by Erin
(Iowa)
QUESTION:
Some good audition tips? I have my first audition for a play in 3 weeks and I’m a little nervous about what to expect and how I should act (excuse the pun)…
ANSWER:
Congrats on getting your first audition. That’s exciting… and nerve-wrecking! Actually, your pun is right on, because at an audition you have to worry about how you act in your audition piece and also in the interview part of the audition. You can find a lot of audition tips by clicking here. If you’ve been asked for a monologue, which is usually the case for a role in a play, you should also check out these audition monologue tips.
In terms of what to expect… When you arrive at the auditions, you’ll sign in your name and wait for your turn. You may audition for more then one person. Among them will be the director, possibly the writer (if it’s an original play), producer, casting director, and others involved with the production. They may or may not introduce themselves and say something like, “What are you going to perform for us today?”. If they don’t, take the lead. Introduce yourself and your audition piece by stating your name, the name of the play, character and writer.
If you’re auditioning for a published play, make sure you read it before your audition. If it’s an original play, ask the casting director how you can get a copy. They will often let you come read it at the theater. If the auditions are held in the theater, remember to take the stage when you perform your audition piece. Be conscious of the lights and act as you would if the theatre was full so the director knows that you can project in a large theater and have a stage presence.
In terms of the interview part… The director may just say “Thank You” after you perform or may ask you a few questions about your resume. It can feel very unnatural to be standing there on a stage while someone seated behind a desk asks you questions. The best way to prepare for this is to practice with a friend a mock interview. Just have them sit while you stand and make up questions about your resume or performance. So you won’t be fidgeting on the day, work on relaxing your body (especially your hands) and keeping still.
I hope these tips help. Remember to stay flexible if the director wants to see you perform you audition piece a different way. Once the audition is over, forget about it. If you get a callback, it will be a nice surprise. If you don’t, they’ll be many more auditions.
Break and leg!
Alex