1. (or, the actor’s worst nightmare…)
AUDITIONS!
(or, the actor’s worst nightmare…)

2. Four Forms of Auditions
Monologues
Prepared Readings
Cold Readings
Improvisation

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

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

5. 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?

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

7. 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

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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!

11. 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!!

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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.”

15. 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

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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