Auditions are unavoidable if you want to perform on stage. No two directors run auditions exactly the same, so each audition experience will be a little bit different. There are some standards, however, that you can count on every time you audition. Knowing how to prepare the audition, how to act during the audition, and what to expect afterward will help you feel confident about the process.
Your audition begins when you walk into the room so remember to act accordingly—and always arrive a few minutes early so that you can relax and get focused. First and foremost, come prepared to listen and learn. Listen carefully to everything that is said to you. Listen to the directors, their comments, their suggestions, and especially try to follow any stage directions or changes they want you to make in your character. Don’t try to second-guess what the directors want from you, just do exactly what they say to the best of your ability. Directors are looking not only for how willingly you take direction but also how readily. In other words, directors look for actors who suit the character and who are brave enough to go all in and quickly try it.
Auditions are stressful for every actor and, believe it or not, equally stressful for those who are on the audition team. During auditions, the directors are looking for the potential you show for playing different characters, not a finished product or polished scenes. They want to observe what special talents you have, hear your voice and see how you move. At the same time, they want to get a sense of your personality and your willingness to follow directions. They are also looking for the chemistry between you and the other actors on stage as well as how you respond to him. As difficult and stressful as this is for you, try to open up to the experience and remember to smile and present yourself as honestly and positively as you can.
Remember that the team wants you to be good. They are wishing only the best for you in your audition, because the better you are, the easier their jobs will be. Most, if not all, of the have had to audition for their own jobs or roles. It is a part of the business of the theater. Not that this will make your job any easier, but take some comfort that your auditioners have been, or will be, in your place sometime soon.
Before Your Audition
Do your homework. Find out as much as you can about the upcoming audition. How will the director determine the casting of the show? Will the audition require cold readings from the script, improvisational games, or maybe a combination of the two? Do you need to prepare a ? If so, how long should it be and in what style— comedic or dramatic?
Read the script before the audition, if you have the opportunity. Your audition will be stronger if you have a clear idea of what the show is about and specific characters you would be interested in portraying. Check the pronunciation of words that may be unfamiliar to you, but do not spend too much time preparing how to say your lines. The most important thing you can do on stage is to be yourself, to act naturally, and to listen—really listen—to your scene partner. The human interaction and communication between you and your scene partner are critical to the success of the scene. However, an audition reading that is too well rehearsed may seem stale to the audition team. Remember, the director is looking for potential, not a finished product. Directors want to work with actors who are interested in learning and growing into the role.
Stay home and rest the evening before an audition. Rest your voice by not talking too much the day before and the day of your audition and go to bed early so you will be well-rested.
Don’t drink milk or eat a heavy meal before you audition. Dairy products may cause mucus to form, and you may have a difficult time speaking or singing. You’ll feel better if you simply eat a light snack and drink lots of water before you go to your audition. Staying well hydrated is the best way to lubricate your vocal cords and keep them in top working order.
Wear neat but comfortable clothes. Forget the very high heels or any clothes that inhibit movement. Fix your hair neatly out of your face. Your eyes and face are the most expressive part of your body so don’t hide them. If you are called back, don’t change a thing, not your hair or your clothes. Avoid coming to an audition in costume; it is usually not effective to dress as the character you hope to play. But dress so that the auditioners could envision you in the role. Remember, this is business, so dress appropriately.