Unit 24 - Auditons for actors

Preparing for an audition

This morning we have been discussing carrying out actual auditions and how I might prepare for them. Whilst I haven't really taken part in an audition, apart from an audition for The Lion King at school, I have run an audition within a primary school for some children for the part of young Maleficent in the dance show. During the audition, I was looking for the ability to characterise a specific role. I was also looking for a particular hair colour and whilst I realise that wouldn't necessarily be an issue for adults in a professional production, I felt I wouldn't be able to ask a child to dye their hair for this performance. I was also looking for the children to pick up a dance routine really quickly. This wouldn't happen in an acting audition obviously but the same principle of being able to remember material quickly would apply to an acting audition. 
In the lead up to an audition, there are many different things that you should prepare so that you are ready for the big day. 

The first thing that you need to do is to make sure that you look for audition dates well in advance. I am a proactive person, I enjoy being prepared for my work at college. I do this by checking assignment materials and I refer to my learning objectives to make sure that I complete tasks to deadlines. I feel this attitude would transfer to the audition process ensuring that I have maximum time to prepare for the audition and I'm not rushing around at the last minute trying to book transport and accommodation. Applying for the audition well in advance will cause a lot less stress. 

If I was going to be auditioning for a certain role, I would make sure I carried out some research into that character. I would also make sure that I carried out some research into the other characters and the story of the play/show I was  auditioning for. You should still carry out some research even if you are going for a part in the ensemble. The information may come in handy during the audition if you are asked a question by the panel. It may also be a good idea that if you are auditioning for a musical theatre role, that you look at some routines from the show and start to learn a couple of the moves. They may include these moves during the audition and already knowing the move or a move very similar to it will give you an advantage during the audition process. Some research into the director of the show that you are auditioning for may also be useful. Research is very important and should be carried out before any audition so that it can put your mind to rest if the panel ask you a question. 

If it is possible, attend a few workshops throughout the year as this will make sure that your skills are being maintained. I personally attend all additional workshops which are offered here at college. I enjoy updating my skills and learning new ones. Someone on the panel may ask you what you have been up to in the last year in regards to acting and if you have attended some workshops, this will probably please the people running the audition. They may also ask you what you are reading at the moment so if possible, start reading something close to the time of the audition which may relate to the show that you are auditioning for. 
Select and rehearse some monologues for the audition. It is very likely that you will be asked to bring 2 or maybe even 3 pieces with you to perform to the panel. If you are auditioning for drama school, you will definitely need a contemporary and a classical piece to demonstrate your versatility. Select these wisely. Make sure that they fit your strengths and they allow you to show you best features. 

For professional auditions you would probably need to send over some headshots. Most actors advertise in 'Contacts', this is where directors and producers would look to find appropriate people to audition. Make sure that your headshot is quite recent and shows how you look now. This is because you may be asked to audition based on your appearance and you may no longer fit the requirements or you didn’t used to fit the requirements and now you do. Also ensure that any other documents and profiles are up to date such as online profiles on websites such as ‘Spotlight’. 

Most auditions for major acting roles take place in London. If you are unable to commute on the day, you need to ensure that you book accommodation for the night before the audition and possibly the night after the audition. The earlier you do this, the more availability there will be, it will be cheaper and you may be able to get accommodation near to where the audition is taking place. Even if you are able to travel on the day, make sure you plan your journey early by booking trains or coaches or looking at the route on a map. 

The night or the morning before the audition, have a shower so that you are fresh and clean for the audition. Also make sure that you look presentable and ready to audition when you arrive. 

Wearing the right clothing to an audition is also a very important factor. Bear in mind that you will probably be moving around a lot, especially if going for a musical theatre audition. Therefore, if you are wearing clothes which you aren’t able to move well in, you will not be able to perform to you best ability. 

Bring a bottle of water to the audition and anything else that they may have asked you to bring in advance. 

Always arrive at the audition with time to spare. It is good to be at the place of audition around 15 minutes early. This will give you time to relax, grab a drink and warm up a bit. Turning up late does not give a good impression to the panel because it will make them question whether they should select you if you’re going to be late for rehearsals and even performances. I am a punctual person, I also aim for 100% attendance and I am conscientious where time keeping is concerned. 

Lastly, make sure that you relax. Go into the audition with an open mind, be yourself and try your best. 

As you can see, there are a lot of things to take into account when going for an audition. It is an occasion that you can prepare months in advance for by maintaining and updating your skills. By following all of the steps above, you should be ready to go to the audition and do your best.