For all novice actors who haven’t yet started auditioning, just hearing the word might send chills up your spine. You might have to prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically before you head into the room. But don’t worry! It’s not as scary as you’d think, as long as you know what to expect.
1. Embrace your nerves. Right off the bat, please understand that everyone in the room, seasoned or not will be nervous. Auditions are really nerve-wracking sometimes; especially if you’re auditioning for a show you hold near and dear (I recently auditioned for Into the Woods, and was really nervous because it holds such a special place in my heart). But nerves are great and nerves fuel your adrenaline– they help you do a better job than you think you can.
2. Get ready for a long day. It’s not going to be a fast process. Yes, your audition itself might only take five minutes but waiting for your turn can sometimes take a while, especially if you’re not the first person there. To speed things up for yourself, come a little bit (about fifteen minutes) before the audition actually starts so you can fill out any necessary paper work. But in case you’re there all day, make sure you have plenty of water and a snack (one that won’t make you feel phlegmy when it’s time to sing!).
3. Know who’s in the room. You will be auditioning for some major players in putting the show together. The director, casting director, producer, and maybe even musical director, if it’s a musical, will all be present in the room when you walk in. The more prepared you are to stand in front of these people the better. Prepare yourself by marking your music, memorizing your monologue or getting to know the script that you’ll get sides for in the room. Also, if you know the names of the people auditioning you, it’s worth a Google. Just like with any job interview, knowing the history of the person behind the table, might help you prepare for questions they might ask… you may even trip across an article about their audition pet peeves!
4. Don’t get thrown off by a curveball– it’s usually a good thing! After you audition, the director might ask you to stick around and read with someone else. This isn’t unusual; all the director wants to do is hear how you interact with the other person, to see if you two would mesh well together onstage. Just relax and follow the directions you are given.
5. Be supportive of your fellow actors and know that not everyone is right for every role. You’ll be able to hear others audition even if you’re not in the room with them. Don’t let that throw you. Remember, you have as much of a chance at a role as anyone else coming out for the show. Keep telling yourself ‘I can do this. I deserve it if I get it’. And if you don’t get it? That doesn’t mean you’re a bad performer! It’s more likely that you just weren’t right for the role. Remember, rejection is par for the course!
6. Finally, have fun! Remember to be yourself, wear a smile and go out there and break a leg!!