Things You'll Need:
- Professional head shots (more than one copy)
- Resume
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Step 1
Whether you are going through an agent or a casting director, find out everything you can about the part you are auditioning for. Sometimes in their haste, these folks fail to give you all of the information you need. Ask lots of questions! Are you the right age, look, size, style, race? Do they have a problem if you have an accent? Find out all of this before you commit your time and effort.
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Step 2
Get to know your lines. Become comfortable with them by saying them over and over to yourself. If you have a computer that will record you (like the MacBook Pro), that is a great tool. Or, find a friend with a camcorder. Then you can look at your delivery a number of different ways. This is better than just practicing in front of a mirror. Ideally, record yourself and then wait several hours or overnight before you watch it. This will give you time to distance yourself from the performance and you can be more objective.
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Step 3
Try not to over think it! Remember, nobody can be you like you can! Unless the casting director has given very specific instructions on delivery (which they usually don't), don't be afraid to throw your own personality into this. The worst they can do at the audition is tell you to change it, or "tone it down." Be open and flexible to those changes.
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Step 4
Learn to take good direction at the audition. Be ready for last minute changes. You may walk in knowing certain lines, and they will throw a different script at you. Most of them don't mind if you "palm" your script, and use it as backup. The important thing is to not show your nerves. I personally will recommend that you do not talk to other actors before you go in. They will distract you. Sometimes intentionally, but mostly they can be just talkers that want to kill time. This does not mean you act like a snob. Just find a comfortable place where you can focus and prepare yourself quietly without any distractions.
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Step 5
Always ask to give the read again, even if they say it was "fine." Ask them if they want to see it a different way. If they say no, then its time to move on. Be a professional. Shake their hands and thank them when you leave. Say their name: "Thanks a lot, Sam." Smile. And, once you walk out that door forget about the whole thing! Otherwise you will torture yourself over what you "should have done" or "could have done" at the audition. This is the nature of the business. Put it all behind you and wait for the next opportunity!
