Many people have been through their fair share of auditions, whether actually going for a part or being on the other side and helping make the casting decisions. Auditions can be a very nerve racking experience whether you are acting for the very first time or you have been in the business for years. Be it theatre or film, singing talent shows, auditions can be a rather chilling experience.
1. First Impression Counts.
Here’s a good audition tip: When you walk in the room, be confident. The human brain makes over 27 judgments about another person within seconds of meeting them. These judgements are based on your posture, body language, voice tone, breathing rate, eye contact, etc.
2. Fight Stage Fright.
No matter what you have been told,the truth is everyone has stage fright. Stage fright is something interwoven in human DNA. Jog or stretch to relax your muscles, and unless absolutely necessary, don’t run over your lines. This will only feed the fear. Do some vocal warm ups, and drink some hot tea.
3. Nail Your Body Language.
Body language consists of arm movement, walking or pacing, hand gestures, eye contact and facial expressions. Performing a monologue should not be reciting words. It should be a vibrant display and representation of the character! So get really into the character, and practice body language they might use.
4. Maintain Eye Contact.
Actors love to stare. Especially in auditions. They think it makes them look ultra-concentrated on their scene partner. The end result looks like someone who might be slightly deranged. And who wants to hire that? One of the best audition tips on making eye contact is the 90/10 rule.
5. Memorize Your Monologue.
If you’re choosing a monologue to perform at an audition, make sure you know it so well you could recite in a year or even two years from now. Instead of receptive readings of it to memorize it, ingrain it in your memory by taking it apart and developing a deeper understanding of the piece itself.
6. Dress In Character.
There are so many auditions that one can attend, from television presenting to acting. Whatever the auditions,just make sure you do not dress against character type, ie do not turn up to a thug role in a three piece tailored suit (unless it is a mafia thug).
7. Practice The Night Before.
Practice, practice, practice. Get in front of a mirror and watch your own performance. Film it on your cell phone, watch it, change it, play with it. Do not stop acting until you get it 100% right then do it different. This will help you to be one step ahead of other contestants.
8. Be Early.
It doesn’t matter if traffic was heavy and neither does casting, if you are late to a movie set you can cost production thousands, as everyone sits about doing nothing while you take everyone’s time, organize yourself the night before with a bag with any props, your script and clothes to wear. There are no excuses for being late.
9. Attend Every Audition.
You will probably muck up the first few, don’t worry I did too, so does everyone, just keep going and you will come to understand what they want and how it works after a few. The more practice at auditioning you get the better you get, the better you get the more jobs you get.
10. Be Yourself
At the end of the day, it is important to be yourself, always. Some of the best auditions that have happened are when a person comes in with the biggest smile and isn’t afraid to be themselves then they audition with the most serious piece of work and become another person.
