In most careers, first impressions are everything and your auditions are no different. Acting auditions can spike your nerves in a make it or break it kind of way. How you show up at an acting audition is half the battle. So let's start there. Here are some basic tips to help you act with confidence at your next acting audition.
First impressions are vital. That first impression you give has the power to determine whether the viewers want to take those three minutes to read the you – or not. They want to see that you are confident, focused, prepared, and ready for the audition. You need to show that you can take control of the room. Make eye contact as the directors greet you. Believe it or not, they are rooting for your success, but in the end, if you walk into the room looking insecure, mumbling, or like you’d love to run away, your viewers will assume you are either very nervous, unprepared or simply inexperienced. With this, they will tune you out and won’t want to bother reading you even before you say your first line. So own that confident mind, behavior and connection… and then throw it into your presence.
Relate immediately! Your audition begins the moment you step into the room. The casting director is watching you the whole time. So be sure those steps as you enter the room are part of your act – your act of confidence. It doesn’t really matter if you feel it. Your goal should be to live it.
When you get there, remember that your audition begins long before you ever enter the room. You are an actor the moment you wake up, so step in to your role. Do whatever you do to get into your zone and mental focus… and begin your audition the moment you walk into the building. Your role to play is the ‘talented actor’. Embrace it and be prepared to take control of the room.
While you’re waiting, make good use of the time. Those golden minutes of sitting and wondering, going over your lines while surrounded by others both nervous and confident alike. It’s true. You will likely find yourself in that situation. But the fears and egos of those around you do not determine your ability or the success of your audition. This brings me to my next point-
Watch your thoughts in the meantime. Did you know that your thoughts influence behavior? It’s true. What you think about and focus on determines how you will behave and ultimately portray yourself. If you are surrounded by people afraid or nervous about failure, you will likely pick up on their anxiety and own it as if it were your own. Do not limit your opportunities by wearing the anxiety of others. Remind yourself of your talent, your passion, drive and goals. Be proud of your decision to follow your dreams and confidently wait – proud and thankful to have this opportunity.
Your body follows your mind and your mind can be changed by your body. Just as our thoughts influence our behaviors, our behaviors also influence our thoughts. If you are sitting with your posture slumped and shoulders rounded, you allow your body to tell both others and yourself that you are not worthy of the job. Rather, train your body to BE the confidence you desire to communicate. You’ll find that you’ll not only enjoy this proud stance, but that others will be drawn to it as well.
Exude strength and confidence. No matter what your experience, always present yourself with professionalism and self-respect. I’m not recommending egotism or arrogance, rather knowing and respecting yourself enough to stand tall and be professional. Don’t underestimate the power of grooming and a tidy appearance. You don’t need to adopt a new identity or wardrobe, but by all means, show up with an aesthetic that says, ‘I care, I am prepared and I expect to be treated as a professional.” You can be as talented as ever, but show up without having showered and your pants in shreds and people may never really see your true colors.
Own your future in the moment. Ultimately, nobody is going to own your talent until you do first. You know what you can do – so do it. Even if you don’t fully believe it, rehearse it in your mind and wear it when you sit, walk and talk until it fully becomes a part of you. Make eye contact and communicate readiness, excitement and professionalism.
At the Acting School for Film and Television, we have a class we’d love to invite you to called,The Business of Acting. Don’t let inexperience stand in your way, visit us at the best New York acting school and get started on your path to acting today!
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