How to Answer Questions in an Acting Audition

Video Transcript

"I'm Dr. Charles Grimes. And I'm speaking on behalf of Expert Village about how to deal with the day of your theatrical audition. If it's done a decent job with your monologue, the director, the casting agent, other people might ask you some questions to learn a little bit more about yourself and what you might be able to offer to this play. Realistically, there's going to be a few questions that they might likely ask you. Prepare yourself for what they might be. And make up answers, even rehearse them, so that you can give a very good, articulate account of yourself. For instance, they might ask what you're doing now. They might ask why you want to be in this play, what you know about this playwright, what excites you about this opportunity. So have a good answer ready. Don't make it be brief. Many times when people ask us what we're doing or why we want to do something, we say, "I think it would be cool" or "Hey, dude, I haven't been doing much." This will put you way backwards, if you answer that way at an audition. Think about specific details that mean something to you, that are relevant to this enterprise of doing the play. I studied Chekov in graduate school. I did a scene for a performance with Chekov. I respond to his works because I love how he enjoys, admires, respects each one of his characters, from the smallest part to the biggest part. And I'm eager to work as hard as I can to make another Chekov play happen and have that feeling again. So that's a reasonable answer. Much better than, "Yeah, I just wanted to be in a play." Okay? So, plan something. It may sound artificial, but they want to know more about you if they're asking questions. That's good. Speak about a few things that mean something to you and begin relating to the director."