when auditioning for theatre or movies ect...do I look them in the eye &?

Question

what I want to know is when doing a monologue, do I pretend they are the person I am talking to, or look them in the eye, should I look through them, over them, face them, or should I face them and look in another direction? Ive never auditioned before, and I have to audition for an Actors Training program to learn to act....what should I do?

Answer 1

This is a really good question. Many knowledgeable people disagree on this issue. One of the reasons is that if you use the person watching your audition as your "acting partner" in a monologue, some people will feel obligated to maintain eye contact with you, which makes it hard to take notes.

So here are my suggestions:
If your monologue is one that would be directed to the audience if the whole play was being produced, then talk to someone in the room, other than the main person auditioning you. If that person is the only one in the room, you can imagine someone sitting out in the audience to speak to.
If your monologue would be directed to a character on stage with you, place that character somewhere in your imagination and speak to them.
Good luck!

Answer 2

I think if the character is not on the phone, and not talking to him/herself, then yes, you do give eye contact -- you want to create the impression that you are the character, and if that character is confident, poised - then yes, you have eye contact. If our character is shy, afraid - then eye contact would be limited, if at all. Analyze the content of your piece -- know it and the story it's presented from inside & out, and then you will find the clues you will need for eye contact. Follow your character's lead.

Answer 3

It all depends upon the situation... and that is something you will learn in the acting class you want to enroll in.

Answer 4

If it is your first audition, go to your acting teacher and ask him or her to coach you on how to audition.

Answer 5

I would turn my back to them