Hilary Swank once said that “audition is synonymous with opportunity” and you know what? She’s absolutely right. It’s a great mindset to have but one that can be quite difficult to get your head around especially if you’re new to the industry and just the word audition has you breaking out in a cold sweat.
But here’s the thing — no matter how nerve-racking you may find the auditioning process, you just have to get used to it.
Because if you want to succeed in the industry, then you have to first succeed at auditions.
Tough love, right?
Seriously though (as if we’re not being serious enough), auditions can be quite stressful and even confusing, particularly for those who are new to the industry.
So here are a few tips to get you started off on the right foot. If you’re looking for something a little more in-depth, then scroll right down to the bottom of the page where you can access our Complete Guide to Auditioning.
Prepare like never before
Here’s another quote for you, this time it’s from Benjamin Franklin: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” This quote has been rehashed dozens of times over by stars and most recently by X Factor and American Idol judge Paula Abdul.
And it’s so very true. Treat every audition like your one golden opportunity to shine and prepare like you’ve never prepared before.
Learn your lines backwards, rehearse like it’s going out of fashion — do whatever it takes to make sure that you are the most well-prepped person at the audition.
Wear the right clothes
When we get a job interview, we dress to impress. The same goes for when we meet the boss for a salary review or if we’re asking the bank manager for a loan.
With casting directors, it’s completely different.
They want to see your natural look and how you perform. Nothing else. They don’t want to look at your clothes or even notice what you’re wearing unless you’re dressing for the role (we discuss this in our complete guide).
So keep it simple. Wear plain unbranded clothing in neutral colours.
Yes, it really is that easy.
Know your audition room etiquette
As tempting as it might be to walk right up to the casting director and shake their hand, this is the last thing that you want to do.
Remember that casting directors may be auditioning dozens of people so they don’t have time for handshakes. Nor do they have time for idle chit chat so keep the pleasantries to a minimum.
Walk in, say hello, stand on your mark, and follow any instructions given to you. If you have been asked to bring your resume or headshots, then pass them over. Once you’re done, someone will thank you and tell you to leave. Make sure to say thank you and off you go.
Again, it’s super simple if you just follow your instructions.
While these are the main three aspects of the casting process that often cause actors the most concern, there are other things that you should also know about.
For example, you should know how to find more auditions on your own or what types of auditions you may have to attend if you’re not with any acting and modelling agencies.
Even the seasoned pros among us could also benefit from knowing how to handle nerves in the run-up to an audition.
So we thought what better way to answer all of your auditioning questions and ease some of your pre-audition nerves than by creating an in-depth guide that covers all the bases.
After a few late nights and some serious writing sessions, that’s exactly what we’ve done.
Our comprehensive guide to auditioning answers all those questions about the casting process that you were afraid to ask and some that you didn’t even think of.
You can check out our complete guide to auditioning right here.
