Prepare for an Audition
Auditions may seem scary, but they don't have to be. Believe it or not, you can even have fun! In fact, having fun at the audition can help you get a part. Come prepared, and the rest will come to you, naturally.
Contents
Steps
- Find out all you can about the audition. Write it all down if you must. You can never be too prepared! Keep these key points in mind:
- When is it?
- Where is it? Get the address and postcode of the building, floor number, room number. If it's in an unfamiliar city, consider a dummy run to time the journey and find parking spaces/ bus links.
- What is the audition for? Research all you can about the company, production of the show. Not only will this give you a better picture of what they'll be looking for, it shows interest and keenness.
- What exactly will the audition entail? Will there be an audience or just a panel? One single audition or several different sections?
- What you're required to bring or wear. You may be asked to bring head shots, sheet music, history of theater experience or copies of your prepared monologues.
- Don't be shy. Allow friends, relatives or colleagues to watch your performance prior to your audition. Like knitting or baking, performing is a skill that takes a lot of practice. The more often you perform, the less nervous you will be each time and honest, constructive criticism is gold-dust. Perform to many different types of people- experts and amateurs. The more advice, the better.
- Check, check and double check what will be expected of you.
- Is there a time limit? Strictly time your performance leaving some breathing space. Remember that nerves will normally speed up the performance.
- Is there a dress code? Even if there is, you have to look your best.
- Do you need to submit accompaniments for the pianist in advance or on the day? Do you need to provide the panel with copies of your scores or monologues?
- Are you expected to bring a CV/resume, proof of identity or examination/qualification certificates?
- Practice, practice, practice! If you can, get a script, and learn the lines of the character you're wanting, or just look though the script.
- Actors: research the material and familiarize yourself with it. If you are auditioning for a specific character, spend time thinking about their characteristics and their role in the play.
- Singers: Ensure you can confidently perform scales, vocal exercises and that you have a personal routine to warm up your voice. Be aware that you may need to warm up 'publicly', meaning that there will rarely be a private practice space to warm up. Don't let this intimidate you. Make sure you know your specific vocal range, voice type and fach. Be prepared to answer questions about your preferred style and part.
- All Region Band Tryouts: Make sure that the music is well practiced. The only thing you can do for the audition is to make sure that you prepare your music to the best of your ability. Warm up, and make sure that your instrument is swabbed, oiled, or cleaned prior.
- The night before the audition, gather any materials you may be required to bring with you. Get to bed early in order to be well-rested for the day ahead.
- On the day, eat a balanced breakfast. Avoid acidic or greasy foods, fizzy drinks,chocolate and coffee as these damage your vocal chords and make it harder to be at your best. If you are a smoker, do your best to put your morning cigarette off until after your audition, especially if you will be singing.
- Arrive reasonably early to your audition, as there will inevitably be a moderately large amount of people there before you. Also, if you are unfamiliar with the area where the audition will be held, allow time in your schedule to make sure you won't arrive late.
- Don't chicken out. When you arrive, there may be a large crowd of people, but it's perfectly normal to be nervous. Just remember all the hard work you have put into preparing for your audition and walk in smiling with your head held high.
- When you're finished...
- Be patient. You may not hear immediately whether or not your audition was successful. It can take days or weeks.
- Try not to over-analyse. You never know what exactly they were looking for- you've done your best and it's all you can do.
- Stay focused and determined. You won't get every part you audition for and this is normal! Remember that each audition you do is strengthening you as a performer and thickening your skin.
- Remember: Break a leg!
Tips
- Smile and speak confidently: absolutely no mumbling!
- Audition days can be long as you may be required to take part in workshops or several different stages of audition. You will definitely need plenty of water, some non-dairy snacks and something to keep you amused.
- Don't compare yourself to others. That will only make you more nervous and worried than you already are. Just remember that if you put a lot of effort into it you should be confident in your abilities.
- If you become overwhelmed by stage-fright during your audition, it is better to improvise than to freeze like a deer in headlights. If you forget a line of the monologue, fake it. If you forget a line in your song, vocalize instead. Most won't even notice and the ones who do will appreciate your creativity and ability to keep your performance going under duress.
- Stay calm before and during your audition. Try to channel your excitement into your performance to make it vibrant and exciting for the panel or audience.
- Remember, there will always be more auditions. If at first you don't succeed, keep trying until you do.
Warnings
- Do not trash talk other performers who are at the audition. Not only will the directors find out, this will result in others not wanting to work with you, which damages your reputation and prevents you from enjoying future opportunities.
- Do not attempt to use bribes to get a part, it does not work and can ruin your reputation as well as undermine your value and talent as a performer.
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