Tips for Auditioning For A Show ~ Part I

So life as a teacher brings me to the next big event for my students...well, for my drama students that is. Auditions are coming!

I remember when I was a junior in high school and I was coerced by my friends in chorus to audition for the school musical production, "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown!" My first reaction was "What? No, I can't sing or dance." They didn't accept my excuse and "forced" me to audition. And yes, I got the part of Snoopy...and it changed my life. Since then I've acted, danced, sung, choreographed or directed over 40 shows in my life.

Being in a show is like no other experience, and I'll talk about that experience in another post, but for this one I want to focus on auditions, because you can't get IN and show without AUDITIONING for the show. Auditioning can be a mind trip, hitting on every shade of insecurity and doubt you have. But it is also the best feeling in the world to see your name on that cast list. Many times it isn't the level of your talent that can get you cast, it's the subtle things.

Here are my top things to keep in mind when preparing for an audition:

1. Be sure you have accurately stated all your rehearsal conflicts

There's nothing more frustrating to a director than to cast an actor in a role, post the cast list and then find out on the first day of rehearsals that they are going to be missing six rehearsals and one of them is during dress rehearsal week! Be sure you are honest with your conflicts. If a director really wants you for a part, he'll work with you on your schedule. Otherwise, yes it may cost you a role if you have too many scheduling conflicts, but at least your reputation will be intact. If you try to pull a fast one, you can be sure you won't get cast in a show again with that director.

2. Be very familiar with the sides

If the directorial team you are auditioning for is gracious enough to make the audition sides available to you ahead of time, BE SURE YOU GET THEM! Not only get them, but read them over a lot! Do you need to memorize them? It's not necessary, but it wouldn't hurt. I would recommend that you at least still hold your sides in your hand while doing the scene though just in case you blank.

Sides will help you get comfortable with the characters and give you a chance to try out different ways to deliver the lines. Don't only be familiar with the lines of the part you want. You never know what that director might have in mind for you. Show your versatility and be ready to read for several roles and to try reading for those roles in different ways.

3. Your audition starts as soon as you walk into the building

Your audition starts sooner than you think. As soon as you are in eye sight of the person who is checking people in, you better be aware of what impression you are giving. Th person who looks like a mere assistant, might be really good friends, or even dating the director! If she doesn't like you, you better be sure she'll be whispering that into the ear of the person making the casting decision.

4. Have a positive attitude ALWAYS!

Let's be honest, people usually WANT to work with people that they like. So if you came in with an attitude, complaining, making excuses, looking tired or sick, or anything that would be construed as "negative" then you are jeopardizing your chances of being cast. Many times, it doesn't matter how talented you are. If you act like a jerk or a diva, you'll be passed over for someone who is easier to work with. Again, see point #3.


Next post, I'll focus on tips for when you are actually in the audition room to help give you the edge! Did these tips help? Have you been in an audition situation where knowing these things helped get you a part? Or perhaps you weren't aware of these things and it cost you a role? Share your story in the comments below!