Auditioning 101

It’s that time of the year again, children. A time when most theatres have held or are holding their auditions. Before you step out on that stage and promote yourself, there are a few tips you should know. The following is taken from an outline I had when doing a speech on “How to Prepare for an Audition” (with added guidance from a professional actor I knew from the summer). With his help, I present to you, some basic auditioning “do’s” and “don’ts”;


Do:

- Have an organized resume. By stating the show, your role, and the city/theatre company, the director can tell what you have for experience. Point out note-worthy productions (either with a co-actor, director, producer, or theatre company) or parts you feel especially proud of. Even if you have little credits, your talent and preparedness for the audition will assist you greatly.
(The resume layout looks like the following: show name, role (include understudy roles as well in parenthesis followed by the indicator U/S. eg. Man of La Mancha - Barber (U/S Sancho) - Foothills Theatre) and Theatre Company/City).


Do not:

- Exaggerate on your resume. Lying is the number one way to not be taken seriously.


Do:

- Have a current headshot. It is important that the same actor they see on the picture is the same actor walking through the door. Most artistic directors prefer both color and black and white. Be sure to get both just in case.

Do not:

- Use the same headshot you’ve had for years.


Do:

- Sing an appropriate song. Even if it is ‘overdone’ (like Defying Gravity from Wicked), if you sing it well and it suits your voice, go for it. Try it out on your friends, family, or voice teacher. If you receive positive feedback, stick with it. Think about the show you’re going for. Is it bright or dark? Will singing “Seerauber Jenny” at your Sound of Music audition really help you land the part of Maria?

Do not:

- Sing an inappropriate song that does not work for your voice or for the show you are auditioning for (as stated above).

Do:

- Research the play and/or musical from where you get your monologue or song choice. If possible, buy yourself a copy of the script or libretto to familiarize yourself with the characters and setting.

Do not:

- Choose a monologue or song because it sounds “pretty” and you think it’ll be easy to learn. Challenge yourself. If all you know is Tennessee Williams try looking up Moliere, or vice versa.
- Simply think that by skimming over the text you’ll have a complete understanding of the play or musical.

Do:

- Practice your song (s) and monologue (s) so you feel confident in performing them. Find pieces that sit naturally with YOU and that you enjoy to sing and/or act.

Do not:

- Feel like you have to be better than any one else. Even though this is a competition you will be judged on how well you interact with others. After all, a cast is a team, isn’t it?

Do:

- Dress appropriately. If you’re going to a dance call, wear lose fitting clothes and dance shoes (jazz shoes for the guys). For the audition wear something formal. Girls; dress pants, nice shoes, and blouse. Boys; nice top, casual pants, and shoes.
- Wear an article of clothing that sets you apart, like a scarf or hair pin that is unique but not entirely distracting. This will help the director remember you as “the girl with the blue ribbon in her hair” rather than the “70th girl wearing a black leotard”. But more importantly, you should be remembered for your performance.


Do not:
- Spend too much time stressing over how you look. (If you follow the above suggestions, you will look fine).
- Come barefoot to a dance call unless otherwise specified.
- Wear a costume or appear slovenly unless the audition requires it.


Do:

- Be on time. Show up ten minutes (or earlier) beforehand so you can fill out an audition form (most theatres will have these), meet with the other actors, and get a feel for the theatre (especially if you have never been there before). Getting an early start will also help you should you suddenly be stuck in a traffic jam. Being an hour ahead is always better than being an hour behind.
- Call the theatre should you become drastically ill. If you cannot make it because of that, let them know so they won’t be expecting you or to reschedule (if it is possible).
- Be courteous. Remember your reputation relies highly on how well you can get on with others. No one wants to work with someone who’s a pain to get along with or causes issues for the other performers!
- Write down everything.
- Read up on the industry. Know who’s who. The more you learn, the more everything will come together so you’ll know all the important who’s what’s and when’s. This will help you establish networks.


Do not:

- Show up late. It’s unprofessional. No excuses!
- Burn a bridge. Treating those around you like garbage will not guarantee you a job any where. Unless you’re established like Patti LuPone, there is no reason why you should be throwing a diva fit if something doesn’t go to your liking.


And finally;

COME PREPARED! Know your lines and your songs! This is by far the easiest yet most often overlooked aspect of the auditioning process. Don’t put off your Shakespearean monologue until the night before. Always give yourself at least a month’s worth of preparation!

Know these tips and know they will guide you as you go from audition to audition. The more you get out there, the better you’ll be!


Break legs, and good luck!
~ Genine