LIFE

There’s no doubt that participating in theatre is super fun. You can make friends, develop a new talent and be a part of something truly special. One thing that’s not so fun about theatre? Auditions. 

Auditions can be super nerve-wracking, especially for someone who’s inexperienced in theatre. If you’ve survived musical auditions or plan to brave them for the first time, bravo to you! Believe it or not, auditions don’t have to be so scary. With enough practice, they can be a breeze. These tips will help you kill your audition and get that dream role.

Before the audition…

Have everything memorized.
Having your eyes glued to a piece of paper during your audition not only makes you look unprofessional, but also means you can’t act to the best of your ability. Without paper in your hands, you can use hand gestures and choreography to show off your skills. Memorization also proves to the director that you practiced and worked hard.

Practice 'til you drop.
Practice is the most important thing you can do before an audition. Rehearse your monologue and song in front of a mirror to perfect your facial expressions and movements. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with the material. Bored at the prospect of spending so many hours rehearsing alone? Find a practice buddy! You can take turns doing your monologues and songs and giving each other feedback.

During the audition...

Look presentable.
While not a requirement to get the role, this tip will definitely help you. If you dress nice for your audition, it will show the director that you’re serious about the show. Want to really go for it? Dress like the character you’re auditioning for (I did this for my senior musical and got the part!).

Keep your eyes on the prize.
It can be easy to unconsciously look at your feet and fidget your hands during your performance, especially when you’re nervous. Avoid the dreaded foot-look by picking a spot in the center of the room and training your eyes on it. Picture the subject of your monologue or song in this spot and perform to them. A way to avoid fidgeting is to fully incorporate your hands into your acting, leaving no room for random hand movements.

You’re going to kill your audition!

How do you prepare for an audition? Let us know in the comments.

by Deanna Schwartz | 8/13/2018