Tips for Your Next Theater Audition

Even the most professional of actors still get nervous when it comes time to audition for a show. The stakes are high; you want to get the part! No, you need to get the part! So how do you do it? Lucky for you, Fox Music Showtime has compiled 3 of the most important tips to remember for your next theater audition.

  1. You are always auditioning.

One of the biggest reasons people do not get cast in a show is because they don’t remember they are always auditioning. An audition is not just about the 1-2 minute performance. Your audition is everything that happens from the time you enter the building until the time you leave. Not sure what that means? Here’s an example:

An actor is nervous for an audition and is frustrated they have to wait in line to check in at the front desk. They feel like they could be using this time to warm up, and the receptionist is taking her sweet time. How inconsiderate. When they get to the front desk, the actor complains to the receptionist about the wait time and answers all questions in a short tone of voice. The actor gets called into the room to perform for the director and knows she did an amazing job. But the next day, when the cast list is posted, she doesn’t see her name on it. She’s sure this is a mistake, and she calls the casting company. The casting company informs her that although her performance was well-done, they heard the way she treated the receptionist, and they didn’t want someone with an attitude like that working for their company.

Scenarios like this happen all the time and prevent actors from reaching their highest potential. Don’t let this be you! Be kind and smile, even if you had the worst day ever. Your audition starts the moment you walk through the door.

  2. Emulate the part you want.

One of the great things about theatre is that you can be anyone you want to be on stage. When you’re auditioning for a particular role in a show, it’s vital that casting directors are able to imagine you playing that character. Make sure you are emulating the character as much as possible. This doesn’t mean you should dye your hair or do anything drastic to change who you are, but try to consider your desired role. For example, when choosing an outfit, the girl-next-door might wear a pastel-colored dress, while a Disney villain might be dressed in all black. If you dress in a way that gives off the essence of the character you want, you immediately up your chances of getting the role. Not only will the casting director more easily be able to envision you in the role you desire, but you also will feel more like the character, which will enhance your acting in the audition.

  3. Be prepared, be over prepared, and be prepared for anything.

One of the most important things you can do is be prepared. If the audition requires a monologue, you should have a monologue memorized and well-rehearsed. You should have an introduction prepared, stating your name and what monologue you will be performing. The same rules apply no matter what the audition calls for you to prepare ahead of time.

You can never be over prepared for an audition. A director may cut you off mid-performance and ask to hear a different monologue or song. You should have a backup or two already prepared, well-rehearsed, and memorized. This happens more often than you would think, usually because the director needs to see you perform in a different capacity to make sure you are cast as the role most appropriate for you.

Perhaps most importantly, remember that no matter how prepared your performance pieces are, you still need to be prepared for anything. A director may ask you to repeat your monologue and try performing in a different way. Even if you aren’t sure what was wrong with your original idea, set that thought aside and show the director that you are capable of changing your plans to do what they ask. That’s one of the most desirable qualities in any actor.

Without a doubt, the best way to prepare for an audition is to seek out theater lessons ahead of time. An acting teacher can help you make sure you are following proper audition etiquette, and workshop your monologue or song with you to showcase the best performance you have to offer.