This is for high school and UIL competition. We do not have a theater arts program in my school and my experience is only as an actor in OAP in high school many moons ago.
2006-11-26 04:23:30 · 5 answers · asked by English101 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
As a director I prefer to have the actors read from the script. That way I can see how they interpret the characters and how well they work with each other. I usually have the actors read for more than one part so I can see them work with a variety of people.
I also find that by doing this I have more people audition. Sometimes people feel intimidated by have to present a monologue. This is especially true in the case of "first-time" or "newbie" actors who may be perfect for a part but have little experience. People can feel intimidated by a monologue.
When you post your auditions notice I find that it is a good idea to post the characters in the show and a short description.This way the actors know which character they might fit best or may be interested in if they are not well acquainted with the play beforehand.
Also, be sure that when you have them fill out their audition form that you have them write out any and all conflicts. This way you are assured that your actors will be free for your rehearsals.
Good luck!
2006-11-26 05:56:11 · answer #1 · answered by MizElizabeth 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Treat it like a mini rehearsal. Do readings from the script. Have copies of the scenes out for them to look at once they check in, then bring in one or two at a time and work like you would in rehearsal.
Give them some direction, see if they listen, find out how they work.
This is the best way to find out which actors have something to bring to the table.
Worry less about being fair. Find the right actors for this show. There may be really good actors that you don't cast. It doesn't mean they weren't great, it just means they weren't right for this show.
2006-11-28 10:35:20 · answer #2 · answered by Elizabeth http://DFWTheater.com 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My preference as a director is always to have actors come to auditions with a prepared monologue. Actors tend to be nervous at auditions, and I find that it relaxes them to be able to perform something that they've been working on for a period of time.
If time permits, let the actors sit down with you before they perform their piece. Just chat with them; this, too, helps to allay their nervousness. Talk about their prior theatrical experience, etc.
Finally, ask them to perform their piece. And THEN comes the most important part: have them do it a second time (you might only have them do a portion of it), but give them some DIRECTION first. As a director, it is critically important that you knock the auditioning actors off-balance a little bit. Not to be cruel, mind you, but rather to see how well they think on their feet. And, most importantly, to find out whether they're able to "translate" your verbal cues into useful actor choices. You owe it to yourself to find out as soon as possible whether these actors are people you want to work with over a period of weeks/months.
2006-11-26 04:55:57 · answer #3 · answered by shkspr 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Set up a sign up sheet somewhere where everyone can see it to sign up, and also have a folder of copies of a few different scenes (different characters). Have the auditioners take a packet so they can prepare that audition piece. Have them read their audition, and then they can leave.
After you've heard them read once, you can start to see who might be which part. Post a list for callbacks for the day after the audition. Have specific people read for specific parts (this will be a cold reading) and take notes as necessary. You will be able to have enough people reading for enough parts to see who should be who in your show. Good luck!
2006-11-26 14:08:39 · answer #4 · answered by illini54519 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well try not to go by what they look like if there are pretty, hot,beautiful etc. Base it on their acting ability.
2006-11-26 07:19:14 · answer #5 · answered by lexi 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋