How to Act at an Audition

Whether you’re trying out for a TV show, a musical, or a choir, an audition is the nerve-wracking first step in getting the part that you want. Knowing how to act an audition can be tough, especially if you haven’t auditioned much before. You can show off your skills and make a good impression on the casting crew by staying confident and accepting criticism gracefully.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Making a Good First Impression

1. Dress in comfortable clothing you can move around in. When you’re at an audition, you want to be able to walk around, say your lines, and be comfortable without adjusting your clothes. Pick out some nice pants, a fitted shirt, and some boots or sneakers that you feel good in to wear for your audition. Keep the colors muted and neutral so you don’t distract from your performance.^[1]
   
   • Don’t wear anything that could be a costume, or it could distract from your performance.
   • If you’re going to a dance audition or somewhere you have to move your body more, wear comfortable workout clothes in solid colors.
   • If the casting crew wants you to wear a specific outfit, the audition details will specify that.
2. Pack some water and a few snacks. Auditions can take a long time, especially if you have to wait on other people. Bring a small backpack or bag with a water bottle and a few granola bars in case you get hungry. That way, you’ll feel your best when it’s time for your audition.^[2]
   
   • Try not to bring anything too heavy to eat, or it could make you feel tired.
   • Auditioning takes time, and sometimes casting crews run behind. Take enough food and water with you to stay hydrated and full for at least a few hours.
3. Bring your resume and headshots to hand out. Even if you’ve already submitted your resume and headshots, it’s always nice to bring a few extra with you just in case. That way, if someone needs a copy of your information or you meet a new potential director, you can give them your details right away.^[3]
   
   • The casting crew may also need a physical copy from you when you come in, so it’s always good to be prepared.
4. Introduce yourself to other people auditioning. You may have some downtime before your own audition where you can meet other people trying out for your same part. Be kind and talk to them to show you are friendly and willing to get to know other people.^[4]
   
   • Some people may not want to talk to you due to nerves or stage fright, and that’s okay.
   • You don’t have to talk to others if you don’t want to, especially if you’re trying to prepare for your own audition. Try to smile at people to let them know you’re friendly, though.
5. Walk in with your head held high. Your first impression is super important, and most people will judge you within the first 15 seconds they see you. Keep your head held high, walk with long strides, and be prepared to shake the director’s hand when you walk in.^[5]
   
   • If you don’t act confidently, the casting crew might not have faith in your acting skills.
6. Keep a smile on your face to let your personality shine. People are more likely to warm up to you if you seem like a nice, friendly person. Try to smile at each member of the casting crew as you walk in to let them know you’re excited to be here.^[6]
   
   • If you look sullen or like you’re being forced to audition, you won’t seem like a good actor to work with.
7. Make eye contact with everyone in the room. Eye contact is the best way to show that you’re confident and excited to be there. Keep your eyes level and try to look at everyone to connect with them as soon as you walk in.^[7]
   

[Edit]Showing Your Skills

1. Introduce yourself and what you’ll be performing. Your introduction is also called your “slate,” and it’s the first time the casting crew will hear you talk. Speak loudly and clearly as you state who you are and what you’ll be performing today.^[8]
   
   • Try saying something like, “Hi everyone, I’m Violet Hansen, and I’ll be reading the part of Gretel today” for an acting audition.
   • You can also say, “Hi everybody, I’m Daniel Grace and I’ll be dancing to the soundtrack of The Nutcracker” for a dancing audition.
   • If you have any questions, you can also ask the director at this time.
2. Perform your piece with confidence. Whether you’re reading lines, singing a song, or dancing, you’ve probably practiced over and over to get ready for this moment. Remember all of the hard work that you’ve put into this piece and show the casting crew that you really want this part.^[9]
   
   • Try not to have any regrets after you audition. You only get one chance, so make it count!
3. Keep going if you make a mistake. With the pressure of all the people in the room, it can be easy to get flustered or skip a line by accident. If you do mess up, just keep going! When you draw attention to your mistakes, it makes them seem worse than they actually are.^[10]
   
   • A mistake that seems huge to you might not even be that noticeable to the rest of the people in the room.
4. Wait for instructions or feedback once you’ve finished. When your performance is over, the casting crew may need to talk amongst themselves before they talk to you. Try to remain confident and calm as you wait, and keep your face neutral or excited so you look eager.^[11]
   

[Edit]Leaving the Audition

1. Accept direction or criticism gracefully. After you finish your audition, the casting crew may give you directions and ask you to perform once again, or they might reject you outright. Try to accept any feedback that you’re given with grace, even if you disagree with it.^[12]
   
   • For example, the casting director could say, “Try reading your lines with more sadness and less anger this time.”
   • Or, they could say, “Your singing was great, but could you try enunciating more clearly this time?”
2. Try not to ask a ton of questions. If you get some criticism or feedback that you don’t understand, try not to interrogate the casting crew about it. The more you accept your feedback without comment, the easier you will seem to work with.^[13]
   
3. Thank the casting crew for their time. Once you’re done with your performance, be sure to thank the casting crew for letting you audition today. This will leave a nice impression on them because it shows you think their time is valuable.^[14]
   
   • The nicer you are to the casting crew, the more likely you are to get a part.
4. Wait for the casting crew to call you. Now comes the hard part: waiting. It’s important to let the casting crew call you, not the other way around. If you constantly get in touch with the crew or director, you’re less likely to get the part since you’ll seem anxious and eager.^[15]
   
   • Casting crews are normally very busy, so they don’t have time to take your call every day. When they’re ready to let you know about your part, they’ll get in touch with you.

[Edit]Tips

• It’s normal to feel nervous, especially if you haven’t done a lot of auditions yet.
• Try to go into an audition without any expectations to take the pressure off yourself.

[Edit]Warnings

• If you don’t take criticism well, you might seem like you aren’t a good actor to work with.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Audition for a Play
• Audition for a Play if You're a Kid
• Audition For a Musical
• Overcome Stage Fright

[Edit]References

1. ↑ http://www.captheatre.org/main/expect/
2. ↑ https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/how-to-prepare-for-a-dance-audition/
3. ↑ https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/how-to-prepare-for-a-dance-audition/
4. ↑ http://www.captheatre.org/main/expect/
5. ↑ https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/tips-winning-audition-52162/
6. ↑ https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/tips-winning-audition-52162/
7. ↑ https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/tips-winning-audition-52162/
8. ↑ https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/tips-winning-audition-52162/
9. ↑ http://www.captheatre.org/main/expect/
10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6JoFrSnFmQ&feature=youtu.be&t=249
11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXIpGw-B6jc&feature=youtu.be&t=18
12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6JoFrSnFmQ&feature=youtu.be&t=588
13. ↑ https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/ace-audition-50871/
14. ↑ https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/ace-audition-50871/
15. ↑ https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/ace-audition-50871/