Tips For Having A Better Acting Audition

Auditions can be scary and your deep rooted fears can seem to rise up and take hold of your every confidence.   What if you could enter into an audition and own it?  Even if you don't get the role, you are building a foundation of self esteem which is the best thing you can do for your career.  

SO here are some tips I'd like to share for you to have a better acting audition.  


1.  REMEMBER THAT YOU'RE HAVING FUN
Too many actors turn the audition into scary and dreadful situation. They know they have to audition, but the hate it! So they paint a smile over their grimace and dive in. Here's the problem. Avoiding failure is not the same as the pursuit of success. If you walk into an audition thinking the directors are looking for you to fail, it's almost a given that your audition will plummet. 
Success and failure are self-fulfilling prophesies. Half of getting cast has to do 
with the energy you take into the audition. So have fun!  Bring excitement into the room. 


2. MAKE BOLD CHOICES
You don't need to play it safe! Casting directors don’t usually know what they want. 
They just want to find the actor – any actor – that clicks in the moment. So When auditioning, don’t try to be what you think you *need* to be, but show them what they will get if they cast you.


3. USE CREATIVE VISUALIZATION
There have actually been many scientific studies on the benefits of creative, or positive visualization.  It's the same as what the Olympic athletes do. You've got to imagine yourself winning. Do it each day that you can, even twice a day, before the audition.  It's great to picture yourself entering into the room and the people in the room relaxing.  They already totally like you! You already know that you will deliver a powerful audition, so be proud of yourself and be thankful and smile at the other actors in the waiting room as you depart. Imagine the auditors smiling at you as you enter the room; they respect you and they know you are talented whether you get the role or not. 

5. NOT THE TIME FOR QUESTIONS 

This is not the time for asking questions about your character.  They may be ask if you have any questions, but please, don't ask questions about your character. Your casting director probably won't know the answer anyway, which is why they needed you to show up.  They are honestly, bringing you in to shown them a clearer picture of who the character could be.  So go ahead and jump right in. Make strong choices, like addressed above.  If they like your approach and how you deliver, they may still want to see another acting choice and if they want, they’ll ask you to do it again with some slight adjustments. 

6.  RISE AND SHINE!

The best audition slots are mid-afternoon and mid-morning.  If at all possible, try to avoid scheduling your auditions before or after lunch, as your team will either be hungry or maybe just need to get back in the groove of the audition.  Not to mention, as the morning progresses, the team will begin to have a better idea of who the character is supposed to look like.  Now, if you're able to get in during the mid-afternoon, then all the better!  Not only will they have a better an idea who they are looking for, but also the day is drawing to a close and they are anxious to get the role casted. Just don't be last.  By then, the role is likely cast and your team is too tired to give it their full observation. 

Acting can be an intimidating career choice.  That's why we are here!  Please, come say hello and see what the New York Acting School can do for you!

by:  Navae Fiona