An actor needs to grasp the process of auditioning if he hopes to succeed in show business. It’s all the stands between wanting a part and winning it. Because there are many actors vying for one part, the reality that you only get one chance to make a first impression is very important. You must make a strong one from the moment that you walk into the casting director’s office.
Audition Preparation
First, you must prepare. That’s crucial in establishing a regular audition process. Memorize all of the pages of the script that are specified as part of an audition. Even when a producer lets you know that the script will be allowed in hand during the audition, you should still have it memorized. Keeping your nose in a script during the audition, something that inevitably happens if you walk in without your lines memorized, the casting director, producer or director will fail to see really important aspects of your performance. You will come across looking unprofessional if you don’t have the lines memorized, and a director will see you as “green” or inexperienced. Instead, reinforce the trust that the director will have in you by knowing your lines and having them down perfectly.
First Impressions
Walk in the room with a smile. Introduce yourself by name. People casting a movie, show or play will likely be the ones working on it as well. They want to work with fun, friendly people. Showing bad attitude during the audition process is one way to get blacklisted on a casting director’s mental “do not hire” list. Walking in the room as the prepared and assured actor that you are will help the casting directors see you in a similar light.
Wardrobe Considerations
Make sure to dress appropriately for an audition. You don’t want to walk in with jeans and a t-shirt to read for a high-powered lawyer part on “Law and Order,” but you also don’t want to go overboard in the opposite direction. Wearing full police garb with a fake (or real) gun won’t win you any parts. While some casting directors will appreciate the ambition that it shows, the majority of them will feel that it’s overdoing it. They’ll wonder why you feel the need to go to that extreme. Keep your wardrobe choices appropriate for the character, but keep it subtle. Ask for help from those you trust with more industry experience when you’re in doubt.
Serenity in an Audition
Take deep breaths. Try to get into a zen state of mind. What many actors and actresses don’t understand is that your cheerleaders are the directors, casting agents and producers. There’s nothing that an exhausted casting director wants after seeing mediocrity is to see an actor that stands out for the part. They want to imagine you as the character, to see the character come to life in you. They are looking for great things in your performance. They’re your friends in the audition process. Embrace them as such to ease the nerves.
