Audition Preparation

When you get the audition details from your agent, try to get the details emailed to you so you can print them. You have to make sure that you receive the time, address and any ‘sides’, script or casting breakdowns that you will need on the day. Take all these printed details with you. Don’t rely on memory.

Also make sure you do your own research on the job itself. ‘Google’ any directors, casting agents and the play or commercial product that you are being seen for. You will be surprised how much extra information you can actually find. This can help you prepare yourself better and have an insight into what they might be looking for.

If you are being seen for a play or musical, it’s a good idea to read the whole script beforehand, You will then know the whole story and be prepared for any last minute reads or questions they might throw at you. Some scripts can be bought over the internet as downloadable files, or if you can’t find a script watch a DVD version of the play or musical if it’s available.

Thoroughly prepare whatever speeches are required, try and learn the script and songs to a high performance standard. And always try to have more audition pieces to offer in case the casting panel asks to see something different.

If you are learning a scene which includes other speaking characters, ask someone to read it through with you. A casting assistant will be reading the other parts at the audition. This way you get the feel of how the conversation will flow.

Also practice the speeches out loud. It’s okay to learn the lines ‘silently’ while travelling on a train or sitting in a park on your lunch break. But get used to hearing yourself speak the lines as you would on stage or infront of a camera. Some theatre or musical auditions will require you to perform your piece onstage, while the casting panel are seated right at the back of the stalls, so be prepared for that.

If you have to perform a certain accent, do your research and practice the accent over and over again. Record yourself and listen to see how well you sound. The casting agent will expect a good accent, especially if you have mentioned it on your CV. There are some good accent tutorials on Youtube.

It’s a good idea to plan the journey to make sure you will get there on time. Check for last minute engineering works or road works that may impede your travelling arrangements. Sometimes public transport is quicker than driving to city centre locations. Print any maps that you may need. It’s not a good idea to be late.

If you have been given a script, song or sides to learn, make sure you learn them as much as you can. You will make a better impression if you are not hiding behind the script and fluffing up the words. If you have only been given the script at the casting, try to get as much of it learnt as possible. They won’t expect you to memorise it but may want you to improvise around it. They will be more impressed if you don’t cling to your script like a comfort blanket.

If you have to bring your own audition speeches or songs, make sure you choose the right theme or genre. And don’t pick the most obvious monologues. Chances are that they have already seen ten ‘Lady Macbeth’ speeches that day. And keep your speeches short, around two minutes is the required length for an audition piece. It’s always a good idea to have a bank of speeches and songs ready for any audition. Use the speeches that you have actually performed on stage previously. If you audition for a lot of theatre work, it’s a good idea to vary your monologue readings. This keeps you fresh when performing for a casting panel.

Always take a CV and photograph with you (stapled together). They may have your details on a ‘print out’ but could need another headshot or CV for the director or an extra client. It’s always best to be prepared. A CV and headshot is the actors ‘business card’, so don’t go to a casting without it.

Have a think about what to wear. First impressions mean a lot. Take pride in your appearance. Even if movement wear is required, make sure it’s clean, neat and smart. Wear things that are smart yet comfortable. And don’t ‘over do’ your clothing to resemble a full costume. The clothing required for auditions are usually either ‘smart’, ‘smart-casual’, ‘casual’ or ‘movement wear’. Some casting agents may ask for specifics like a business suit or sportswear.

Speaking of first impressions, did you know that the human brain makes just under 30 judgements about another person within seconds of actually meeting them? These judgements are based on your posture, body language, voice tone, breathing rate, eye contact, so think about what you look like even before you begin to speak.

If your audition is a screen test, steer clear of wearing white, as it washes out your skin colour and doesn’t read well on screen. Mid blues are pretty good. Also avoid bright patterned tops, as they can steal focus from your face and can look fuzzy when seen on screen. Most commecial, TV and film castings will have a professional camera set up and you will act to the camera and not the casting panel.

For TV & film auditions, try and get lots of practice in front of a camera. The acting technique for the camera is ‘smaller’ and more ‘internally emotional’ than acting onstage. Treating the camera as a personal friend rather than an electronic device is something that takes some practice. And of course the ‘less is more’ rule always applies to acting in front of a camera.

Make sure you get plenty of rest the night before. You have to be at your very best for the audition. So make sure you are both physically and mentally prepared for it, especially if it will involve any movement or dance. A good vocal and body warm up is a great idea if you have time to do one. Also make sure you are ‘fed and watered’, even though you may not feel like it, you will want to feel refreshed and full of energy. Take a bottle of water and some fruit with you.