How to Prepare for a Theatre Audition

Getting ready for a theatre audition can be stressful. In addition to preparing a monologue or song, you also need to prepare your body and your mind. By following the steps below, you will ensure that you are calm, cool and collected before your next audition.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Proper clothing:
• Dressy, but not formal shirt and pants.
• Street shoes
• Dance shoes (if required)
• Material:
• At least two prepared monologues
• At least two prepared songs with sheet music (if required)
• In your bag/briefcase:
• Headshots (at least 10)
• Resumes (at least 10, stapled to back of headshots)
• Bottle of water
• Snacks
• Breath mints
• Audition binder (containing copies of your monologues, sheet music)
• Business cards
• Change of clothes/shoes
• A sachet of lavender and orange
• Stressball (a balloon filled with sand)

1. Read the play. You should always know the play you are auditioning for, unless it is a new play.
   If you are auditioning for a musical, listen and get familiar with the songs from the show.
   This way, you understand the sort of monologue you should prepare, and you will be able to have an intelligent conversations with the director about the play.

2. Prepare a short monologue, 90 seconds or less in length. Review the casting call to see what monologue will be appropriate. If you are auditioning for a comedic role, prepare a funny monologue. If you are auditioning for Shakespeare, prepare a monologue in verse.
   Try to find a monologue that is age and gender appropriate, but also shows off your strengths. If you can cry on cue, prepare a monologue with high emotional impact.
   The monologue should not be from the same play you are auditioning for, unless the casting call specifies that you must do so. Choose a monologue from a play written in a similar style. For example, if you are auditioning for a Mamet play, prepare something by Joe Orton or Edward Bond.
   Always memorize your monologue; it is unprofessional to do otherwise. Always perform a monologue in your natural accent.

3. Prepare a song, if applicable. A 16-bar selection should be adequate, as the director will not have time to listen to a 3 minute song from every single auditioner.
   Practice with a piano and bring a copy of your sheet music to the audition. If you have never practiced your song with a live piano, you may have problems with the tempo or pitch of the song.
   Your sheet music should be 3-hole punched for the convenience of the pianist.

4. Review your audition binder. Your audition binder should have copies of all of the monologues you know by heart, as well as sheet music for all songs you would sing for an audition.
   It is a good idea to have at least two monologues in your head at any given time, just in case the director wants to see more from you.
   Ideally, your audition binder should contain at least three comedic monologues, three dramatic pieces, and three 16-bar song cuts if you are a singer. If you are interested in performing in classical theatre, you should make sure at least two of your monologues are in verse.

5. Pack your audition bag. You should have a bag with water, snacks, resumes, headshots, business cards, your audition binder, a change of clothes, dance shoes and breath mints. Pack your bag the night before, so that you won't forget anything in your rush on the day of the audition.

6. Plan your outfit. You will want to wear something that is easy to move in as well as clean and professional-looking. You should look as though you were dressed for a day at the office. Dress pants are appropriate for both sexes. Women wearing skirts should never wear anything that hits above the mid-thigh. A clean, pressed shirt will look great for either gender. Women should avoid exposing too much cleavage, as this can be seen as unprofessional. Make sure your shoes match your outfit.
   Women should wear light makeup and arrange their hair so it is off the face. Both sexes should avoid heavy scents.
   It is considered both wacky and unprofessional to wear a costume to your audition. Avoid the temptation to "dress the part," especially if the part calls for period costumes. You clothing should reflect you, not a character.

7. Practice relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises or tai chi. Auditions are always stressful. You will perform well if you are relaxed; stress can cause you short term memory loss. A good acting coach or yoga instructor can teach you some exercises.
   Additionally, you can pack a small sachet of lavender and orange. The scent of lavender will help to relax you, while the orange will energize you and keep you feeling alert and focused. If you start to feel nervous, simply inhale the aroma from the sachet, and you will begin to feel more relaxed.
   Packing a stress ball can also help you cut down any pre-audition jitters. You can make one by filling a balloon with sand.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid monologues with props. A small prop that you can carry in your pocket (such as a lighter or a coin) are okay. Never do a monologue that involves a large prop such as a phone, ironing board, baseball bat. Your sheet music should be three hole punched so that the pianist can clip it in place so that it will not slip. If you pianist makes a mistake while playing your song, do not get angry. Simply continue on as best as you can. It is unprofessional to badmouth the pianist. Always be polite to everyone you meet at the audition. Be nice to all the actors you meet, you never know who you might have to share the stage with in the future. Also be nice to the audition coordinator, as they are often asked by the director about your personal demeanor. If given the choice between two equally talented people, a director will usually choose the one who is polite, professional and courteous.