How to Prepare for a Play Audition
Preparing for a play audition requires commitment. While it is impossible to be too prepared for an audition, far too many aspiring actors go into an audition stumbling and nervous due to ill preparation. Follow these steps to give yourself an edge over your competition and avoid the pitfalls common to aspiring play actors.
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Instructions
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Be familiar with the play you will be auditioning for. Read the play or at least summaries of the plot and characters in the play. If you have plenty of time leading up to the audition for research, also read reviews of various productions of the play, as well as dramaturgical analysis and opinion pieces. Such research will prove invaluable and really give you an edge over others auditioning. Knowing the characters and the context of a play backwards and forewords will also give you the confidence you need if asked to discuss some of the thematic elements of the play during your audition.
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After you have read the play and you understand the various characters involved, you need to select your audition goal. Many auditions allow you to select the part you want to read for, while others will involve a casting director who will assign you a role to read. If you are permitted to select your part at the audition, pick a character similar to yourself in age, appearance and if possible, even personality. Don't choose to read for the lead if it's obviously not the right part for you. It's better to be awarded a small role than to blow an audition by shooting for a leading position you're simply wrong for.
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Prepare two contrasting monologues for the audition. Once again, choose pieces that are both age and character appropriate. Memorize your monologues and rehearse them in front of an audience as much as possible. Ask for critiques. Your monologues should reflect your full potential and range as an actor so don't hold anything back. Never select a monologue from the play you are auditioning for unless specifically instructed to do so. Reading from the script at an audition is known as a "cold reading" and should never be done until the director specifically requests it. Performing a monologue from the same play appears presumptuous and is a sure way to completely blow an audition.
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Create an actor's resume and headshot. Your resume should list as many of your previous performances as an actor as well as specifics concerning training, education and special skills. While professional resume services are available for actors, you can easily design your own and save yourself the added expense of a resume maker. But if you do create your own resume, make sure you have others read it over for errors in formatting or information. Your headshot is best done by a professional. A headshot is generally and 8 x 10-inch glossy shot from the shoulders up. Amateur headshots, while acceptable, are easy to spot among a group of professionally lit and composed shots. Spend a little extra and have a working photographer do your shots. Carry several copies of both your headshot and resume to the audition, as there may be multiple directors present who each want their own copy.
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