What is an acting audition? It is important that you understand that auditions are primarily interviews or trial acting performances that have been organized in order to discover and even test your acting talents (hidden or obvious). Whether the role being cast calls for an actor, singer or dancer, you will take part in an audition. These auditions can be arranged and moderated by any number of people, from directors, talent agents, casting directors or producers - generally anybody seeking actors and talent. Usually, acting auditions involve a board of casting associates who judge your performance. They ask you to perform before them as a way to test your acting skills and as a way to seek out your abilities, view your range, and see if your other attributes match those talents they are looking for at the time.


Knowing a few audition guidelines and procedures and knowing what your 'judges' expect of you is the key to getting cast in your next acting role.

As an expert in my field, I've written this piece to assist you in learning the basics of the audition, how to conduct yourself - and how not to - and where you can expect to be even if you don't succeed this time. Points have been listed below and then further details about those points follow:

• Be courteous.
• Arrive on time.
• Have a neat appearance.
• Be prepared.
• Have a professional attitude.

Being Courteous to Your Judges
I'm not telling you here to be over-nice, but you need to show respect for the person or people conducting your audition. Always say hello, smile, and be friendly and confident.

Your audition may be held in someone's personal office or studio. For that reason, a little respect goes a long way. Respect your surroundings. You must also be respectful to the other actors attending the audition. Don't consider the other actors around you your competition and become discourteous or rude. These actors may well end up being your co-stars. Always be friendly, cordial and most importantly, professional.

Don't forget to sign-in when you arrive at your audition. You should easily find a sign-up sheet at each audition you attend. If you are responding to a casting call for union actors, you will need the following additional information on hand (non-union auditions will normally require just a signature):

• Union information.
• Social security details.

Arrive at Your Audition Early
All very self-explanatory but don't turn up too early - give yourself 15 minutes before you are expected at the audition. Being late not only looks terrible and may mean you are excluded from this audition, but it will mean that you are not relaxed and could hinder your chances of success.

Dressing Appropriately
There is no 'specific' uniform or way to dress, but a typical experienced actor will wear something that does not take the shine away from your talent. A good thing to mention is that you are not wearing a costume, but something that almost reflects the role. Men will find that a light blue shirt and khakis are good - are you auditioning for an office worker? Then wear a tie and a jacket with it, be more casual without the jacket and tie if it is appropriate to that role.

Preparation
You may be given a couple of monologues to practice before your audition, in which case take in what instructions you have given and practice. However, you can't always be prepared as you could be given a script to 'cold-read' from on the day, in this case sit down on your own without distractions of other actor's and practice - you might only be given 1 sheet of text, or ten, and given 5 minutes to learn it before your performance.

Professional Actors Attitude
Know what to expect by reading and researching what will be expected of you in the audition. You will be more relaxed and able to give off a great professional and warm attitude. Being falsely charming or terribly rude may not mean you do not get the part, but as for being courteous (above) you will be remembered that way.

Being professional really is the summary for all of the previous points - arriving early, dressing appropriately, being respectful of your acting judges and arriving on time all give off a professional attitude. Finally, good luck in your audition and do try to remember all the auditions basics I've told you.

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Aimee Mitchell is an acting coach, short story author, community theater director and playwright. She has spent the better part of her adult life working with young actors and actresses.

Copyright © Aimee Mitchell. All rights reserved. Used with permission of the author. Not to be reproduced or distributed.

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