Auditioning is a nerve-wracking experience. Feeling nervous is natural, but being prepared and knowing what to expect can help ease the anxiety. Here are some professional tips for nailing an audition:
1. Get into character
Actors should try to get into character before going into an audition room. For example, if they’re playing a doctor, they should study medical terminology and physiology to talk about medicine with authority. They should also read the profession’s history and watch documentaries about doctors or nurses. In this way, they’ll be able to answer questions about their character’s backstory without pausing and thinking about it while in front of casting directors or producers.
2. Be early and know your lines
There is nothing worse than being late for an audition because then you miss out on one of the most important parts: getting there early enough so that you can make a great first impression on everyone else who is there. Being early also gives you time to review the sides (the script pages), which can help calm your nerves and ensure everything goes smoothly when it comes to auditions!
Another important thing is to know your lines. You need to understand what is being asked of you and know how to perform it. If you don’t know them, no amount of tricks will help. So practice your lines as much as possible — not just on a day or two leading up to the audition, but throughout the whole process. This way, when it comes time for the actual audition, it will feel like second nature.
3. Be confident and flexible
Confidence is the single most important trait when acting for film. For most actors, auditions are a nerve-wracking experience. But this doesn’t mean you should let nerves get the best of you. If you walk into an audition room without confidence, it will show in your body language, voice, and overall demeanor. You may still get cast as long as you have other redeeming qualities (such as great talent), but make no mistake about it — casting directors are looking for people who exude confidence.
They want actors who know they can do the job well and make them look good by making their job easier through collaboration on set. The best way to overcome fear is to believe in yourself — so if you walk into an audition thinking, “I’m going to get this part,” chances are good that you will! Also, sometimes auditions are scheduled at short notice or held at strange times of day (or night!). Be prepared for anything so that you can still make it work if you’re called in at short notice.
4. Dress appropriately.
When it comes to dressing code, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you’re going in for a comedy, you should dress more like your character would than yourself — so if your character is slovenly, you want to take that into account when choosing what to wear. You may want to be cautious and dress more conservatively if it’s a serious drama. If you’re going into a more corporate setting, consider wearing a shirt and tie or something more formal. The general rule of thumb is that if you wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing something at work (whereas with auditions, it’s usually fine), don’t wear it in an audition either.
5. Be prepared for anything
The first rule of an audition is to be prepared for anything. There are no guarantees when it comes to auditions, so it pays off to be ready for any situation that might arise. That means having a Plan B in case something happens (like an actor forgetting his lines) or having a backup plan if something goes wrong during the audition (like a technical problem with the set). There are always surprises — like when the director asks you to improvise a scene with another actor or when he suddenly changes the music midway through your song. They’ll expect a lot more than just a pretty face or an impressive resume — they’ll expect versatility and professionalism from every actor that comes through the door. Be prepared for anything!
When going in for an audition, walk into the room with confidence. Be excited about your opportunity to show casting directors what you are capable of doing! Being prepared will help you get into a place where you can be free and let the words happen through you.
