How to Audition for a Sitcom

Thousands of people move to Los Angeles every year seeking roles in sitcoms. If you plan on becoming an overnight success, you might as well stay home. If you want to land a part, you've got to work hard, meet the right people, get the proper training and deliver a stellar audition.

Things You'll Need

• Email account
• Access to a printer
• Headshot and resume

Instructions

Prepare for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Sitcom Audition

1. Take an acting class. Look for an acting instructor who works with stand-up comedians or comedic actors. When it's time to perform monologues or scenes, make selections from your favorite funny movies or plays.

2. Sign up for an audition workshop. Find a weekly class where you can audition using actual material from sitcoms, dramas and even television commercials.

3. Get on stage and perform stand up comedy. Many comedic actors cut their teeth in stand up rooms. Get noticed for your high-energy performances or show off your singing skills by playing comedic songs.

4. Sign up for a sketch comedy class. Look for a school with a performance space. Some of today's top sitcom stars got their start in sketch comedy groups like Second City in Chicago, Upright Citizen's Brigade in New York and the Groundlings in Los Angeles.

5. Get headshots and send them to casting directors in LA and New York. You can find a listing of sitcoms and their casting directors in magazines like "Backstage West," "The Ross Reports" and the "Hollywood Reporter."

6. Ask a friend for a referral to a talent agent. An agent keeps your name in the minds of producers and casting directors, and he gets you auditions for sitcoms--especially during pilot season.

Make a Great Impression on Sitcom Casting Directors

1. Get an email account so you can receive "sides." Sides are the sections of the script you'll be performing during your audition. If your agent tells you the audition is "off book," be sure to memorize your lines.

2. Ask for a character breakdown and dress for the part. Your agent should be able to provide you with a basic description of the character. Make a strong wardrobe choice, and you may feel more closely connected to the character.

3. Show up with your headshot and resume. You'll look like a complete novice if you don't bring these two things to an audition. Make sure your contact information is updated as needed.

4. Get into character in the lobby while you're waiting for your audition. Run the lines in your head, and take a deep breath before you go in for the casting session.

5. Greet the casting director and answer any questions she might have. Be yourself. Don't try to be the character, and don't overact when answering questions. If you're a grounded, likable person during the greeting, you'll wow her even more when you switch into character.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want more experience to list on your resume, audition for student films. You can use the footage for a demo reel, as well.