Auditioning

Resume - A sheet of paper, prepared in advance, that has all of your biographical information, past theater experience, and special skills.

Audition Form- Is a form that you fill out at an audition that has a few past experiences and your biographical information.

Cold Reading -Auditioning with unfamiliar material that is not memorized.

Monologue - A piece of dialog you bring memorized to a prepared audition.

Callback - An audition where you are asked to read again possible with a different person who is considered for a certain role.

Preparing for Your Audition  Monologue  Choose a monologue that:  Suits your personality  Shows off your natural acting style  Is a similar character to the role you are auditioning for (if you know)  MEMORIZE YOUR MONOLOGUE  Do background work on your monologue’s character, situation, etc.  Be prepared to answer questions about your monologue (who wrote it, what show it’s from, character choices, etc.)!  Make sure you are within the allowed time limit.

Dressing the Part  DO NOT go to the audition in costume!  DRESS PROFESSIONALLY! It isn’t quite “job interview” wear, but you do want to look your best while hinting at the type of character you are at the same time.  THIS IS AN ART!

Your Monologue  Know your character.  Make interesting character choices.  Know what happened to make you say your monologue.  Create a story around your monologue (if you don’t know it already).  Stick to the script (word for word)!  KNOW your script well (memorized, of course)!

MUST’S  Be creative!  Be unique!  Be different than everyone else!  Stand out!  Be confident!

Professionalism  Charm isn’t everything. Casting directors, casting associates, producers and directors are not the ones who are going to be bowled over by your charm.  The only thing that matters is your work and your professional attitude.

It starts at the door….  Your audition begins the second you walk in the door.  When you enter, you should politely acknowledge everyone present in the room, but remember one thing: You need to be focused on your work!

“Slate” It!  “Slate” = State your name and what piece you are auditioning with.  When you finish the "slate" you need to start your monologue.  “Hi, my name is [your name] and I will be auditioning with the monologue, [monologue title].”

Always Ask!  Nobody’s Perfect! We are only human, so mistakes can be expected. If you lose your concentration or cannot perform as per your potential or if you feel like showing another interpretation of the piece, you can always ask to be allowed to do it again.  If you want to use a chair or anything else, always ask.  Be prepared for Plan B if they say no!

When You’re Done  Thank them politely  Wish them good luck with the project  Politely leave the room

How Do You Feel the Audition Went?  The only thing that matters ultimately is your performance. So, when you feel you have performed your best, it is always a good idea to chill out and forget about the audition. Worrying will get you nowhere. What matters ultimately is your own performance and that is what you should concentrate on. Try to keep improving and learning and wait for the next opportunity.

Don’t Overthink Things  Everyone has different opinions! Acting is not “black and white.” Most of the time it’s just about what type of person they are looking for, and you have no idea what image is in their heads!  If you didn’t get cast in the role you wanted, take the role they offered you and NAIL IT! Show them how amazing you are and they will remember you next time!

Questions?

Assignment  Pick one monologue to perform in front of the class.  The monologue must be at least one minute long.  The monologue can either be from a play, movie, or tv show.  Everyone will slate their piece and perform in front of the class.  Each student watching the auditions will choose two students who they feel did the best and would win the scholarship.

This is how this project will be graded:  25 Points for using class time wisely  25 Points for entering the room with confidence and slating your piece/thanking everyone at the end  25 Points for memorization  50 Points for character and overall performance  25 Points for your audition being at least one minute.  25 Points for 1 page journel entry

 Alma - Summer and Smoke (Tennessee Williams)  You needn't try to comfort me. I haven't come here on any but equal terms. You said, let's talk truthfully. Well, let's do! Unsparingly truthfully, even shamelessly, then! It's no longer a secret that i love you. It never was. I loved you as long ago as the time I asked you to read the stone angel's name with your fingers. Yes, I remember the long afternoons of our childhood, when I had to stay indoors to practice my music - and heard your playmates calling you, "Johnny! Johnny!"How it went through me, just to hear your name called! And how I - rushed to the window to watch you jump the porch-railing!

 Stood at a distance, half-way down the block, only to keep in sight of your torn red sweater, racing about the vacant lot you played in. Yes, it had begun that early, this affliction of love, and has never let go of me since, but kept on growing. I've lived next door to you all the days of my life, a weak and divided person who stood in adoring awe of your singleness, of your strength. And that is my story! Now I wish you would tell me ---Why didn't it happen between us? Why did I fail? Why did you come almost close enough--and no closer?

These monologues will be due to present in front of the class MEMORIZED on FRIDAY!!!