If you can’t find much information on the part itself, try to research the director to understand their other works. This will still give you an inside understanding at what they may expect. [1] X Research source Go to the library and find books on the play or event. Read the entire play multiple times to familiarize yourself with the content. Search Google for similar music or dance performances.
For music auditions, you can look into your instrument or member’s significance. For example, if you are trying out for an indie rock band, what was their last drummer like? Where does the band find their musical inspiration? For dance auditions, You can research your part in relation to the performance. Are you the dance lead, or a supporting dancer? For example, If you are auditioning for the lead part in Swan Lake, look up who has played this part before and what qualities the part embodies (such as graceful). For theater auditions, if you are trying out for Ophelia’s role in Hamlet, look up who she was, what she did in the play, and the historical significance of her character. Also think about how your character might walk, dress, and speak, and try to incorporate those traits into your performance as much as you can to make it extra layered. [3] X Expert Source Jim JarrettActing Teacher Expert Interview. 28 April 2020.
Type the director or name of the play into Google and see what you can find. Ask other actors or casting directors if they are familiar with the character or the director. For dance auditions, contact the rehearsal director. For music auditions, you can learn about the conductor and composer.
If you are unfamiliar with a word, look it up and familiarize yourself. If a part is particularly tricky, give yourself extra time to perfect it. If you are asked to “cold read” either lines or music, don’t sweat it! Stay focused on the lines or the music and get into the part. If you’re supposed to do a monologue for the audition, pick one that isn’t frequently performed or that wasn’t originally part of an iconic performance or film. [7] X Expert Source Jim JarrettActing Teacher Expert Interview. 28 April 2020.
Also practice improvising your lines and going off book.
If you are auditioning for a guitar part, be the guitarist. Be confident and bold, and don’t worry if all eyes are on you during a solo. If you are auditioning for a play, ask yourself what the character would say or do. Infer as much as you can as if you were the character.
Find an unfamiliar play and practice acting out lines. Grab a piece of sheet music and start playing without looking at the entire piece.
If you are nervous for your big day, try going to bed early, meditating before bed, and keeping your room dark. [12] X Research source
Eggs and fruit are good choices for breakfast. For lunch, try a large salad with nuts or fish.
Avoid wearing bulky jewelry, or choosing loose clothing. Wear shoes that are closed-toed, lightweight, and comfortable, like flats or sneakers. Do not wear flip flops If you are auditioning for a music role, tailor your outfit to fit the genre while still looking professional. For example, if you are trying out for a rock band, wear a black button-down shirt.
You can also use small clips or bobby pins to help hold hair off your face if need be.
Check in when you arrive and be ready to audition at any time. You never know the schedule the casting director is working with. Introduce yourself and the part you are auditioning for. Expect to audition with the casting director, a cameraman, and a reader. There may be directors, producers, and associates in the room with you. Be prepared to audition in front of any number of people. Be ready to alter your prepared material and to “cold read. "
Expect delays in the audition process. Some auditions run over their time, and some applicants will show up late.
You can do this for music and dance auditions, as well as theater. If you forget your music, try to improvise something similar on the spot. If you are dancing and go out of your sequence, improvise your moves until you get back on track. This will at least show your creativity and ability to adapt. Some acting techniques even involve being deliberately improvisational, instinctive, moment to moment, and out of your head as an actor. [18] X Expert Source Jim JarrettActing Teacher Expert Interview. 28 April 2020.
It is not common to contact the director or casting agent about the status of your audition. They live very busy lives. Though, you can request feedback on your audition. After the cast list is posted, you should submit a request within 1 week. You will typically receive feedback within 1 month, though this varies. You can get feedback on your strengths, weaknesses, and ways to improve.
