Step1
Learn the material. This is crucial. You must know your lines. For film and TV auditions, it doesn't have to be memorized because you can hold your sides but you need to be able to connect to the casting director or the reader who is reading the lines. Reading off the piece of paper will guarantee the casting director can't see your face and you haven't made any choices. If you're auditioning for an agent and performing a monologue, it should be memorized backwards and forwards. Regardless of the type of audition, knowing your lines is an important step but it's only the first step. Memorization is a basic skill and something that any actor can do. If it takes you longer to learn than most, spend more time practicing. No one gets an award for knowing lines, it's just part of the job.
Step2
Make it personal. The best actors make the words and situations mean something. If you go into an audition and just read it, you'll be forgotten before you even leave the room. A true artist creates something meaningful. Personalize the words and situations. Think about what makes you feel a certain way. If your character just got dumped, think about what happened and how you felt when you've gotten dumped or dumped someone. If you're a teenage cheerleader running from a masked maniac, think about what would scare you that much. Once you've gotten deep and personal, you're ready to move to the next step.
Step3
Create a character. You know your lines. You've created a private and personal situation that helps you relate to your scene. Now, it's time to think about character. How is this person different from you? Or similar? Do they walk with a limp? Do they have an accent? Do they wear glasses or hats? Are they from the East Coast or Texas? Your competition is strong. The deeper you go in creating a multi-dimensional character, the stronger the impact you'll make on the casting directors.
Step4
Let it go and let it flow. You've done the preparation. You know who you are and what you want. Now it's time to let go and have fun. Grab that trusted friend or family member, someone who is supportive and encouraging and doesn't make you second guess yourself. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Try it different ways. Experiment and see what feels natural and then try something else. The best actors don't lock into one way to do it, they find different ways and live in the moment. If you give yourself some freedom, great acting sometimes just happens.
Step5
Common Sense. You've done all the hard work but before you head into the casting office, get a good night's sleep, eat a good breakfast and don't be late. There will be traffic, train delays, or some major road closure so avoid all of that. Give yourself plenty of time and arrive at least 20 minutes early (more if you have to prepare in the office). Dress appropriately and professionally. If you're playing a police officer, wear a suit and tie. Never ever wear a costume. It reeks of an amateur and the casting directors feel insulted. They have the imagination to see you in a role without the actual outfit. Don't dress like you're doing your laundry and ladies, wear make-up and do your hair. It's still a job interview. Go easy on the perfume or avoid it altogther. And when you arrive in the office, be patient, respectful and considerate to everyone, including the assistants. You never know whose opinion will be asked and if you were rude, it won't win you any points, no matter how brilliant the audition. If you follow all this advice, you'll be more than ready to go in and give an unforgettable audition.
Novice 
