(or, the actor’s worst nightmare…) AUDITIONS! (or, the actor’s worst nightmare…) http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=theater+auditions&&view=detail&mid=804DE5749E11673F00E0804DE5749E11673F00E0&FORM=VRDGARhttp://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=theater+auditions&&view=detail&mid=804DE5749E11673F00E0804DE5749E11673F00E0&FORM=VRDGAR

Four Forms of Auditions Monologues Prepared Readings Cold Readings Improvisation

Monologues One actor, alone on stage Prepared ahead of time Director may ask for one or two of the following: Contemporary Classic Comedic Dramatic

Prepared Reading Reading from script, prepared ahead of time Not necessary to memorize, but helpful Character is more important than lines

Cold Reads Given no time to prepare Director will give short synapsis, maybe background Looking to see if you can act on the spot, interact with others, and possibly take direction Are you cooperative?

Improvisation Given a character and a situation The only things you can do are LISTEN and CONCENTRATE

MUSICAL AUDITIONS Two forms: prepared assignment or free song Directors will choose what song everyone will sing FREE SONG CHOICE: ACTOR WILL PREPARE A SONG OF THEIR CHOICE AHEAD OF TIME

TIPS! Rehearse as much as you can Ask questions, but don’t be annoying No props – maybe a chair NO Costumes Firm, polite handshake Get into character, but don’t chew the curtains Listen to instructions First impressions are EVERYTHING Dress nicely, but not for the part Neat, clean, tidy, makeup (but not stage makeup)

So what are they looking for? Appearance (no offense) Personality Level of acting Chemistry A strong cross Ability to take direction Voice Emotion Physical presence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoXuyyUXg1M

The Arrival Bring something to do. You could be there awhile Keeps your mind occupied Keep to yourself; other actors may try to psych you out or make you nervous Don’t pace the hallway and run your lines These should be memorized so well by now you could say them in your sleep!

How to memorize Read the lines. Read them again. Then again. Then again. Record the lines and listen to them. Then again. Then again. Record the lines, listen to them and speak along. Memorize all-together or by chunking You should know your lines well enough to recite them in your sleep!!

First Impressions Be CONFIDENT (even if you aren’t) Posture, body language, voice tone, breathing, eye contact, even appearance Be RELAXED Don’t introduce yourself to each judge and shake their hands, unless it seems appropriate or they initiate Don’t engage judges in your audition

The auditors or judges Think of the judges as potential business partners. Equals. You are selling something that they need to buy. Treat them with respect and courtesy

The X and the Slate Usually on a stage – find the X and stand on it It is your mark It is not your anchor – feel free to move about if appropriate and planned! Slate should feel natural Try to have an imaginative slate: Not: “Hi, my name is blah and I’ll be doing blah from blah.” Yes: “Good morning! My name is blah and I will be performing blah during Act I of blah.”

More on the Slate When actors are too perky or “cutesy," it appears that they are trying to be “commercial” or working too hard to be likeable, which makes them appear insincere, insecure, or poorly trained. If actors appear moody, sullen, uptight, or arrogant, it gives an impression that actor could have emotional issues. If they are slick or monotone, they appear unbelievable or unlikeable. If they don't hold eye contact with the JUDGES, they seem afraid, shifty, or inexperienced. If actors speak too fast or too soft, it makes them appear nervous, shy, or inhibited. If they speak too slow, it often comes off as patronizing

Time Limit! You usually get two minutes Most will have made their decision in 30 seconds Cut your monologue to a respectful time If you get cut off, it is not necessarily bad. It just means they are busy and need to move on. They might LOVE you and already know it.

EYE CONTACT DON’T STARE AT ONE JUDGE! It makes them uncomfortable and the others feel left out Use 90/10 rule: Don’t make direct eye contact 90% of the time. Look around, look at others, look at scene partner if present 10% make direct eye contact

Eye Contact More Eye Contact in Scene: people in love, if scene partner is ignoring you, scene partner has a weapon of some sort Less Eye Contact in Scene: caught in a lie, shy, crying and embarrassed Truthful acting

In summary Be yourself, but put your best effort forward Be sincere, and not too fake Act well your part; there all the honor lies