As promised, here is part two of Tate's Audition Tips! Remember, to work you gotta get out there and be seen! And, once you are seen, you will want to be your absolute best self, so here are some hopefully helpful reminders.
It's Almost Showtime!
The night before and the day of the audition, be nice to yourself. Don't eat a tub of ice cream, or run a marathon unless you do those things every day. Take it easy. Get plenty of rest, fluids and eat healthy foods. Run your monologue in your head before you fall asleep. You have done all the work, you will rock it!
What to Wear?
Look the best you can while still being comfortable enough not only to be able to move, but to relax and be yourself. Practice good hygiene. Make sure your clothes, hair, face, and hands are clean. Seems obvs, I know, just a friendly reminder in case you are so absorbed in running your monologue in your head, you forget.
If you want to wear those killer heels, or awesome combat boots, make sure you bring another more sensible pair of shoes in case you need to do anything besides stand there and look good. Sometimes, auditors want to run you through a dance move, see if you can waltz, or execute the gymnastic moves you list on your resume. Be ready to comply!
Dressing the Part
Don't wear a costume, unless you are certain it is the absolute right thing to do. If you feel inclined to dress the part you are hoping for, subtly suggest it with your choice of clothing. Now, I am not saying the guy in the kilt didn't get the part, but that might be the exception to the rule.
If you want to stand out, you might choose a bright blue top, striped rainbow suspenders, a pair of lace stockings, or a green fatigue jacket. Whatever you choose, make sure it does not detract from the overall message you are trying to convey. You may find yourself thinking you need to highlight your uniqueness, or suggest the character you are inhabiting in your monologue, or, keep it neutral. All of these choices are fine, as long as you are making them consciously and keeping the goal of presenting your best self.
Good First impressions
Your mother was right, first impressions matter, especially if this is the only opportunity you have to show the auditors what a great person you are to work with. The auditors include everyone you have contact with. Do not treat anyone with disrespect. Those people at the front may just be the final deciding vote when casting is finalized. Or, they may remember you as the one who didn't quite work out for this show, but would be awesome in the next one. Treat everyone the same.
Follow Instructions
Read all fine print thoroughly. Listen carefully to any instructions you are given. If there are written instructions, read them before asking questions. The auditors may become annoyed if you ask three questions that are either on the forms they give you, on display for all to see on the table, or something they just told you. PEOPLE REMEMBER HOW YOU MAKE THEM FEEL. So, watch your energy and stay as calm, friendly and focused as possible.
Am I in the Light?
As you walk into the sacred space of auditioning, act friendly and confident, even if you are shaking your salt on the inside. (A great opportunity to practice your "As If" exercises from acting class.) Smile, shake hands, and listen. They may ask you to do your song first. State your name if they don't ask it. Speak clearly. Ask if they can hear you, can they see you? Be succinct, direct, professional.
If at any time someone gives you directions or instructions you don't quite understand, or only heard part of, ask for clarification. A great technique is to repeat back what they said to you, "Ballad first?" Then, move into action.
It's Showtime!
Take a deep breath to center yourself. You got this! And then, go for it. Should the auditors ask you to stop before you are done, don't panic. There are many reasons auditors stop you, and most are not a negative reaction. Breathe and listen to what they say next. They may want to hear the monologue again, and see if you can follow the director's directions. They may want to hear something different. They may want you to read from the script. Do what they ask to the best of your ability.
Take A Bow
When it is over, ask if there is anything else they need from you, or when you might hear about the casting, if that has not been already stated somewhere else. Say thank you. Smile and exit as gracefully as you can. Save any dramatics for when you are safely home or in your car.
Celebrate You
You did it! Great job! Do something nice for yourself. Focus on what went well. Make notes regarding any information you might want to reference later. Some people like to keep an audition journal. This is a good practice. You can keep mileage, addresses, contacts, general feelings, notes on your performance, ideas you had while at the audition. What is the next step? Do you need to prepare for call backs? Or, is it time to start preparing for the next audition? Whatever it is, make sure you take a moment to congratulate yourself. It's not easy putting yourself out there. And, if you have trouble with positive self talk, know that I am proud of you!
Now go be your best self and shine your unique light in your next audition! I wish you success in all of your 2019 theatrical endeavors!
If you'd like a private coaching session, please contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I'd love to hear from you!
Here's the link I again with the information for TesserAct Theatre Ensemble's auditions for The Sedgwick Stories. Auditions begin Sunday, January 6th. Check it out!
