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Yes, you want to be an actor badly, everything about acting intrigues and interests you - everything except auditioning for a part, that is! Many actors dread the very word 'audition' and would love to avoid it like the plague. Unfortunately, though, auditioning is a part of the acting game. Without one, the other cannot exist. But why let the fear of auditions get in the way of the fun of being on stage? Instead, learn some great acting audition tips and ace that audition. Here's how.
Audition Requirements
The audition may be open or closed.
An open audition means that everyone who is coming to tryouts will sit in the theater or auditorium together. Actors may be called up to the stage one at a time or a group may be called together. Actors just show up to audition.
A closed audition means that the director schedules each individual at a specific date and time where the actor will audition alone. Actors must schedule the rehearsal with the office or director beforehand.
The audition requirements will contain the dates of the performances as well as an idea of when the rehearsals begin. Your availability to attend rehearsals and performances is the most important aspect of the audition process.
The audition requirements might entail the actor to give a prepared monologue or two. The monologue may relate to the script or not. A two-minute monologue is considered apt.
The audition requirements might necessitate you, the actor, to know a song or two beforehand. The song(s) may or may not relate to the script.
The audition requirements may state that you must bring either the written music for a pianist to play or a CD or tape that contains the music.
Now let’s divide the topic into 3 parts. The first part will deal with how to prepare for the auditions. The second, things to do during an audition, and the third, things to do after an audition.
Before the Audition
Granted that the audition is the main event but there can be several things that can be done in order to make the auditions a sure success.
If you are rehearsing for a particular role, make sure that you do all the research that the topic involves. This means you must know the character inside out. Formulate your theories and get them right - who the character is? Where does he come from? Why does he behave the way he does? Knowing your character will let you portray and defend the role better.
It doesn’t hurt to research about the main theme, the director, writer, etc. This will help you to get the overall feel of the play.
It really helps to prepare for an audition by knowing the script like second skin. Try to learn the lines thoroughly. But don't just learn them by rote. Understand them.
You might try and practice the lines in front of an audience consisting of your family and friends. Or you can make use of a video camera by recording yourself and studying your performance. Or just practice before a mirror.
These methods will help you get a feedback and help you observe your facial expressions, etc., thus making it easier for you to improve wherever possible.
If a certain role requires you to have a particular accent, then practice that. Or if your pitching quality is weak take up classes to improve that.
Think of how you can portray the part differently. Who knows, the director might really like your take on it.
During the Audition Once your preliminary preparations for the role are done, it is time to focus on the audition.
First of all, when you arrive you will be given an Audition Form to fill out that will ask for your name, address, phone number and email id among other information. It will also ask for your availability during the months dedicated to rehearsing and performing on stage. Always be truthful in doing this. Never provide incorrect information because that will make you lose your credibility as a person and affect the kind of roles that you get.
Wear clean ironed clothes. Always be tidy and maintain a clean appearance when going in. First impressions go a long way in marking success.
Don't be nervous. This will have a negative effect because it will make you forget the lines etc. Take deep breaths and calm yourself down.
Maintain a cheerful outlook. Smile and people will develop warm feelings towards you.
Portray confidence! Nothing puts off people like a nervous person fidgeting with their hands and the like.
When you are called onto the stage, greet everyone there warmly.
If it isn't an adaptation of an earlier play or book and is an original theme, then ask a few questions regarding it. But not too many or you might come across as ill-prepared. The director will have time constraints on how much time to spend with each actor.
When acting, project your voice such that it reaches across to the entire theater.
Ignore the lights that fall on your face and continue to maintain eye contact with the entire theater even if an audience is missing so that the directors will be able to see how you will do at the time of the final act.
Do not rush through your part owing to nervousness or excitement. Take your time and deliver each line with force and emotion.
The director might ask you to deliver a set of lines again but in a different way. Read the lines carefully and slowly, running your fingers over each line so as not to miss anything.
If you can, try and look up from the page from time to time. This will help you connect with your audience.
When you are done, smile at the team and thank them for their time.
The director or casting crew might want to ask you questions about yourself or the role. Answer them with confidence.
After the audition the director might ask you to return for Callbacks. He/she will give you the date and times for the Callbacks. Or she/he might choose the cast without scheduling Callbacks.
Callbacks usually will not deviate from a typical Audition. It’s just a way for the director to see you work on stage with actors that might have attended a different Audition date and time. The director will let you know if the Callbacks will be different from the Audition.
After the Auditions
Different directors follow different methodologies when it comes to audition procedures.
If the director has told you that they will let you know about the results after a few days, wait for the call. Typically, the director will publish the results of the auditions on the door of the Playhouse. We know that you will be rather anxious about the results but don't call or visit the Playhouse personally before the date specified during the audition. This will not make a good impression.
There are chances that you might not be chosen. If so, take it in your stride. Do not start doubting your abilities. Take it as a part of the game.
If you get a call back or chosen for the play, then it's time to celebrate!
So, every time that you audition, use these Audition tips for a killer performance and before long you will be on your way to an unbeaten snazzy career in acting! Go break a leg guys!
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