Audition Tips

Here are a few audition tips we have learned over the years that have helped us get the part more times than not. We know auditioning can be a nerve-racking experience, even for the most seasoned actor. We hope these audition tips help.

Relax. It's natural to be nervous. The trick is to use your nervousness instead of letting it hinder you. Take a deep breath, smile, and use that nervous energy to power your performance in a positive way.
Arrive Early. We always try to arrive at least 15 minutes early. You're nervous enough, rushing into an audition doesn't help.
H2O Bring a water bottle. You never know if there will be water nearby. And the one time you don't bring water will be the time they make you sing right after a grueling dance audition. trust me.
Dress for Success. Wear neat, comfortable clothing that you feel good in. You want to look nice, but also want to be able to move. And whatever you do, don't wear a costume. (American Idol, anyone?)
What's That Smell? This may seem like common sense, but we've gone through many an audition where the person next to us stinks. Don't be that guy. Also, be careful of wearing too much cologne, perfume, or even scented lotions as this can be just as nauseating. Clean and fresh is the order of the day.

Be Nice. Be nice and respectful to those around you at the audition. After all, you never know who may be important, and you are always being watched. The audition begins long before your monologue or song.
Competition. At an audition, you will be surrounded by many people going for the same part as you. Don't let yourself become intimidated by thinking, "She's prettier than me," or, "His voice is better than mine." After all, you may be just what the director is looking for.
Not Just for Boy Scouts. Be prepared. Read the audition notice carefully and bring exactly what it asked for. If it asks for 16 bars, don't sing 32. If it asks for a 30-second monologue, don't give them a 2-minute piece. Give them what they asked for, nothing more. However...
Be Over Prepared. Always bring another song, another monologue. If they asked for 16 bars, learn the whole song. They might ask you for more. You might not need it, but have it ready. Above we said never give them more than what they asked for, but be ready for them to ask for more.
Smile. When you walk into the room, smile. As we said before, the audition starts before the first note of your song, or the first step of the dance. Smile and let them know you are happy to be there.

Be Yourself. An audition is basically your chance to sell yourself. Let your personality shine. Along with smiling, be friendly and outgoing. However, watch out for loud and obnoxious.
Set the Stage. Set up the audition space for your needs. If there is a chair center stage, but you are going to stand, ask if you can move it aside. Don't try to work around it just because it is there. The actor before you may have used it. However, if the director asks you to use it, remember our earlier tip. Smile. And...
Roll With the Punches. Whether it's an odd request from the director, or a mistake you made. Don't get hung up. Just keep going. Don't apologize and never, ever, say, "Let me start over." You have to roll with the punches. Act as if you are on stage in a live performance where there are no do-overs.
Remember Your Manners. You know how your mom always taught you to say thank you? It applies in an audition as well. Thank them for their time. And if this was a musical audition, please thank the accompanist. It's just plain good manners and it is also one more chance to showcase your personality.
Colors. Earlier, we mentioned picking clothes that you can move in. However, many musical auditions involve intensive dancing. Many actors bring a change of clothes for the dance portion. If you decide to do this (and it will depend on the audition) then try to wear the same colors in both sets of clothes. For example, if you are dancing in red and black, wear red and black for the other portions of the audition. This helps directors remember you. Matching colors can also be helpful for callbacks.

Never Give Up

The most important audition tip we can give is Never Give Up. No matter how many audition tips you follow, no one gets every part they audition for. When you hear that dreaded, "Next!" or the nicer version, "We've decided to go in a different direction," don't get discouraged. Everyone is told no.

Sometimes, the director already has someone in mind. Sometimes they will go with someone they know rather than you who they may not know. And sometimes you really are just not right for the part.

Whatever the reason, the solution is the same. Never give up. Learn from every experience. Keep auditioning until they know you. Find the part you are right for.

Never ever give up.