Almost all aspiring actors ponder on the essential things to prepare in order to nail their first few acting auditions. Trying out for TV and movie auditions can get really tough, from picking the proper clothes to wear to choosing the right monologue.
Adequate preparation is something one should constantly consider before proceeding with the auditions. For beginners, get your hands on useful overviews on how to be able to prepare yourself before getting into the battlefield.
Auditions are gladiator battles. The fierce competition wears out aspirants, and each one wants the same thing and would do everything to have it. Aside from exasperation, auditions are also thought-provoking, which may cause unsolicited emotional outbursts.
In order to help you beat this and at the same time give you insights on how to woo casting directors, listed below are useful tips that you can apply before, during, and after auditions.
Pre-Audition
Be punctual.
Arrive in the audition venue as early as possible. Get there at least 15–20 minutes prior to the scheduled audition time. This will be advantageous because it will allow you to adjust to your surrounding plus calm you while waiting for the time.
Being punctual also shows that you are well disciplined and value the importance of time management. Keep in mind that first impressions matter in this industry.
Be plain and simple.
Do not overdo your preparation. Too much will always be bad. Additionally, other aspirants are condescending. They might try to get to your head and take advantage of their mind games to make you lose your self-confidence. It is highly recommended to ignore them at all cost.
Always keep your focus on your main objective and nothing else. However, if someone desires to make acquaintance, be open and friendly but never get distracted or lose your focus.
Tone it down.
Avoid from being that person that makes a huge and noisy fuss over his scenes to grab unwanted attention. This kind of behavior is a big demerit to your performance.
More importantly, never ask other aspirants about the character. Bear in mind that you should prepare for the role days before the audition date. And if time allows it, do a run through of your monologues as soon as you get to the venue.
The Audition
Focus, focus, and more focus.
Deal with your 5-minute opportunity with utmost importance. Pour your concentration unto your piece and don’t lose sight of the objective. Disregard any kind of distraction that may disrupt your focus. Do not let negative emotions blur your chance. Transform it into something positive to make your performance more exciting.
Embody the character.
Wrap your mind around your character but also consider being flexible enough for other possibilities. Inhale your role and exhale other thoughts. You are who your character is. Concentrate on your lines and deliver them properly. Beat your shyness and shine with confidence. Do not stray far from the emotion of the lines too. Lure the audience into believing that the character is you and no one else.
Show gratitude.
End your piece with appreciation to the casting directors. When directors give you feedback on your performance, this means that they consider you qualified. They usually lay everything on the table if ever you don’t make it. In that case, do not wallow in negativity and use it to improve yourself. Each audition teaches you valuable lessons, so do not be overcome by the negativity that failure brings. Use it as a stepping stone for your next audition instead.
Post-Audition
Take whatever comes your way as an opportunity to grow.
Whether you make it or not, remind yourself that each audition that you attend is a good source of wisdom and positive experiences. Opportunities knock only once. It is true that acting requires skills and potential. However, another essential ingredient in becoming a great actor is the passion to enjoy and indulge on it to be able to inspire others.
Do not use failure as an excuse to stop.
If you fail to get the role, do not take it as something personal. Instead, calmly take a deep breath and see it optimistically. There is no use crying over spilled milk. Besides, more auditions are coming in the future. You may forget the experience but never forget the lesson it taught you because it will come in handy on your next auditions.
Now that you have read these helpful tips on how to proceed with your acting auditions, go prepare yourself, do your best, and be your best. There’s no harm in trying, after all.