How to Survive an Audition

You really want that part. It’s the perfect role for you, and you can just see yourself on that stage, playing it for all it’s worth. Or maybe you’re a musician, ready to try out for that band you found in the classified section or for the local orchestra that is looking for violinists. But then there’s the audition. And, although you know it’s a necessary evil of being a performer, you dread that hour when you have to stand up and perform with rejection looming near. Let’s face it, no one likes to audition. But you can try some techniques to help you get through it, so that even if you don’t exactly whiz on and off the stage happily, you can sail through it with grace and efficiency.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A copy of the script or the score for which you are auditioning
• Some strong and effective vocal and physical warm-up exercises
• Comfortable clothing

1. Know what you are auditioning for. If you’re an actor, chances are you’re going up for a specific part. Read the play thoroughly, more than once if necessary. Get to know the part, and study it as if you’ve already been handed the role. Even if you don’t get it, the character study is good practice for you as an actor.
   
   If you must choose your own piece for the audition, try to make it a monologue that is somehow related to the play being produced. For example, if you know the play is a comedy, don't pick a dramatic piece. And make sure that you have memorized it backwards and forwards, so that you don't have to think about the lines. That can be a killer, when it comes to nerves at an audition.
   
   If you’re a musician, take some time to research what the band or orchestra has played in the past, or what is on their set list. Before your audition, try to come up with some pieces that relate to the pieces the musical group already plays. In this way, you are coming to the table with music that is relevant to the works that the group rehearses. By preparing yourself ahead of time, you’ll keep your nerves better in check.

2. Hone your skills, whether it’s your body as an actor or your instrumentation as a musician. As an actor, your body is essential in relating a character, so make sure you are in good shape to do this. Practice with some stretching, vocalize using exercises that enhance your enunciation, limber up so that you are ready for just about anything physically. In comedy especially, your body is a vital tool. Keep it prepared.
   
   As a musician, practice scales, or work on a piece that challenges you. Go over your fingering, or other physical exercises that help you, according to the instrument you play. If you are a vocalist, you must obviously sing scales, perform exercises to loosen your mouth, and practice breathing techniques. If you are physically loosened up, you are more apt to feel mentally prepared, and thus you'll be less anxious.

3. Go to the audition having eaten about an hour or so beforehand. Don’t eat immediately before and don’t go hungry. You’ll need the energy, but you’ll also want to have time to digest. If you’re a singer or if your voice is crucial to the audition, stay away from foods such as dairy, and eat foods like fresh fruit, vegetables, or whole grains. Tea with honey and lemon is a smart choice, but don’t drink it right before the audition or you’ll have to stop half-way through it to run to the loo!

4. Expect a worse-case scenario. If you enter the room and the director immediately says, “Next!” try not to take it too personally. Sometimes they are looking for a very specific type, and if you are not it, it doesn’t matter how compelling your reading is. Many times, a director will go for someone who looks the part, rather than someone who reads well but who is not the type. Don’t worry about it. You are a type, and your role will come, particularly if you are an accomplished actor.
   
   Whether you are an actor or a musician and face rejection, chances are you are one among many who are auditioning. Keep that in mind, and realize that within the many others who are auditioning with you, there are some better, and some worse. Try to take it as an experience, and not something that is a reflection on your talent.
   
   If you go into an audition with the expectation that you may face rejection, it will be that much easier for you if it comes. Rejection is always difficult, but keep it in your mind that it is nothing against you as a person. Shrug it off, and bounce back. There will be another audition to conquer at a later date.

5. Practice some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, or vocalizations. Take a deep breath in through your nose, and then breathe out, saying “Hah-hah-hah” in short, staccato breaths. Hold your hand to your stomach, and try to let your stomach push your hand in and out with each breath.
   
   Do some head rolls, dropping your head forward and then rolling it all the way around over your shoulders until you face front again. Then roll it in the other direction.
   
   Lean down to the ground with your arms hanging in front of you and your head down. Don’t try to touch the floor, just hang and let your body go limp. Then slowly roll your way back up.

Tips & Warnings

• When auditioning, make sure you are always pleasant and polite. It doesn’t matter what the director’s mood is or how she relates to you. You are a professional and must behave like one at all times. If you are friendly and agreeable, you might even stand out in the crowd. Your attitude reflects positively on you, in terms of how you might be to work with. Directors always like an actor or musician who is easy-going and hard-working. Try to convey these characteristics to a director without having to actually say a word.
• Stay away from audition “strategies.” Some actors believe that if they present themselves in a bizarre or unique way, they’ll be remembered and will be called back. The problem with this strategy is that it seldom works. More often than not, a director will think you are strange and possibly unstable if you show up to the audition with, say, a purple wig or sparkly sequined leggings. Try to just be a concise version of yourself. Wear comfortable clothing, and try not to don anything that might distract from your performance. If you are not altogether relaxed in what you are wearing or if you are feeling self-conscious about how you look, you’ll add one more anxiety-producing element to the whole experience--something that you really don’t want to do.