There are actors who perform because they love the art. Yet few learn the art of actually loving an audition. Lots of actors have said to me how they hated such experience. One thing to remember is that audition is a performance in itself. Actors sometimes want a job so bad that they get so much pressure in front of the people watching that they act in fear like a prey to wild animals. The following tips will help to reduce this fear.
First, you need to change your perspective on auditions. It is a one minute to a small but very attentive crowd. It is a 60 second show, and the best way to do it is to love the audition piece. Having said that, you need to get yourself or maybe even create for yourself an audition piece that will make yourself excited in performing.
Second, get the monologue that you love. If you have gifts in writing, you might create for yourself a masterpiece monologue. Still, if you brainstorm with a fellow thespian, you may get even more great ideas. If you don’t write, everything is not lost. Find for yourself a good monologue that you love and learn it. Get to the local bookstore or library and spend your time there. There are tons of resources which can be monologue materials easily found in these places.
Third, get headshots and resumes. A good resume may not automatically get you the job, still, it will give a good outline of what you’ve done to your deciding “judges”, which may make them interested enough to ask you questions and then in turn, the photo which is distinctly memorable (but not a glamour shot) will help them to remember you.
If you want to get good headshots, then start interviewing your photographers. If you haven’t seen their work, then don’t schedule a photo session with them. Be comfortable with your photographer and you will get a better headshot.
When writing your resumes, NEVER lie. Even if you have little or no experience, don’t exaggerate. Simply list all acting, singing and dance classes you attend and all shows in Community Theatres and workshops. Write down all college degree and special skills that you have (e.g. surfing, skiing, juggling, etc). All these will give out as cues in conversations with the “judges”.
If you learn to love auditioning as given in these tips, you will start to relax and will show your skills better. Again, remember that it is a 60 second show, maybe the shortest show performed by you, but if you prepare well both physically and mentally you will get your standing ovation … “Being accepted to the cast”.