As actors, auditions are a necessary part of getting to be on stage playing a role. But they can often be anxiety inducing and unpleasant experiences. I’ve written this blog to help break down some of the myths about auditions and help you prepare for them as best you can.
What to expect in an audition
Producers should specify what will be expected of you at an audition. Often they’ll have sent you materials (sides) in advance to read or learn, and request that you prepare some songs. These might be songs from the piece or a choice of two contrasting numbers which best show off your voice.
It’s likely you will sing at least one of your songs, and perform the text from your sides. The director might then give you a piece of direction to action in the room. This is your chance to show that you’re collaborative and willing to work with the director to achieve the desired outcome.
If you don’t understand the direction they have given you don’t be afraid to ask. You may only have one chance. If the schedule is tight one piece of direction may be all you get. However if you are given more, this can be a sign that the director hasn’t quite got what they needed from the first piece and is trying to help you show them what you can do.
What to wear to an audition
My best advice is where possible to wear something that is reminiscent of the role you are auditioning to play. For example, for the role of Marilyn Monroe you might wear a knee length floaty dress and have your hair down at shoulder length. However you wouldn’t wear a replica costume or a blond wig. This way, it helps the audition panel imagine you in the role without being distracted by the costume you have chosen. If you were auditioning to be the comic in a panto, you would wear something bright, colourful and easy to move about in.
What to take with you to an audition
Alongside anything the producer has requested you prepare, here’s a helpful list of things to take along with you:
- Bottle of water
- Song rep folder
- Wear something easy to move about in
- Any questions you have for the panel about the role
What are directors looking for
The golden question! Every director is different. However there will be clues in the casting breakdown so make sure you have read it thoroughly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to clarify before you begin the audition. It’s a great way to show you have prepared and thought about the text. Some directors won’t know what they are looking for until they see it in an audition, so never be disheartened. Often a director will go into an audition thinking they want one thing, then shown a different thing and realise they prefer that! All you can do is go in and do your best version of the sides and songs, the rest is out of your hands.
The whole panel are always willing you to be fantastic. They want to see you do your very best, not cut you down or expect you to fail. Remember the quality of their show rests on them finding the right people to perform in it.
How to prepare your sides
Some auditions require you to have learnt the material by heart, some do not. However if you are able I would always recommend that you learn it by heart. It allows you to be more present in the room and not have to keep looking at your script.
Don’t forget to read the stage directions as well. These can be as important as the lines in terms of revealing clues about the character.
Unless an accent or something specific is required for the part, don’t put on a ‘funny’ voice. Your own voice, or a ‘projected stage’ version of it will be great.
Practice reading your lines with a partner or friend until you know the sides back to back and can be confident you know the lines back to back and not be blown off course.
How to pick two contrasting songs
Often auditions will ask you to prepare to sing two contrasting songs. You should attend the audition warmed up and ready to sing, with the two songs printed out on A4 paper and sellotaped together at the edge of the page so that the pianist can read the music without having to turn a page over.
You two songs should be contrasting in style. For example if one of your songs is from The Sound of Music, you might be a rock or pop number to contrast with it. Or if one of your songs has elements of comedy you might pick a ballad to compliment it. At least one of the songs should be from a similar style of show to the one you are auditioning for.
These songs should show off your voice really well. Think about what might help show off your range, and tone as well as provide you a framework to show off your acting-through-song chops as well.
How to know if your audition’s gone well
You can never know for sure, but a good indication is usually if the panel spends a bit more time with you than other people. I there are no recalls scheduled they will want to be sure that they will enjoy working with you from the audition so they will try and get to know you a bit.
Some productions will not let you know that you haven’t got a role. This is bad practice but unfortunately still happens regularly. If you haven’t heard anything after ten days I think it’s safe to assume you haven’t been called back or given the role. However then if you get the call, it’s a pleasant surprise(!)
What if your audition goes wrong?
If you make a mistake in your audition, calmly ask if you can start from the beginning. The panel will understand that you are nervous and be supportive of helping you to do your best. It is unlikely they will hold it against you. Try and stay calm in the moment, take a second to breath, perhaps a quick swig of water. Stand confidently and start again.
If you come away from an audition feeling you have done badly, try and remember that the panel wanted you to do well. You can’t be right for every part. Auditions can be a lucky game. For every audition you don’t book, another could be just around the corner. The more easily you can let them go, the less impact auditioning will have on your mental health.
