Film and theater auditioning, like any other performance, requires careful planning and preparation. Before you attend your very first acting audition, you should have a strong understanding of the central casting process. With a little knowledge, understanding, and the following audition tips and guides, you should have no trouble at your next acting audition or casting call. The following tips will make auditioning much easier for you. Implement these tips to make a strong first impression. They are meant to give you some background on what you would face during your audition and some do's and don'ts where general auditioning is concerned.


Before your audition begins, you'll no doubt have to wait for your audition turn in a holding area or waiting room. While waiting for your audition time, it is better not to chat with other people there. This would diminish your concentration and that is certainly going to influence your performance.

You might be asked to perform what is called a "cold reading" from a given play or a commercial or even a movie script. At some places, you might be given what they call "sides" which is nothing but a small section of a script which could vary from one to even ten pages. And yes, when you are told to perform the audition after going through that script, I would advise you to find a comfortable and comparatively quieter place to prepare for your performance.

One thing that you must always understand is that you need intensity and concentration to perform at your best potential and that couldn't be found in any waiting room chatting away with people present there. You need to concentrate and not divert your mind. It is human nature to indulge in gossips and talking in groups but if you are serious about your future as an actor, avoid this.

Now, here are a few audition tips and some auditioning 'do's and don'ts.'

• As the saying goes, it is all about attitude. You need to be a professional. Charm can't solve everything. And the casting directors, casting associates, producers and directors are not the ones who are going to be bowled over by your charm. The only thing that matters is your work and your professional attitude.
• Your audition is generally conducted in someone's office, theatre or studio. When you enter there, you should politely acknowledge everyone present in the room but remember one thing. You need to be focused on your work.
• There are times when the audition will be videotaped. And then you might be asked to "slate." Well, it's nothing. What it means is that you should look directly into the camera lens and state your name and if you are there courtesy some talent agency, and then name that agency. When you finish the "slate" you need to start your performance.
• We are only humans so mistakes can be expected. If you lose your concentration or cannot perform as per your potential or if you feel like showing another interpretation of the piece, you could always ask to be allowed to do it again. But if you are not given a second chance, thank them politely and wish them good luck with the project and politely leave the room.
• The only thing that matters ultimately is your performance. So, when you have performed your best as per your expectation, it is always a good idea to chill out and forget about audition. Worrying would get you nowhere. It's not advisable to call anybody and ask about your performance. What matters ultimately is your own performance and that is what you should concentrate on. Try to keep improving and learning and wait for the next opportunity.

These were a few tips about auditioning. If you keep these tips in mind, you would find your task at hand getting easier.

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Copyright 2006 by Joy Mason. All rights reserved. Used with permission of the author. Not to be reproduced or distributed.

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