1. Preparing for an Audition
Acting Tech. & Advanced Acting
MVHS
2008

2. My First Steps Research the show you are auditioning for:
Check out the script and read it cover to cover to find out what the story is about and what characters you might want play
Protect yourself!
Do not audition for a show and not know what you are getting yourself into

3. Find Out the Requirements
Make sure to read the audition notice very carefully and that you understand what is required for that particular audition.
If no requirements are available on the audition notice, contact the directors to find out what they are looking for.

4. Possible Requirements
Straight Play:
Professional Resume and Head Shot
Dramatic/Comedic Monologue (some times you need 2 monologues)
Use a Dramatic monologue if the show is a dramatic piece
Use a Classical monologue if the show is classical
Use a Contemporary/Modern monologue if the show is contemporary/modern
Use a Comedic monologue if the show is a comedy

5. Possible Audition Requirements
Musical:
Professional Resume and Head Shot
Dance Audition (bring comfortable clothing)
Monologue and 16 measures(32 bars) of a song (preferably from a Broadway musical)
Monologues and songs must be chosen to fit the show’s requirements. You must also provide your own sheet music for the accompanist
Ex. If it is a comedic musical, provide a comedic monologue and song

6. Choosing A Monologue
Find a monologue that matches the tone of the show you are auditioning for:
Comedy  Comedic monologue
Drama  Dramatic monologue
Classical  Classical monologue
Contemporary  Contemporary monologue

7. Choosing a Monologue
Find a monologue that is unique and age appropriate
Do not do a monologue with a character who is WAY older than you in age. Play someone close to your age so that it is more believable.
Find a monologue that is special and that most people might not use a million times over.

8. Classical Classical: MONOLOGUES: 1900 and under
Shakespeare, Greek Plays, Chekhov, Moliere
MUSICALS: “Golden Age” and under
42nd Street, Annie, Anything Goes, Bye Bye Birdie, Carousel, Guys and Dolls, South Pacific, West Side Story, The Music Man

9. Contemporary Contemporary: MONOLOGUES: 1945-present
MUSICALS: 1960-present
Phantom, Urine Town, Chess, Rent, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Wicked

10. Practice! Memorize your monologue Practice your blocking
Directors dislike it when an actor has to read from a script at an audition
Practice your blocking
You will only be given a chair and no props to work with

11. Practice! Practice your voice and where you are going to take pauses
Directors want to hear how you use your voice and dislike it when it is monotone
Make sure to use levels throughout your monologue
Make it interesting to watch and listen to
Practice your facial expressions in front of a mirror.

12. Musicals
Make sure to practice your song several times with an accompanist before your audition.
DO NOT LET THE AUDITION BE THE FIRST TIME YOU HAVE RUN THROUGH THE SONG!
Make sure that you have the lyrics memorized as well and that you have stage presence while singing.

13. Resume
A resume provides the director with all of the information he/she may need in considering you for a role:
Contact Information: name, address, phone number, address
Physical Information: height, age, hair and eye color
Previous Experience with acting
Awards Won and Special Talents

14. Tips: Make the resume NO LONGER than a page
Directors see hundreds of actors a day and do not have time to read over a page
Make it pleasing to the eye and easy to read
Resumes MUST BE TYPED!
Directors mostly just glance at these at the beginning of your audition
Be short and concise with your information
Directors do not have the time to read your life’s story

15. Resume Example

16. Head Shots
An 8x10, black and white, glossy photo of an actor from the shoulders up
Must be a recent photo of you
Can be very expensive
Not always required for an audition, but you should ask the director beforehand

17. Head Shot Example

18. At the Audition
Make sure to sign up for an audition time (if available)
Show up 15 minutes before your audition time
Dress professionally (try to stay away from all black)
Have extra copies of your resume, head shot, monologues, etc. if needed

19. While Auditioning Take a deep breath and relax Walk in with confidence
Introduce yourself in a professional matter:
“Good evening. My name is Karla Quinones and I will be performing two monologues for you this evening. The first will be ___________ by ____________ and the second will be ___________ by ____________.”

20. While Auditioning
Feel free to take a few seconds in between each selection to collect yourself as well as give the directors time to evaluate your performance.
Once you are finished, say “Thank you”
DO NOT bad-mouth your performance, the performance of others, or the directors until you are in the safety of your own home!
----- Meeting Notes (5/18/15 10:27) -----

21. After the Audition Depending on the company the following may happen:
There will be a cast list or call-back list posted to inform you of the parts that were cast or those who need to be called back for a second audition.
CALL BACKS: this is when the director needs to see you perform one more time for various reasons. Just because you did not get called back does not mean you are not in the production.

22. After the Audition
Some directors will call you and let you know about the part you were awarded or if you did not get cast.
Make sure you find out when the first rehearsal is so that you show up to it and are ready to go!

23. Your Final
You will be asked to audition for a production in the class.
You will prepare 2 monologues: Your choice of STYLE:
COMEDIC/DRAMATIC
CLASSICAL/CONTEMPORARY
You will also prepare a professional resume to present to the director
Your audition should last 5 minutes: no more, no less