Audition Tips: Mastering the Art of Impressive Auditions
The secrets for having a great theatre audition are similar to those related to succeeding at a job interview, and for good reason. An audition is very much like an interview. The “job” in this instance lasts until the curtain comes down for the final time after the very last performance.
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Your acting and/or musical talents will shine through if you are comfortable with your lines and lyrics. On the other hand, if you are preoccupied with remembering those lines, it will definitely show. Sincere and dedicated effort here will pay off. Get to know your part so well that it becomes second nature. Then, you’ll be free to project your talents. You may not get every role, but a professional approach at all auditions will develop habits that will inevitably lead to success.
By contrast, if you arrive without a thorough knowledge of your part, you are essentially telling the judges that you can’t be relied upon. Busy judges experiencing endless auditions will have little patience for one who forgets his or her lines.
Dress Well, Appropriately
In theater auditions, the idea that first impressions count is paramount. Judges and casting directors are visual beings like the rest of us. Therefore, dress crisply, creatively, and impressively. This is not the time to show up casually in jeans and a tank top. It may be tempting to idealistically believe that “all that they care about is my talent,” but casting theatre directors and others involved in the selection process may be swayed, consciously or not, by how well you present yourself. Why leave any doubt? Simply make it routine to always put your best foot forward at any audition. After all, it’s potentially your career that’s at stake.
Clothing and makeup that hints at the role being pursued can be a good idea, but don’t overdo it, because it might be considered pretentious or even presumptuous.
Confidence Sells
Many theatre actors, singers and entertainers are naturally charismatic individuals. However, at an audition, that charisma will quickly evaporate in the absence of confidence. Confidence levels will be high if you dress well and prepare well. Posture can also project confidence. Slumped shoulders project defeat. Pull your shoulders back and you’ll project competence. Communicate in a clear, strong voice, but avoid being overstated or overly loud. Eye contact with judges or a casting director is imperative. Polite conduct in front of the judges is a must.
You should not overlook basics. Let’s face it; confidence is much easier to project if you’re well-rested and well-fed. You want a clear mind for your important audition. In those moments before you step before the judges, breath deeply. This simple practice will help to relax your muscles, and it will drive oxygen to your brain.
Theater auditions and apologies don’t mix. Never make excuses. Project confidence even if a mistake occurs. Act like its the best performance you’ve ever given. Judges or those involved in casting the part understand that you’re human; they want to see how you’ll handle a minor stumble.
Ultimately, success at theater auditions occurs somewhat like success happens in other events in life. Preparedness, style, confidence and manners are not substitutes for talent, but these attributes can pave the way so your special qualities can be seen and fully appreciated.
