How to
Audition for a Play or Movie
Steps Understand that in winning an audition for a play or film, you will be
expected to dedicate an enormous amount of your time and energy to the project. If you work full time, have other major projects, or a family to take care of, this may not be the best time to pursue a role in a
production So know what you are preparing for, if you don''t have a large stage presence or can''t project, theatre may not be for you. And if you can''t emote in close-ups, or have the will to stand around while the techies set up the shot, then film might not be your cup of tea. So be aware of the different styles before you go through all the trouble of preparing.
Audition Notices: So now you know what it is you are going to be involved in. After you''ve decided to commit yourself, find a production to audition for. Usually you can find audition notices in your local university''s theatre department (some college mainstage shows may allow people from the community to fill roles, rather than strictly students) or find your local community center and see if any directors have posted a call for actors. On occasion they may advertise in the local paper (usually in the entertainment/arts section) or community magazine. For films, auditions are usually held in large cities (mainly LA or NY, but on occasion in places like Seattle, Portland, Dallas, San Francisco, etc.) Some production companies will advertise them on the Internet, usually through casting call websites. Some of the film auditions will require you to send in a headshot/resume. This is normal, because they often base on appearance first, and talent second. Unfortunately, that''s the way it goes in "Hollywood", but nobody said this was a fair business. So be prepared to travel if you get cast. In a worst case scenario (mainly film) you may have to relocate to the area of the production.Sometimes directors may make concessions for actors (such as if you are younger and they can''t find enough older people to fill roles, or you are a good enough actor to fill the role, etc). Make sure and write down all information (contact numbers, play name and author, directions to audition, etc.) so you aren''t scrambling to find out information at the last minute. It is a professional courtesy not to take down audition notices until after the audition has happened, so please leave the audition flyer where you found it, don''t take it with you (unless there are many in the area where you found them). Now it''s time to prepare.
Find a monologue: This may be one of the most difficult steps in this process. For the monologues you need, you will need to scour over many different plays and anthologies to find the right one. Most of the time, the best course of action is to find a monologue that is similar to the play you are auditioning for (i.e. For a Tennessee Williams play, use an Arthur Miller written monologue). This will enable the director to see how well you can play in the style and not have to envision how, for example, a Shakespearean actor fits into a more contemporary style. For help in finding monologues, ask a local theatre buff, a theatee professor, or talk to the director of the production. These people will be able to help you the most, and will probably have the resources from which you can draw. If all else fails, go to the library and just begin reading plays that take place in the same time period as the production for which you are auditioning.
Before the audition: Now that you''ve found the monologues you need, memorize them. There is no set way to do this; it is just something each person does on his or her own. Just make sure they are fully memorized. It won''t look good if you get up on stage and look disheveled. If you have to dance with your audition, bring a spare set of clothes so as not to ruin your nice ones before you do your acting audition. Aft, make sure to bring all your copies of headshots and resumes. Don''t be confrontational. If you do get cast and they also get cast, you''ll be around them for the whole duration of the production and they''re going to remember if you were unkind during the audition.
During the audition: So the audition has started and you''ve done all the paperwork and all your prepping. . You don''t want to begin while they are still writing or talking to one another about the previous actor. Wait til you''ve achieved eye contact with all of them so that they can listen to you from the very beginning. Then, make sure and SLATE for the director, regardless if they know you from prior contact. Now, do your monologue. And if you thought
life was unfair, everything is about ten times worse when you decide to be an actor. Be aware that you''re in for disappointment, as well as frustration. Take it all in stride. That''s acting, and it''s what we love. www.google.com www.shvoong.com susheelsukhraj@google.com http://susheelsukhraj.hi5.com