the time to challenge your voice by stretching the notes higher than you can comfortably reach.

Ask to start over.  Every one gets nervous.  If you feel you are blowing it big time, ask to start over.  If the director is spending his or her time with you, they want to see you do your best work and will probably give you the time to show them.  They want you to be the right person as much as you want to be the right person.

Brush up on your cold reading and improv skills.

If you have any auditioning questions or feel a little jittery about an upcoming audition, you can always email me at Ieisha@livetheatregang.com.  No question is too small.  There is always more to learn.  If you have any personal tips that you want to share with other actors you can email those too.  Your thoughts are important to us!