How to Perform Better in Auditions

Every audition is an opportunity to book an acting job. Some people find they audition poorly, despite the fact that they are talented actors. If you wish to be a working actor, you must learn to audition well. Often, poor auditions can be attributed to lack of preparation and nerves. Thankfully, you can perform better in auditions with some simple mental and physical preparation. Look at every audition as a chance to perform and simply have fun.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Head shots
• Resumes
• Audition material

1. Print the audition material as soon as it is available. Usually, you'll have a few days' notice, giving you adequate time to work on the material. If you are unclear on what material to work on, ask your agent or the project's casting director.

2. Read the material several times. Make sure you fully understand what is happening in the scene, and particularly what your character is doing in it. If you are unclear on something, ask a friend to read the material and give his opinion.

3. Establish a game plan for what you want to do with the material. Even if you don't stick to the plan in the audition room, it will give you direction.

4. Rehearse the material several times. Ask a friend to rehearse with you. Try the material several different ways and see which works best for you. It may help to act out the entire audition process, having your friend act as the casting director. Continue rehearsing until you feel comfortable with the material.

5. Get plenty of rest before your audition. If you are hungover or tired, you won't be at your best.

6. Leave early. Rushing to an audition will only exacerbate your nerves and potentially hurt your audition. Give yourself more than enough time to get to the location, park and get into the building.

7. Take a few moments to center yourself before entering the audition location. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Visualize yourself doing well in the audition.

8. Enter the audition room with confidence. First impressions are crucial, so simply let your personality shine through. Make eye contact with the people in the room. This will help to ground you and keep you relaxed.

9. Listen closely. Many actors blow auditions by simply not listening, particularly when nervous. Remain present and engaged with those in the room. If you are unclear on anything that is said, ask for clarification.

10. Let it go. Once you leave the audition, don't replay it over and over again in your mind. Remember that the more auditions you go on, the more comfortable you will get with them.

Tips & Warnings

• Be professional and polite. Remember that they are busy people, so don't waste time with mindless chatter.
• Always have a head shot and resume ready to give to those in the room.
• Never show up to an audition unprepared.

[ceholmes]

on 7/5/2009 I especially like step ten Sarah. Beating yourself up solves nothing. You can't change the past, but you can constructivly fine tune errors for future auditions. Great info and 5*!