Audition Tips

Several people have asked what happens at an audition. Different auditions have different rules but--most community theatres ask you to "cold read". That means you are given the script with a few pages marked out and you have a moment to read the lines. Then you read the scene with one or more other actors using as much vocal, facial and physical expression as you can. You will read in front of all the other people auditioning.

This isn't as bad as it sounds. You get a chance to see and hear what other actors do and the director can get a sense of your comfort level performing in front of strangers. You can usually ask to do the scene again or another scene if you aren't happy with it the first time. You will sometimes read a general purpose scene which is used to audition you for all roles or your scene may be tightly aimed at one character. You will normally get a chance to audition for any role for which you are suitable and in which you are interested. You can often ask to do a sene again if you are unhappy with the first reading.

You may indicate that you will accept only certain roles or that you will take any role.

You can ask if the director is looking for something special but it will come down to the following:
1) Are you physically belevable for the part? Don't worry about the description in the script, the director may want a different type.
2) Can the director HEAR you and UNDERSTAND you. Can you speak loudly with good diction? You can have an accent as long as it doesn't interfere with understanding what you say.
3) Do you look like you WANT to be on stage? Will you enjoy rehearsing and performing?
4) Will your work/social schedule be compatible with rehearsals and performance?
5) Do you seem like someone who would be an asset to the cast? Pleasant, cooperative, able to take direction?
6) Can you make character choices? The director doesn't care if you make the right choice as long as you make one. If you guess wrong, the director will simply tell you what to do differently and let you try again. If you are too cautious, the director won't know how good you could be.

Just show up and fill out the audition form. Bring a list of dates and times you know you would not be available for rehearsal. For instance--family re-unions; regular church choir rehearsals, mandatory work hours or a scheduled vacation.

Thanks to Walter Brown from Acting Unlimited for these tips