Consider an improv game of some kind.
What I often do is a simple exercise I call a "one line scene."
Its purpose is for two actors to demonstrate committed physical choices.
Here's how it works:
The actors must create a scene for two characters who are somewhere, doing something.
Keep it school appropriate.
Something happens, which makes it necessary for one character to say to the other... the line.
There's a nonverbal reaction to the line, and then the scene is over.
I give them two minutes to pair up and plan.
There are a few ground rules:
1. You cannot add any words to the scene, and you cannot leave any out.
2. You may not injure yourself or your partner.
3. You may not pretend to be talking, but we just can't hear you.
4. It works better when it's normal that the activity is done without talking until the line is said.
Hundreds of lines work well for this exercise.
Usually, lines include a relative pronoun. Punctuation is completely up to the actors. They may divide the lines, but I don't offer that.
"Here take this"
"Now what do we do?"
"Sorry about that"
Have fun! Actors generally embrace the game and forget they are auditioning. It's very helpful.
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Nathan Rosen
Baltimore MD
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-15-2019 10:14
From: Aileen Zeigler
Subject: Audition change up
I'm looking for a new idea for auditions, for a non-musical. I could do cold readings of scenes or prepared monologues but I'm looking for something else to see how they interpret characters, make strong choices on stage and are comfortable with movement. I'd like to shake things up with a new style of audition. Anyone have anything that has been a good experience?
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Aileen Zeigler
Theatre Arts Director
Omaha NE
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