Auditions are your opportunity to show the industry what you are capable of.
That is why so many actors, particularly early in their career, feel a sense of overwhelm, nervousness, and uncertainty about the entire process.
Even after you have been in the industry for several years and you have lost count of all the auditions you have completed, it is still something you don’t want to take lightly.
After all, what you are able to accomplish in the industry largely depends on your ability to audition successfully.
That’s something professional actors realize early on in their career and they dedicate a lot of time to perfecting their audition strategy.
Over the years I have seen many actors fall into the trap of looking for the perfect tips and tricks to master the audition process.
That’s a journey that does not end well, because there is not one single thing you can do to cause a CD to move forward with you.
There’s not a magic phrase you can use either, so understanding the entire process and building a holistic strategy is what professional actors do instead.
If you want to build your career as a professional actor, that’s something you should too. Here’s where to start.
It should be something that every actor knows intrinsically, but that’s why it’s so easy for many actors to forget about just how important it is to be completely prepared.
The key to a successful on-camera audition starts long before you step into the room. By thoroughly preparing for your audition, you'll not only feel more confident but also deliver a more authentic performance.
To make sure that you are thoroughly prepared, be sure to study the script and understand the character's motivations, backstory, and relationships with other characters.
You must fully understand the character. Otherwise, your delivery will likely seem robotic.
Part of that is memorizing your lines and fully developing the driving emotions behind those lines.
To prepare you should also do research on the project as much as possible. That should include the director, producers, and casting director. Doing this can help you better understand their vision for the project and their preferences for the role you are auditioning for.
While your acting skills are a crucial factor in an audition, it’s also the time when you make your first impression, so your appearance also plays a role in how you're perceived.
When you audition, dress in a way that reflects the character you're auditioning for. Do not go overboard with costumes or bring unnecessary props.
Keep it simple and professional but make sure that your outfit, along with hair or makeup are a reflection of the role you are auditioning for.
For example, do not go to an audition wearing a bright yellow shirt if you are reading for a violent antagonist. That would make things seem incongruent.
When you don’t have to overcome a first impression that is incongruent with the character you are auditioning for, things tend to go much more smoothly.
It’s usually easier for you to get into character, be focused and complete your audition in the way you prepared for it.
Something that simple makes it so much easier to portray a strong emotional connection with the character you are auditioning for, and that is what Casting Directors are searching for.
An emotionally engaging performance is key to a successful audition, so during your preparation really delve deep into your character's emotions and motivations.
Try playing the character from different angles. Often, this can help you see things from different perspectives and give you more insight into how the character should behave and how they should react to different situations.
Getting a callback or booking your next audition will largely depend on that alone so do not overcomplicate things.
Of course, what we went over today will only be helpful when you have the opportunity to audition.
If you are in a place where you do not currently have enough auditions, then there is likely something that needs to change so you can get more auditions.
It could also be that there is an issue with your agent. We have talked about how to handle a situation in which you are not signed with the right agent for you, since that can make a big difference in the opportunities you are currently getting.
There may be some adjustments you can make with your current agent to improve the situation.
However, if you decide that it's time to move on, you may be able to improve your chances of signing with someone that can truly help you move your career forward, by making sure that your industry reputation matches your goals.
We’ll talk more about that another time...
For now, focus on making the most of every opportunity you get to audition and remember that Casting Directors tend to do a bit of research before deciding who to move forward with so make sure that what they find about you is up to their standards.
If you want to bounce ideas before your next audition, feel free to shoot me an email or leave a comment below. I’m always happy to help however I can because I truly want to...
See you at the top,
Scott