What Is An
Audition?
Generally,
an audition is a brief acting performance by an aspiring
actor or actress in front of a casting director or a
casting panel, in hopes of receiving a role in a film,
theatre or some other production. When the actor shows
up to the audition, he or she is asked to read lines
from a script or to perform a prepared scene or
monologue.
After watching this performance, the casting
director makes a judgment about whether or not the actor
is the right person to perform a character in the
production.
Audition Tips
Always be on time for your audition
The worst thing you can do is arrive late to an
audition. In addition to being unprofessional, arriving
late shows the casting director that you are not driven
to succeed and, if they hire you for the acting job,
that they cannot count on you to be on time and
prepared.
Be prepared
If you are asked to perform a monologue at your
audition, choose a monologue that showcases your best
talents. If you are given a script or audition sides, be
sure to memorize your lines. If you are asked to do a
cold reading, be sure to ask questions about your acting
role, such as the age and background of the character.
Dress The Part
Show up at your audition dressed as the character
you are auditioning for. For example, if you are
auditioning for an role as a police officer, try to
dress as a police officer, or at least try to wear the
shirt and hat and badge of a police officer. Showing up
dressed as the character you are auditioning for will
help casting directors see you as the character and make
them more willing to give you the part.
Stick to the Script
Don't do a whole lot of adlibbing. Try to stick to
the script as much as you can. Sticking to the script
helps you stay focused and stay in character.
Additionally, sticking to the script is important
because there may be certain lines that the casting
director is expecting you to deliver; certain lines that
are important to the character. If you don't stick to
the script, it will make it harder for a casting
director to evaluate your ability to fit the character.
Make a Strong Character Choice
The purpose of your audition is to stand out and
convince the casting director that you are right for the
acting gig. It is extremely important that you make a
strong impression and make strong choices for your
character. For example, if your character is
quick-tempered, make a strong choice about how your
character is going to display anger. Perhaps the
character will yell and scream. Or, perhaps your
character will grit his or her teeth and get red in the
face. Either way, make a strong choice and go with it!