- PREPARE - PREPARE - PREPARE!
- Read the play in advance, if you can, and see what parts you want to audition for.
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- A cold reading is reading from the script without having memorized the lines and perhaps never having seen the script before. Look up from the script as much as possible - you are supposed to be acting not reading. Look at your script and become familiar with it, but do not waste time trying to memorize it.
- Make some action and voice decisions about the characters you will audition for. For instance, you might decide one of the characters is awkward, loud and tactless. You might choose a voice that is rather booming, maybe abrupt and gruff. You might choose broad, sweeping, abrupt, movements, which lack any grace or poise.
- Do not try to do too much with your voice and body. Make three or four voice and action decisions, then go with them. Keep gestures and movement to a minimum. Make them meaningful, not too literal. DO NOT WAVE YOUR ARMS ABOUT IN MEANINGLESS GESTURES OR WANDER AIMLESSLY!!! If you don't have a reason to move, don't.
- Be brave and bold. Make sure you convey a positive attitude of excitement. Auditions require a firm, no holds barred attack. This is not a time to be shy. Even if your choices are wrong, a director wants to see you make definite choices and commit yourself to those choices.
- Speak clearly and loud enough to be easily heard at the back of the house.
- When auditioning for a comedic role, pick a piece that highlights your comedic abilities. When auditioning for a dramatic role, pick a piece that highlights your dramatic abilities.
- Dress appropriately. Relatively conservative dress is always better. You want to call attention to your talent, not your wardrobe. It is always impressive to see someone dresses up for auditions- it shows a professional attitude and appreciation for the art.
- Do not look at casting directors while auditioning.
- Remember, the casting director wants you to succeed. He or she wants you to be the ideal person for the role. Never take rejection personally. Its not about you, it is about what the director needs at one moment. Always leave the casting director with a positive impression of you. Thank him or her for the time spent with you, and state your interest in the role. Remember that a theater or director will always have other projects.
- Go to as many auditions as you can.
- If you don't get a part in a play, then volunteer to help on the stage, costume, set design or lighting crews. Becoming involved in theatre productions, even behind the scenes, will give you important experience in how the performing business works and can be included on a theatrical resume as well. Remember, even the best actors started with behind the scenes work and small parts. Take whatever parts you can get. As you improve your skills and experience, you will get better and better roles. Learn the craft slowly, improve your knowledge and skills step by step. You'll find building that resume a lot more fun and much less discouraging if you take a smart and methodical approach to your training.
