How to Audition
So you have the training, the talent, the agent and audition call lists, but that means nothing unless you can GET THE JOB! There are amazing actors out there that unfortunately don't have the skills to audition. Auditioning for the part can be frustrating, tiring and of course a very timely process. On average an actor working the audition scene in a busy NY world could spend time going to up to 10 to 20 auditions a week, if they are lucky the average could be up to 4 callbacks a month. Of course, this is just an average statistic and every actors results are different, but just to give you an idea.
Just like your headshot and resume the audition is your small window to show the casting director why you are so amazing and perfect for the part. There are a few tidbits and rules to remember in order to be sure that you are selling the best thing about your product (which is YOU):
1. Just like any job interview you are to always be prepared, courteous, and kind to everyone you encounter once you enter the door. I have not hired actors because they were a "Pain" in the lobby to the SM's and other staff while waiting their audition.
2. Make sure that you are auditioning for a show and part that you are "realistically" castable for. It is vital that you are sure of your type so you are not wasting you time. By type I mean, know your characteristics and how others see you and your personality. For example I am a versitile tenor and could sing even the Baritone part for every song in Phantom of the Opera, but I would never audition for the Phantom. My type does not fit the need for that part, so just because you can do the part does not mean you should do the part or would be hired for the part. So many actors waste precious auditioning for roles that they would normally never be considered for. Remember the director's job is to find the actors that are the most believable for the roles as possible, not just acting the role, most actors can do that, but visually and characteristically are believable in a particular role.
3. Know the show or script you are auditioning for, or at least as well as possible. Do not walk in blind with no knowledge of what you are reading for, it looks unprofessional and shows a director that you seemingly don't care as much. Next, as an actor you want to know the material so that you have more to fuel what you are going to want to portray in your audition.
4. Do not ever throw your entire heart into an audition. Meaning audition with passion, but be ready to walk away and don't hang you career on one audition. There are many parts that we would love to have, but the moment that drives you in an audition you can overkill and become too much and ruin the natural, comfortable qaulity you need for a good audition. Remember this is your job or will be and you need to pace yourself and have artistic self control so you can sell the best you possible. The attitude needs to be from you to the casting director: " Hello, I am great, here's what I can do for you, hope you enjoyed it, and I hope to hear from you, good luck on your search have great evening." You are the salesman and it is a non-pushy, positive attitude, and a down to earth person that gets the attention and possibly the job. Basically I need a talented person who fits the role and is going to be great to work with.
5. Have the material needed. When you hit the audition trail, it is important to know what the audition requires. Is it a cold reading, which is a reading from the script? Or, is it a up beat song with 16 bars and a monologue, not more than two minutes. Every actor should have a monologue and songs and various other material that fits you and that you know very well that you could present at any moment. If you are prepared, then that means you will be prepared for rehearsal, that looks good. You should know what the audition requires before going, then you should be brushing up and ready for that event.
6. Dress appropriately for the role you are auditioning for. Okay don't misunderstand. Do not wear a costume, ever for any audition. What I mean is wear comfortable attire that fits you and sells you. Let's clarify. If you are auditioning for a period piece such as a Moliere or Shakespeare, ladies can wear a comforatble casual dress or skirt, men, slacks and a nice buttom up shirt. If you are reading for a musical, wear something or bring something that you could move and/or dance in. It is always okay and is not non-professional to call and ask the SM or company what may be required. Overall, I want you to be and look and feel as comfortable as possible and still come across professional. Don't wear a suit and tie or a cocktail dress. You should seem like you could be ready to do anything, but would not be stared at if you walked into a casual restaurant.
7. Make sure your headshot and resume are updated. If you gained weight or lost it be sure your pic sells that person.
8. Do not ever fake or lie about anything on an audition form or resume when auditioning, if you are cast and found out it could be grounds for firing you. Be honest and give the best you you can.
9. Be flexible. Listen if the director asks you something. Change something if they ask. They want to see if you are "directable" very important and key in the casting process. If you are not "directable" in a small audition, will you be "directable" in the rehearsal process?
10. Always remember and assume that everyone around you is just as good as you because that is probably true, so what are you going to bring to the audition that makes you stand out among the hundreds of others? Be yourself and never ever think or waste time trying to figure out or guess what the director is thinking, that only corners yourself. We have great imaginations. At the end of the day, all you can do is audition as the best you you can possibly be. If you are castable for this part, then you don't need to add or change anything. Oh yes and have fun because if you do that then you are comfortable and being comfortable is a sign of a seasoned and professional actor in the audition process, screw nerves, this is fun. What is the worst that could happen? You don't get the part, say "hank you and hope to audition for you again soon" and go to the next one.
We (directors) remember not only the talented, but also the talented and positive even moreso. I have cast people that have read for me that were amazing, but i could not fit into a show, but called them to audition for something else because they made such an impression.