An acting audition is daunting for all performers, regardless of age and experience level. This blog reveals our top 5 acting audition tips to help you nail your next one.
1. Be prepared
Preparing thoroughly for your audition is probably the most important tip we can give you. Not only will being prepared make you more confident that you will perform well, but it may also reduce anxiety and stress.
To prepare, read through the monologue and any other materials you may have been provided with. Ensure that you learn your lines before your audition day. Perhaps you could ask a good friend or family member to test you. You can also prepare yourself for the perfect audition with our auditioning course.
If the audition is online, make sure that you have a suitable setup and a laptop or device with a good camera and microphone that will enable you to be seen clearly by the casting director. If your audition is in-person, ensure that you plan your journey and give yourself extra time for travelling to the venue.
2. Do your research
If you know where the monologue you have been provided with is from, try to read the entire play or script before your audition. This will help you fully embody the character you are playing and understand what they may be feeling and thinking during the scene you are performing.
Studying the play will also prepare you for any unexpected questions the casting panel may ask during your audition. They may ask why you decided to depict your character in a certain way.
If you are auditioning for a role in an existing play, film, or television show, make sure you watch any available productions. By familiarising yourself with the actors and actresses they have previously cast, you may understand what you could do in your audition to stand out from the other candidates.
If you are really trying to impress, research into the producers, writers, or directors of the production you are auditioning for. Know what they’ve done before and see if you are familiar with any of their work.
If you want to be really prepared, try to also find out about the casting directors who will be on the panel for your audition. This will help you remember important names and who to contact to follow up after your audition. It may also open up networking opportunities.
3. Don’t let your nerves put you off
Nerves are always going to be making an appearance on the days leading up to your audition. But don’t let them put you off. Instead, use them to your advantage. You could channel your adrenaline into working on your practice or undertaking more research, for example. If you are really struggling with nerves on the day of your audition, try to turn them into a feeling of excitement – this is a great opportunity!
There are many techniques that you can use to tackle the nerves and calm yourself down before entering the audition room. Listen to your favourite music while you are waiting or engage in a short meditation or breathing exercise. Another great way to distract yourself is to talk to others who may be auditioning. After all, they will be in the same situation as you and will be able to empathise with how you are feeling.
4. Make an impression
The panel of casting directors may potentially be watching hundreds of auditions before they see you. So think of how you are going to stand out from the crowd. To make a good first impression, ensure that you are friendly, approachable, and calm. You will be surprised how many people let basic manners slip when they are just focussing on remembering lines!
Don’t be afraid to make your audition unique by doing something a little different. These nuances will get the panel interested in you. As long as you keep it natural, you could also reveal something about yourself or you as a performer during the audition.
5. Be yourself!
One of the most important acting audition tips is to be yourself. The casting team will want to get to know the real you, as this is who they will be working with if you got the part. There is no point putting on a character that you know isn’t natural for you to do. Imagine how hard it will be to keep that up if you get the role!
Don’t expect an acceptance or rejection immediately. These things will always take time. But this should be an opportunity to reflect on your performance, any feedback you received on the day, and relax!
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