Acting Auditions

Auditions can be a nerve wracking experience for actors. Unfortunately, auditions are an essential part of being an actor. So, knowing it has to be done, here are a few steps that should give you a better chance of getting the part.

In getting the audition in the first place, you or your agent are going to have to submit a photo and resume to the casting director. Sometimes you'll get an open call where anyone can aution, but these are the exception, not the rule. Most auditions are by invitation only.

If you're called for an audition, you'll usually be given what are called "sides" or a few pages of a script that you'll have to read at the audition. In theater you may also be required to have some kind of monologue ready.

The first thing to do is read the script and prepare for the part. Find out everything you can about the character you're going to be playing. The lines aren't important yet. Just commit your focus to the character. How old is the character? Where is the character from? How does the character feel about the other characters in the story. Only after you know everything you need to know about the character do you start learning your lines. Use whatever method you feel most comfortable with. You won't be required to know the whole script at the audition but be prepared.

Before you go to the audition, dress for the part. Wear clothes that fit the character and the story. If you're playing a cowboy don't get dressed up in a business suit. You don't have to go out and rent spurs but wear clothes that suggest the role. Jeans and boots for this role will do fine.

Warm up for the audition just as a pitcher warms up before a ball game. Do some stretches and vocal exercises. Go over your lines. Don't go in cold. It's normal to be nervous, but by preparing yourself you should be able to relax a bit.

When you get to the audition, sign in. You may have to wait for others to read for the same part. Be patient. Avoid talking with the other actors. They will only try to distract you. Focus on what you came there to do.

When actually reading for the casting director, be prepared for anything. Some may sit and chat with you a few minutes and others will just get right down to business. Forget that this is an audition. Do the performance as if you were actually in the production. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Make the director believe that you are the character. They want you to be the best person for the role because that means their job is completed.

There are some things not to do when reading for the casting director. Don't suck up. A sincere compliment is fine but a casting director will know when you're just grovelling. Aside from shaking his hand when you enter, never touch the casting director. Finally, don't trash the office. Some hyperactive actors will actually do this in the heat of performing a physical scene. This is a definite way not to get the part.

After you're done with your reading, the director will let you know when they'll get back to you. Leave it at that. Don't make a scene. Just be professional and leave.

If the casting director likes your performance, you'll be asked to come back. At this time there will be fewer people auditioning and more people watching your performance. Maybe some producers, directors and writers. Wear the same clothes that you wore to the first audition and put in the same performance. Don't second guess yourself. If they called you back then they liked what they saw the first time. Don't mess with success.

Keep records of each audition. Make notes of what things you did and what you think you can do better the next time. If something went very well, make a note of what it was.

The more auditions you do the better you will get at them.

Think you're ready? Great! Here are some audition resources:

Casting Audition
CastingAudition.com for castings & auditions is the largest free on-line database for up-to-the-minute industry information. At CastingAudition.com you can get a list of all the auditions that are right for you. Get more casting, auditions & resources than all other sites combined. Actors and models find current castings. Create your online portfolio and be submitted to auditions!

Caryn.com Acting Resources
Cited in Backstage West and Indiewire as one of the most useful acting career resources online, this site aims to educate and inspire, even as it gets you to the highest quality, relevant information about casting calls & auditions, scenes & monologues you can use for acting classes or for talent agent auditions, advice about headshot & talent agency choices, scams to avoid--everything you need empower yourself to give you the best shot at succeeding in your chosen career.

Actors Equity Casting Call
Trying to find a particular audition location? Casting Call now includes a direct link to mapquest.com. From the detail screen of audition notices, click the MapQuest link to find the location for that audition. MapQuest site also provides tools, such as maps, driving directions, and more. Audition notices are now divided into regional searches, with the expanded ability to limit the search by contract type or call type.

Explore Talent
The #1 Talent Community and the most visited by agents, managers, casting directors & Industry insiders. Your profile gets matched and submitted to current casting & auditions. You then receive a call, an email & SMS if a casting director wants you. That means no more spending hours searching for casting & auditions. Start auditioning now and save all the money you spend on postage & copying.

National Audition Database
The ActorsLife.com National Audition Database allows visitors to earch for auditions in all 50 States and Canada. Absolutely free. The Actor's Life presents interviews with working actors, directors, agents, casting directors, producers, managers, teachers, stage managers, playwrights, filmmakers ... anyone with insight and experience to share.

Actingbiz
Actingbiz.com was created by actors - for actors. Our mission is to help out where possible. We created this web site to provide free resources and guidance so that you may be successful in all of your acting endeavors. Provides free acting information and resources for actors and actresses of all ages. Includes articles about auditions, agents, managers, casting directors, and more.