Valuable Tips for You to Prepare for an Acting Audition

Yes, you want to be an actor badly, everything about acting intrigues and interests you―everything except auditioning for a part. Many actors dread the very word 'audition' and would love to avoid it like the plague.

Unfortunately though, auditioning is a part of the acting game. Without one, the other cannot exist. But why let the fear of auditions come in the way of your career? Instead, learn some great acting audition tips and ace that audition. Here's how.

Let's divide the topic into 3 parts. The first part will deal with how to prepare for acting auditions―that is, the preparation before the auditions. The second―things to do during an audition, and the third―things to do after an audition.

Granted that the audition is the main event but there can be several things that can be done in order to make the auditions a sure success.

✦ Make sure that you do all the research that the topic involves. This means you must know the character inside out. Formulate your theories and get them right―who is the character? Where does he come from? Why does he behave the way he does? Knowing your character will let you portray and defend the role better.

✦ Other than the character, one must research about the main theme, the director, writer, etc. This will help you to get the overall feel of the play.

✦ After you've lived the script, try and practice the lines in front of an audience consisting of your family and friends.

✦ If none of these are available, then make use of a video camera, record yourself, and study your performance.

✦ These methods will help you get a feedback and help you observe your facial expressions, etc., thus making it easier for you to improve wherever possible.

✦ If a certain role requires you to have a particular accent, then practice that. Or if your pitching quality is weak, take up classes to improve that.

✦ Think of how you can portray the part differently. Who knows, the director might really like your take on it.

✦ Make sure you know the address to the venue and reach there before time. This will allow you to relax and warm up before auditioning.

✦ Unless there is a costume with which you have to audition, wear clean ironed clothes. Always be tidy and maintain a clean appearance when going in. First impressions go a long way in marking success.

✦ Don't be nervous. This will have a negative effect because it will make you forget the lines. Take deep breaths and calm yourself down.

✦Maintain a cheerful outlook. Smile, and people will develop warm feelings towards you.

✦Portray confidence. Nothing puts off people like a nervous person fidgeting with their hands and the like.

✦ When you are called onto the stage, greet everyone there warmly.

✦ If it isn't an adaptation of an earlier play or book and is an original theme, then ask a few questions regarding it. But not too many or you might come across as obnoxious. The key is to be subtle.

✦ When acting, project your voice such that it reaches across the entire theater.

✦ Ignore the lights that fall on your face and continue to maintain eye contact with the entire theater even if an audience is missing so that the directors will be able to see how you will do at the time of the final act.

✦ Do not rush through your part owing to nervousness or excitement. Take your time and deliver each line with force and emotion.

✦ Don't give a long monologue. A two minute monologue is considered apt.

✦ The director or writer might ask you to deliver a different set of lines again and since you haven't learned them, it is considered alright to look at the script. Read them carefully and slowly, taking your fingers over each line so as not to miss anything.

✦ If you can, try and look up from the page from time to time. This will help you connect with the audience.

✦ When you are done, smile at the team and thank them for their time.

✦ The director or casting crew might want to ask you questions about yourself or the role. Answer them with confidence.

Different production houses and theater companies follow different methodologies when it comes to audition procedures and call backs.

✦ Right after an audition, certain companies might want you to fill out forms, supplying information about yourself. Always be truthful in doing this. Never provide incorrect information because that will make you lose your credibility as a person and affect the kind of roles that you get.

✦ If the company has told you that they will let you know about the results after a few days, wait for the call. We know that you will be rather anxious about the results but don't call or visit the company personally before the specified date. This will not make a good impression.

✦ There are chances that it might be a rejection call. Unfortunately that is more common in this industry.

✦ In case it is a rejection call, take it in your stride. Do not start doubting your abilities and casting aspersions on your choice of career. Take it as a part of the game.

So every time that you audition, use these acting tips for a killer performance and before long you will be on your way to an unbeaten snazzy career in acting! As they say―Go break a leg guys!