Audition Basics

Auditions are a nerve-wracking and difficult experience for most actors, but they are an essential part of the job. Here's how the audition process generally works and a few tips on how to perform your best in front of the casting director or producer.

Getting the audition

For most roles, you (or your agent) must submit a photo and resume to whoever is casting the production. Occasionally, you may hear about an "open call" where anyone may come to audition. These types of auditions are often called "cattle calls" because hundreds of people show up and are quickly herded through. However, most auditions are invitation only.

If you are called for an audition, you will often receive "sides", which are simply a few pages of the script that you will be expected to read. In theater, you may also or instead be expected to have a monologue and/or musical number prepared. In either case, once you have a script in hand it's time to get down to business.

Preparing for the part

Read the script. Study it. Find every single detail about the character you will be auditioning for. Lines aren't important yet... just focus on who the character is. How old is she? Where is she from? How does she feel about the other characters in the story?

After you know everything there is to know about the character, then it's time to learn your lines. Use whatever technique works best for you. Although you shouldn't be expected to know all your lines at the audition, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Before the audition

When dressing for an audition, it's best to dress according to the type of character you're trying out for. For example, if auditioning for the role of a cowboy, you wouldn't want to wear a business suit or old shorts and a sweatshirt. On the other hand, you don't have to go out and rent chaps and spurs. Just dress to imply the part, perhaps in casual jeans and boots.

You should warm up for an audition just as an athlete warms up for competition. Do a few stretches and vocal exercises, and take one more chance to go over your lines. Then relax. It's very easy to get overly nervous before an audition, and that nervousness will show.

After you arrive at the audition and sign in, you'll probably have time to wait for a few minutes until it is your turn to read. There will be other actors waiting with you, but it's best to avoid the temptation to talk and gossip with them. Stay focused... you can always socialize later.

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