- What Usually Happens in an Audition?
- How to Prepare Before an Acting Audition?
- What Should You Do After Your First Acting Audition?
The audition is a delicate process that can determine your application for a role and even the next step of your career. Now, you might wonder, "How can a 20-second presentation have so much power?'
The answer is simple — the audition is an opportunity for each candidate to display their skillsets in front of an audience in real time. It allows the production team to see what you can actually do. They've seen your resume, profile, headshot, and past work, but now, they need to see what you can do for them.
The audition can work to your advantage if you do not have a strong background already. Likewise, it can be a disadvantage regardless of your background and experience.
We want your audition to be a plus rather than a minus to your application, so we've compiled a list of some of the best tips for preparing for an audition. Keep reading!
What Usually Happens in an Audition?
The test to determine if you are qualified for the role begins much earlier than the actual audition. Right from when you are in the waiting room, staff will notice your outlook, behavior, and actions as your natural self — it goes without telling that being rude, impolite, or arrogant will have repercussions.
When you do get inside the audition room, the real work begins. Here's how to prepare before an acting audition:
How to Prepare Before an Acting Audition?
1. Dress Appropriately for an Acting Audition:
You don't necessarily have to dress to impress, but you must dress how you want to be addressed.
Your choice of clothing can and will show your dedication to the role. It will also act as a tell on your person. If you wear revealing or inappropriate clothes, this might give a wrong impression.
It is best to dress to match the role you apply for. This doesn't mean you have to go over the top by hiring a professional stylist. It's best to find a balance by making the best of what you already have in your wardrobe.
Remember to follow some general rules for dressing:
- Match your belt and shoes
- Avoid denim on denim
- Let your handbag match your shoes
- Don't wear athletic wear except to the gym
- Don't wear socks with sandals, and so on.
It is, however, important to note that these rules can be ignored if they work for you.
2. Memorize Your Lines for an Audition:
There's almost nothing that can bring you greater disappointment than forgetting your lines in your audition. Of course, no one is perfect. Anxiety, nerves, and much more can contribute to forgetting a few lines.
Yet, with sufficient practice, the chances of that happening are greatly reduced.
3. Arrive on Time:
Punctuality is always a benefit to the devotee. By coming early to the audition, you already have an advantage over people who come later. Not only will you be recognized as someone who sticks to schedule, but you will also catch up on any important updates or changes that may occur.
And if these reasons aren't enough, know that the casting director and other team members do not have all day. They have other matters to attend to, so they cannot wait for you once the allocated time has elapsed.
4. Prepare Your Bag Before the Audition:
It might be tempting to think you can assemble all your things during or moments before the audition. Yet, it's best to read all necessary documents and utilities a day before.
Arrange your documents, including your resume, headshot, portfolio, script, etc. You should also prepare your snacks, water, and a different set of clothes if necessary. This saves you the pressure of putting these things together when you should be on your way to the audition. It also allows you to find and replace any items that need to be replaced on time.
5. How to Behave on Your First Audition?
Be on your best behavior before and during the audition. This means how you present yourself, how you relate to the casting Director and other applicants, etc.
Don't get distracted to the point of causing a ruckus in the waiting room. Of course, you can shake hands and exchange pleasantries with other applicants (if necessary), but this doesn't mean you should engage in pointless chitchat. You're there to land a role, not make friends, so put your game face on.
This doesn't also mean you should frown. In fact, it's better to smile and maintain a friendly outlook if you're able.
6. 5 Tips on How to Talk with the Casting Director.
- Be polite, respectful, and courteous: The casting Director is your superior, so you have to address them as such. This doesn't mean you have to refer to them as "sir" or "ma'am," but let your speech reflect that you put them on a pedestal.
- Talk clearly: Don't mumble or rush your words when speaking to the casting director. Speak clearly during the introduction and during the presentation.
- Practice beforehand: You should practice your slate and the way you approach the Casting Director as much as you practice for the main audition
- Be professional: Remember, you're here to work. Even if you are a big fan of the casting Director or you see some familiar faces, maintain professionalism.
- Ask questions, but Don't ask silly questions: if there are things you are unsure of, ask questions. Some casting directors even appreciate when you're inquisitive because this shows that you want to know more so you can deliver better. However, you should do sufficient research beforehand so as not to come off as silly. Keep calm and enjoy the process.
Even with all the rules, the audition process can be memorable. If this is your first one, you will get to see other applicants and how they explore their roles; you may receive feedback from the casting director that may change how you approach your role; you may have to improvise on the spot, and so on.
Don't let stress get to you. This is what you want to do, so enjoy it.
What Should You Do After Your First Acting Audition?
After your first acting audition, you should know that one of three things is likely to happen — You might receive a callback, you might be told your application was rejected, and you might not receive feedback.
If it so happens that you don't receive any feedback, reach out to the casting director and ask why. You may have missed it.
If your application was rejected, it's not the end of the world. You can and should apply for a different audition. You can find open casting calls to apply to on our website, allcasting.com).
If you receive a callback, congratulations! The casting team tells you they want you to perform a new audition similar to the first one. This helps them to choose the perfect candidate more easily (especially when there are a lot of top contenders), so make your performance here even better!
