How to Audition for a Local Theater

Local theaters provide a great place to expand and nurture acting abilities. Famous actors like Matthew McConaughey and Orlando Bloom started acting in community theaters. Auditioning for a role in a local theater production is often nerve-racking or scary. Fight the fear and breeze through your next audition by digging in with some practice and preparation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Contact the theater and ask about upcoming productions and auditions. Many community theaters plan their plays and musicals at least one season in advance.
2. Get copies of the scripts. Some theaters give you a copy if you are interested in trying out for a part.
3. Read through the performances they have chosen. Choose a play or musical you enjoy and relate to. Check to see when the theater has their auditions, rehearsals and performances. You have to be available to make the rehearsals and performances. If the play you choose conflicts with other things in your life, try to find a play or musical that fits your schedule.
4. Choose a musical piece or a monologue that shows the range of your talent. A good audition piece should less than three minutes long. If the play is a drama do a dramatic monologue. If it is a comedy do a comedic monologue.
5. Rehearse your piece multiple times. Memorize the lines. This allows the director to see the expressions on your face as you perform. Incorporate accents, movement and rhythm into the piece.
6. Prepare for the audition. Take time to meditate and calm your nerves before you leave for the audition. Dress nicely to show the director you are serious about the part. Arrive early and be ready when you are called. Learn the director’s name and thank her at the end of the audition.
7. Perform your piece. Look in to the audience. Introduce yourself and your piece. If you are doing a piece from another play, give the writer's name. Smile and be polite. Perform your piece. If you make a mistake, improvise and get back into the piece.
8. Thank the director for seeing you and giving you an opportunity to audition. Ask when the casting finishes and when to expect to hear from them.

Tips & Warnings

• Always be polite to other actors, crew members and directors. The people you are working with could be the next director you audition for.
• Never to do an audition using an accent you are not completely comfortable with.

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