- Change The Way You View Auditions
- If Audition Feels Tense, Embrace It
- Establish Mutual Respect
- Prioritize Being Authentic
- Always Be Prepared
- Build Confidence Mentally
- Radiate Confidence Physically
- The Eyes Never Lie
- Embrace Various Types Of Roles
- Change The Way You View Auditions
Auditions are like the bridge that actors have to take in order to land roles in any type of project, from films and television series to stage performances. Learn more about how to increase your chances of standing out amongst other candidates and end up being cast for the project with these 10 essential audition tips.
1. Change The Way You View Auditions
Actors should believe in themselves and the value they can potentially bring to the role they are auditioning for from the very get go. It can be intimidating to appear in auditions but it is essential for actors to keep in mind that casting directors are not there to watch monologues for charitable causes, or against their will - they need to fill the vacant role positions for the projects just as much as performers need to find their next gigs, if not even more.
2. If Audition Feels Tense, Embrace It
Not every audition will be cheerful and feel just like spending a good time doing what you love, it is what it is. If the audition and the staff are serious to the point that the actor feels certain tension, they should not try to diminish it and instead embrace it as a new opportunity. Performers should effectively navigate their audition situation and appropriately assert themselves.
3. Establish Mutual Respect
The same as with job interviews at any other profession, acting auditions also do not necessarily mean you have to become best friends with the casting directors from the moment you meet. Actors should not solely focus on being liked by everyone but certainly should aim at being taken just as seriously as they treat the audition process. As long as the candidate demonstrates confidence and professionalism, mutual respect will surely be established.
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4. Prioritize Being Authentic
Trends and typecasts of the acting industry come and go but ultimately nobody wants a copycat and nobody really wants to be one either. Rather than forcing another hidden-in-plain-sight act into their performance, actors should prioritize their own authenticity in their performances at the auditions. This will allow them to fully embody the character in their unique way.
5. Always Be Prepared
Actors who arrive clearly prepared for the audition demonstrate to the casting director and their production team that they respect their time, have a commitment to their craft, and are all-around professionals.
Even more importantly, preparation allows actors to showcase their skills more effectively, and deliver a stronger performance, since they can feel more confident about what they are about to do, and have their full focus on it. Such preparation may include reading the audition script thoroughly, understanding the role's character’s emotions and motivations, practicing the monologue lines, and preparing physically, e.g. doing vocal warm-ups.
That can potentially leave a lasting impression to ultimately getting on the casting director's shortlist and deciding the fate of the audition results for the actor.
6. Build Confidence Mentally
It is hard to succeed in the entertainment industry without an actor being really confident about themselves. It is the one quality that allows performers to take risks, commit to their choices, allow them to accept mistakes and learn from them, and maintain an optimistic worldview even when encountering setbacks.
Actors can build up their confidence by successfully completing their career tasks and targets by setting realistically achievable goals, constantly practicing their craft and preparing for auditions, and maintaining an all-around positive attitude.
A major part of feeling mentally confident during acting auditions is feeling like you already have secured the part. Basically, when the actor imagines to already have the gig, they start to own the role mentally way before actually receiving the audition results.
7. Radiate Confidence Physically
Confidence is not only psychological but also physical. When stepping on the acting audition stage, performers can exude confidence with good posture and engaging body language.
Actors should try to keep their heads held high, shoulders back, and a straight back because this posture exudes self-assurance and readiness. Open body language, such as keeping arms uncrossed, can further communicate confidence to the casting director and production staff.
Controlled movements and gestures that compliment the audition performance also can demonstrate intentionality and confidence. However, actors should remember that movements also have a fine line between overdoing it, that can give the opposite impression.
8. The Eyes Never Lie
Making eye contact is also a powerful non-verbal cue that radiates confidence during auditions. By making direct eye contact with the audition panel, actors can show that they are engaged, focused, and not afraid.
For the creative aspect of the acting performance during the audition, eye contact is a tool for conveying emotions effectively. By looking directly into the eyes of the scene partner or casting director, actors can express a wide range of feelings.
9. Embrace Various Types Of Roles
While most actors probably wish to portray heroic and all-around well-meaning characters, the truth is they should strive to secure a diverse range of roles. Different types of characters allow performers to expand their skill set, learn to adapt better, and grow in their acting abilities.
Villain-type characters might be a departure from what the actors themselves are personality-wise, but such a role gives creative opportunities to reveal humanity or vulnerability even in characters perceived as negative or antagonistic.
Being able to convincingly portray a wide range of characters across genres and mediums is a testament to the actor's talent and flexibility. Importantly, such versatility can reveal more and more opportunities for actors in the long run.
10. Change The Way You View Auditions
Yes, auditions are certainly the job interview equivalent of the acting world. Yet being an actor is quite different from a regular 9 to 5 job, so performers should also view it in a different light.
Actors can look at acting auditions as an opportunity to do what they love - perform and showcase their acting skills. Instead of focusing on playing the winning or losing game, auditions can be viewed as a wonderful chance to continue to grow as an artist.
Such an outlook can help to have fun during the whole process, making the preparations for the audition feel less like a chore and more like a time well spent. Importantly, this more relaxed outlook can ultimately reduce unnecessary stress and build a performer's confidence even more.
