Audition Tips/Techniques

As an actor it is really important to know how to audition properly and make a good first impression on casting, an agent, or producer, etc.

Here are a few tips and techniques to help you do that. Note: In no particular order.

1) Do your research - Look up the casting director and find out about some of their previous projects, as well as look up the production. This will give you a feel as to who the director is and what kind of stuff they do.
 

2) Do not look at the mark - When you walk into the room do not look at it, it looks unprofessional. This is a skill you will learn in acting classes.
 

3) Choose eyes line(s) - Especially for on camera auditions. You don't want to look directly at the casting director, this could make them feel very uncomfortable. You want to look slightly at either side of the camera (not in it, unless it is for commercial). If there is a reader in the room, you can use them as an eye line.
 

4) Do not go in unprepared - Make sure you analysis your script and do all your homework as well as have your lines learned. It would be very beneficial and easier to play when you don't have to be looking at your lines all the time. (Again acting classes will help with this, also there are some great books that talk about this and break it down and explain it for you but we will talk about that more in another post)
 

5) Be confident/smile with teeth - You want to make a good first impression, make it look like you want to be there. The audition starts before you walk in the room, after you pull up in parking lot. Make sure to also be kind to everyone you never know who is around.
 

6) Do not talk while in the waiting room - You want to use that time to get into your character mindset and do whatever you need to do so that when it's your turn to audition you are prepared, because you will have no time to do that once you are in the room. (This is useful especially before doing an emotion scene)
 

7) Bring your script into the room with you - Whether you learned your lines or not, bring them. In case you forget a line you can quickly glance at the page.
 

8) Do not change up the lines - It's very important that you stick to the script, changing the lines up can be offensive to the writer(s).
 

9) Do not wear logos or dress up - If you are auditioning for the role of the police officer, you don't really need to wear the uniform and the hat to show the character. Just suggest it by wearing a bright blue top and jeans. Also, wear plain clothing with bright/pastel colours (NO BLACK, BROWN, WHITE, REDS, OR GREYS - They don't look very good on camera)
 

10) Arrive 15-30 minutes before your audition time - On time is late, so make sure you arrive 15-30 minutes early, no earlier or later. This gives you time to settle down and prepare as well as sign in so that the casting director knows you are here.
 

11) Do not shake hands - Casting directors see so many people a day and don't want to be touching peoples' hands. The only exception for this is if anyone in the room reaches their hand out to you first.
 

12) Do not wear a lot of make up - Make sure you look exactly like your photo and your hair looks the same as well. Too much make up can make you older and too little can make you look younger. Nothing annoys casting directors more than when you come into the room and don't look like your headshot. (Extra tip - Where the same shirt you did in your photo)
 

13) Leave your problems at home - Casting doesn't want to hear about your problems. Also, you do not want your problems and emotions getting mixed in with you performance unless it is can be used in your performance. You want to be able to make a good impression and be 100% focused on your job which is the audition. Try taking a few deep breaths to help you relax your emotions.

- Aisha and Alisha