So as some of you know, I am really into acting. Of course, before you can perform your heart out on-stage, you've got to actually make it there, and I've gotta tell ya, auditions sure are stressful, but if you are confident in what you are doing, you will shine!
These are some tips and tricks I have learned through experience, and fellow actors.
First of all, before you audition for the play, you need to research the show. You need to know the story line, the characters, and some basic facts. This is very important!!!!
When auditioning for a play, One of two things will happen. One, they let you rent the script before-hand. (Which means you study it and decipher your lines.) Or two, they make you do the dreaded cold-reading.
Ah yes.... Cold Reading. That might be a scary word for some of you.
Cold Reading is basically when you show up to an audition, the director hands you a script you have NEVER seen before, and you have to perform it the best you can.
It really isn't that bad, so don't let that scary word get to you.
Anyways, I hope these tips will help you in your next adventure!
Tip #1
PLEEASE PLEEEEAASSE pleeeeease DO NOT put your script in front of your face when reading your lines!! This is my biggest pet peeve ever, and it will cost you the audition! When you are reading your lines aloud, the casting director wants to see your emotions, and with that paper blocking your beautiful face, you're not connecting with the audience. The paper also muffles your voice, which can change the way you sound and destroy your projecting. Hold the paper in front of your stomach and glance down every few lines.
Tip #2
Take it slow. Just breathe. Scan over your script. Read aloud your lines, with proper pronunciation. Don't speed through. This is another thing that happens when you are nervous. When you are rushing through your script like a madman, there is no time for the director to actually feel your energy. Just remember everyone in that room is just as nervous as you are.
Tip #3
Ladies, pull those locks of hair back. Yes, your hair is gorgeous, but if it's blocking your face, how are the directors supposed to see your abilities? Pull your hair back all the way, up in a bun, or in a braid to the side. What I like to do is take the front strands of my hair that falls in my face, and pull those back. Then the rest of my hair is still down! Just keep your face wide open and full of emotions!
Tip #4
Bring some water with you! You need your voice to be 100% with you, which means staying hydrated! If you don't your voice might start cracking and dying.
Tip #5
Listen to the director and follow her/his direction! You need to keep your ears open. Sometimes the director will ask people to say there lines in a different way! You need to remember these instances, because they show you how the director in-visions the characters in the play.
Remember, just because you didn't get a part doesn't mean you didn't do good! A director could cast a show 100 times over. Sometimes it comes down to small things. Also a big factor is your height and the way you look.
If you don't make your first audition, keep trying! Every audition is a great learning experience!
Break a leg at your next audition!
These are some great tips! I myself don't audition, but I think the ideas can apply to even speaking in front of a class, or something, as well. All good things to keep in mind. :D
ReplyDeleteI had the change to be backstage rather than on it a few years ago, and it was interesting to watch people audition, and the things they did. Taking it slow is super important, and the thing people most often forget as soon as they are up.
ReplyDeleteI'm always so shaky during auditions. I always think I do a horrible job in front of the directors, but our dance and music coordinators who work alongside with us said that I tend to do really well... I don't know, I wish I could prove myself a bit more; it's rather hard. :'(
ReplyDeletexoxo Morning
This is such great advice and could not have come at a better time! I'm considering auditioning for "The Tragedy of Othello" for a Shakespeare in the Park production.
ReplyDeleteThe hair is an important tip that's easy to overlook or neglect. Also, listening to the director is also an important detail that a lot of people might pass over. Directors are often looking for actors and participants who are willing to follow instructions and pay attention to their desires.
Thanks again! By the way, I'm new to your blog. It's pretty awesome. You wouldn't happen to be a fan of the musical Wicked, would you? ;)
Cheers!
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