Read time 5 minutes
Published on Nov 15, 2023
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Approved by the dean of the College of Arts and Media on Oct. 25, 2023.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
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Do you dream of becoming an actor, either behind a camera or on a stage? A great first step is earning a theatre degree, and you’ll also need as much experience as possible working on productions and acting in performances. When you graduate, you’ll need to begin doing auditions in order to land your first role.
Auditions are a part of the acting process. Though it can be a long process, it’s the first hurdle you must jump to create a great first impression to the casting directors. A great first audition sets the tone for the rest to come and increases your chances of getting your dream role.
It’s natural to feel some butterflies in your stomach in the days leading up to an audition. Let’s take a look at how to prepare for an audition to ensure you’re ready to impress. You’ll also get some acting auditions tips for beginners.
The audition tips listed above can help an actor of any experience level as they prepare for an audition. However, there are also a few audition tips that can help beginners in particular. Take a look:
Lastly, it’s important for beginners to know what to do when they make a mistake during an audition. Let’s say your character is supposed to say, “So, I got the job interview, but I think Frankie doesn’t really want me working there.” Let’s say that you mess up the line a bit and say something like, “I’m interviewing for the job, but I don’t think Frankie wants me working there.”
It’s natural to want to apologize to the casting directors for making a mistake and fudging the line. However, you’ll need to avoid the temptation. First, they might not realize you’ve made a mistake, but apologizing will call attention to it. Second, an apology will disrupt the delivery of the next lines in the scene. Instead, do what figure skaters do when they fall during a competition: Pick yourself up and carry on with confidence.
Here are some of the top tips on how to prepare for an acting audition. Although there are no guarantees in the theatre world, following these audition tips may help you make a good impression on the casting director.
This may seem obvious, but it is very important to stress that you should read the script fully from front to back. Read it at least once, but it’s even better if you have time to read it multiple times.
You want to be able to answer if they ask you any questions about the script or character development. Reading the full script will also give you an idea on how to play the character and everything you may need to know about them regarding the project.
Don’t just look at what you are given at face value. Do your research on the character you are auditioning for. Figure out their desires, fears, motivations and development throughout the scenes. This is how you will really connect and become the character.
While reading the script, pause occasionally to reflect on the material. Ask yourself questions, such as What does this character truly want? What would they be willing to do to get it? If I were having a conversation with this character, what would I notice most about them?
Being nervous is common and will happen. When it does, remember that the audience is on your side. The casting directors want you to do well and are hopeful that you will be the one that they are looking for. There should be no fear in facing them and giving it your all.
You should always think of the Three C’s when walking into an audition. Be comfortable, charismatic and confident. When you walk into a room, you must take control and be the center focus. If you walk into a room with that demeanor, then it will also shine through your acting abilities.
Sometimes an actor might think they know the lines forward and backward, but then they stumble when it’s time to speak them out loud. One of the most essential steps in how to prepare for an acting audition is to practice delivering the lines.
Set the script aside and mimic the movements of your character in a scene as you deliver the lines out loud. Make a note of any potentially problematic lines and devote more time to memorizing them. It’s particularly helpful if you have a friend or family member who can read the lines of another character in the scene while you’re practicing your own lines.
Casting directors invite actors to an audition when they think those actors might already have the right look for the character. It’s best to go to the audition with a hairdo and clothes that reinforce that idea.
Of course, you don’t need to go overboard. If you’re auditioning for the part of a pirate, you don’t need to wear a pirate costume. Subtle changes to your appearance, however, can allow the casting director to better imagine you in the part.
You’ll receive many no’s in your career before you get a yes. However, it only takes one yes to jump-start your career. Don’t be discouraged by not getting a role or a particular part because eventually, all that practicing and auditioning could pay off.
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