What are some great tips to help one get into a school play?

Answer 1

Well, first know the script, read it out loud to yourself over and over until you know you won't mess up the lines when you audition. Really it's mostly just practice. Most of the good roles go to the older, more experience actors. If your in High School and your a first-timer, don't expect a big role at all. Same goes if your a freshmen. You have to prove yourself to the director. You may not think the role you have is big but if you stick with it and really do your best, it says something to the director. Some people get small roles and drop out, if you do that I gurentee you won't ever get a good part. Stick with it and practice.

Answer 2

Know the play, what you want and read all of it or parts if that's not possible. Most of the time it's generally a coldread (meaning you've never seen the lines before so you wing it unless you're trained to coldread) but there will be plenty of students who got a foot in the door, and those are most likely the more enthusiastic thespians--and the ones to nab the parts.

Like someone else said, don't expect anything your first year. Many teachers feel an obligation to cast upperclassmen who either haven't had the oppurtunity to act yet or that won't have many more chances left. It is defeating when you are the Freshman, but as the Senior you will see it differently. To you, you put in your hours and proven yourself already.

Be really chummy with the theater students who are experience and the "in crowd". If you're asssociated with them--a director will take notice.

I really hope you get the chance, but not everyone does on their first audition. So, if you don't--which, let's cross our fingers and hope not--than explore other drama related work and be seen and recognized by the teacher as someone with a true interest who really wants a chance. Other than that, also explore community theater.

One problem that I notice is that students are enthusiastic about theater, audition for a play, don't get it, and give up. That is not how it should work.

I hope you have the best experience in high school in drama. It can work miracles on character, self-esteem, and socialness.

Break a leg!!!

Answer 3

If they're holding auditions, and more than one, go to every single one and try for the part you want and maybe different ones. The teacher may ask you to read for different parts as well, and that could lead to a part you hadn't thought of. Showing up all the time will show you are dedicated and won't shirk. Also, just do your best. If you are a freshman, many of the roles do go to the older students who have been doing this for a while, but don't let that discourage you. (They're usually pretty nice anyways!) Just stay in it and then your teacher/director will remember that you didn't get discouraged and they'll encourage you to try out again, and probably give you a part. And once those seniors are gone, then you get the stage! Haha. That's how it worked for me anyways. Also, behave in drama class and work hard and there'll be a better chance!

Answer 4

Actually, what worked for me might not work for you. But what I did (and what I still do) is go to the local community theatre (if there is such a thing where you live), check to see what plays are going to be produced soon, and when the auditions will be. Go to the auditions, but come prepared! Some directors will give you a copy of the script used for the play, but others won't. Try to have a monologue prepared, just in case. When you go on stage for the audition, be prepared to be nervous. Nervousness is natural, so don't worry too much. Auditions to a director are like a job interview to an employer. You're just one of many others trying for the play, so don't take up too much time. Just go up there, be yourself and speak clearly. Many times I've started speaking, then the director yells out, "What? Can't hear you!" Finally, have fun while you're doing it! These tips might not be useful to you, but they work for me. Good luck!!

Answer 5

you have already recieved many good answers with great advice, so I won't repeat it. I just want to say one more thing, don't feel discouraged if you don't get lead parts. the fact is many of the same people try out, and directors see the same pool of people at every audition. They like to know they can depend on their actors, so many will cast people they already know, can trust and ejoy working with. Try out for the show and accept what the director casts you as. If you show them dedication and hardwork they will remember you, and maybe consider bigger roles in the future. also everyone has to start somewhere, so accept the minor roles and use them to get more experience, no show can be preformed without every single role filled, so just know the show couldn't happen with out you :D


I just want to add one thing...NEVER dress for the part in which you are auditioning! Let the director decide what is best for you, you'll probably just look silly and like you tried too hard.

Break a Leg!

Answer 6

Read plays all of them you can get your hands on be all the characters go to all the auditions be helpful to other actors DRESS like the character you want to play BE that character know several monologues and always have a song or 2 prepared when you speak to the director look at him/her speak up and KNOW the role is yours (if it isn't another one may be )if you are congenial It is important to be pleasant to be around as well If you ARE an actor you already know it just give your gift to the world starting w/ your school...break-a- leg...

Answer 7

Be passionate during auditions - make it clear to the director that you will inhabit the character that you are cast as. Be that person, bring some of you into it - but transmogrify yourself into that character. Read the script, become very familiar with the plot and the characters and let yourself go, and don't be self-conscious about going overboard. Feel it, express it, breathe it, so that when you are on that stage, everyone in the building knows that you are that person, that character. Good luck

Answer 8

Really, you just need to be yourself.

When you get onstage, for the audition, pretend that you are the character. Move, sing, talk, and act like the character you are aiming for.

Sing your heart out. If you mess up, you mess up. Don't beat yourself up. Just hope for the best.

Study, study, study! Songs, music, script, everything! Get parents and close friends to listen to you before the audition. Don't be embarassed; they'll will probably tell you exactly what you think.

Good luck!!

--Fellow Actress
(Who has been in tons of plays)

Answer 9

Join the Drama Club. Try out for bit roles in local repertory theater productions. When you know what the school play is going to be that year, order a copy of the script and try out for it. Practice with friends who have some experience in Theater.

Answer 10

Pick the best part for you (who is most like you) if you have the choice.

When and if you get a script for practice, really practice it.

A play takes much dedication. If you don't give it your all, whats the point of doing it?

Look presentable and like you really want to help and be a part of the play.

Practice, practice, practice. (Most important here)