What to expect for my first audition?

Question

I'm going to be auditioning for my school's next play soon. I've never done an acting audition before so I'm a bit nervous. I have a monologue ready but I'm not sure as to what to expect for the actual process. What do I say before and after the monologue? What do I wear? What sort of other things should I be thinking about? Any genuine help is appreciated, especially from an experienced professional actor or actress. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Hi!

I'm not a professional actor - but I've done some semi-professional work, and I think I can answer your question.

First off - nerves are very common - and good! Take that nervousness and use the energy in your audition.

It's great that you have a monologue prepared. If they've asked for a monologue and they call you into a room - Just say something like "Hi - I'm "your first and last name" and I'm going to be doing a piece from "play's name" and portraying the part of "characters name." Very simple. When you're done - break the fourth wall - and they'll thank you - and just thank them back.

Remember to speak loudly and clearly. I have seen LOTS of school plays when I wasn't able to hear and/or understand the actors. If you make sure you are speaking loudly and clearly - you will be bounds ahead of a lot of the other kids.

Get a copy of the play. Read the play. Read the play again. Read the play a third time! They will more than likely have you read from the play and you want to be as familiar with the material as possible. If there is a part that you really like - practice the lines. Figure out how you'd like to say them. Have a friend or family member read some of the scenes with you.

Wear shoes that are easy to move in. Character shoes for women are good. Sneakers are a little too casual. Wear solid colored slacks and a nice shirt or blouse. Or if you're a woman - a skirt is fine - but not too short. You want to look like you could go in any direction from where you are - you know - yu want them to be able to picture you in many different roles. Versatility is a fabulous asset for an actor to have. Plain and neat is a good look.

Be on time!! Be prepared! Know your monologue cold! I know you've already chosen it, but it should be something much like what you're auditioning for. If it is a comedy - do comedy. If it's a drama - do drama and so on. Some auditions - general auditions - require to you have a comic piece and a dramatic piece with one of them being classical (almost always Shakespeare). A good actor always has 6 or 7 monologues prepared and is ready to do at any time. Also, it's best if your monologues are not from really popular plays. That way they will not have seen a bunch of people already do them and you'll appear unique and MEMORABLE. (memorable is very important)

Be "cheerful" as hokey as it sounds. People don't want to work with a grouch or a prima dona. And don't hesitate if they ask you to do something you think is odd. They might ask for weird stuff - like "turn around three times and then shout "Hoopla!" Just do it - unless of course it's something that would be inappropriate. They might direct you. They might suggest a different way to do your monologue - or even criticize you. Criticism is a GOOD thing when you're acting. It means the director is willing to work with you - and very likely knows what he/she is doing. Keep your ego out of it. Theatre is not about YOU - it's about the show. And the director has a vision. We - as actors - are just part of that vision - and it's our job to work with the director to make it work.

Hope that helps! Break a leg!!

Answer 2

Focus on what you need to do for the monologue. Don't get caught up in all the rest. Be polite, don't engage into much chatter with the other actors. Focus on what you need to do for your monologue.
You are doing this for your school play. Do you know the director? Perhaps the director has gone over what you should do, if he has then do what he says.
When I audition with a monologue, usually the director has my resume already so I don't slate, "Hello my name is Joe, and I will be doing a monologue from Death of a Salesman". Instead I'll just say, "Are you ready?" Then I begin. If director wants more information about the monologue or who you are, he'll ask. The most important thing is to focus on what you have to do for the monologue. Oh, yeah, another thing have fun.

Answer 3

Usually, you're only asked to state your name and where your monologue comes from. You'll probably be told what to say, and if they want to know anything else, they'll ask. Dress in a way that's appropriate for your character if it's a modern piece, otherwise anything that looks good on you so that you'll feel confident and comfortable. Remember that your voice has to carry to an entire audience, so good diction, clear enunciation and being able to project your voice are important things to think about. Apart from that, relax and enjoy it - those things show and give the casting people the sense that you'd be easy and nice to work with. Be positive, give them a genuine and warm smile before and after your monologue, and thank them before leaving the room. And, of course, get into character and try to really feel what he/she would feel in whatever situation the monologue is about. Auditions are both about good acting and about making a positive impression as a person.

Answer 4

What you wear is not important, really. But you need to be able to pull off your monologue as though you were the character. It has to be believable, i.e., good acting. You don't have to have it memorized, but you do need to make it real. However, most school plays are produced by the drama coach and they usually have you read a selection cold from the play they are producing. Sometimes they have you sing something, depending on the play. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Okay - I've done this before - only it was a little different. I was auditioning for an aerobics instructor - while the place was being built - I put on my music - did my routine - in front of judges and WORKMEN! When I finished the place was silent - but a good silent - even the workmen applauded!

Intoduce yourself - wear what the charater would wear - projection of your voice is VERY important - let them hear you in the back row!

Practice practice practice - alone and in front of your family.

When the monologue is finshed - say Thank You!

And SMILE SMILE SMILE!

Answer 6

expect them to be writing stuff down and watching your every mannerism. The best thing for you to do is meditate to a favorite song, read your bible, or pray . Go in there that day with confidence and strength and believing you will get this role. Make eye contact let the nerves leave the body . Do breathing exercises chant in your mind : relax, relate and release then channel your character and you will get the gig. I will pray that you make it and do extremely awesome OK.

Answer 7

I am not a profesional, but I have been in a lot of school plays. I ussualy just wear normal clothes, and when you begin, tell them any experience you may have. Other than that, just stay cool about it!
Good Luck!