I have an audition for an independent movie! Do you know anything about acting?

Question

I have never acted in something, since high school and I am very excited about the opportunity. It is a short role--about 2 pages of dialogue b/w my and this man. Anyway, should I use hand gestures, where do I look or stand or whatever? Theses people know that I have very little acting experience, but believe I would fit the role of a certain character because of my picture and resume, I guess. So, I printed the script today and studied it and am practicing. Should I wear something casual? I have no clue what to do. Thanks for any advice. Oh, and how do I do my thing and not look like it is me being nervous, since they don't know me? Should I hide my southern accent and make it more general one? I don't know if this woman has an accent of any sort. It does not say. Thanks again. :)!!!! :)

Answer 1

A lot of these are really questions for your director, so I can give you only very general advice.

I'll start with the easy one: unless specifically directed, use your natural accent. You're always going to sound real with your own accent; it'll be consistent from take to take, and you'll be free to be in the moment rather than concentrating on your accent. It takes years of practice to make any accent sound good. Even most professional actors who use accents sound terrible. The director may ask you to change it, and then you do as directed, but even if you're told to do a standard American accent go ahead and let a tinge of your natural one underly it: it'll add color and it'll sound more convincing than trying and failing to cover it entirely.

You're spot on with the script. Some professional actors can memorize a page, do it perfectly, and then pick up the next page, but I find that it's best if you can be solidly, utterly off book on the script. It means that when you look at your scene partner and talk, the words just tumble out of your mouth like real conversation. And it means that when you're not talking, you're listening, rather than concentrating on your next line. The parts of acting when you're not talking are at least as important as when you are.

For an indie film like this the director (or costumer) should tell you what to wear. If not, take a guess based on the context of the scene. Or they may try to dress you when you get there, depending on your budget, so wear, uh, generic underwear that'll fit with what they dress you in.

As for gestures, how to stand, etc... don't try to develop a whole separate character for this role. It can be done, but it's a huge amount of work and it'll probably look bad if you don't have a lot of experience. Essentially, be yourself.

The director will give you particulars as necessary, and he may try to damp down some of your own idiosyncratic gesturing if it's distracting. (I have a bad habit of swinging my left arm on stage; I have no idea why.)

In general, stand your ground; don't move unless the director tells you to. Actors want to move, to give life to the character, but the camera will do much of that for you, and you just make it hard to keep you in frame.

You should look your scene-partner in the eye, just as you would if you were really talking to somebody. In general, the magic of acting, especially on film, is to just do what you've always done and try to forget about all of the things you don't think about in real life (where to put your hands, for example.)

Which is a lot of words for "just do what comes naturally". Break a leg!

Answer 2

You went through the trouble and expense of having headshots made. Did you ever consider acting classes? You'll learn all this stuff once you learn about the craft. Go in there and be as good as you can. If you sweat the little details like you are you're bound to be bad. Do you think anyone ever got a part because of what they were wearing? Did you ever go to a movie and be blown away by the fact that the actor knew all of their lines? You can win or lose a part for many reasons. Don't make one of them the fact that you can't act. Have respect for the craft and study. Auditioning becomes second nature after a while and you'll learn that all you can do is present them with a pro-quality read and move on to the next one. Do the best you can. Good Luck.

Answer 3

If you know anything about the character you're portraying, dress to fit the role. If not, dress in a professional way, but not too dressy. Be confident in yourself, and let them know you really want the job.

Definitely use hand gestures and practice with a friend to get the script down perfectly. Just be yourself. Look slightly above the judge's heads so it looks like you're making eye contact but you won't be distracted by their facial expressions.

Best of luck!

Answer 4

Let's see. First take someone with you so you know this is a legitimate gig. When you're Reading the lines believe what you're saying, as if it really were you talking. Before the audition notice how you naturally hold your hands, your posture while conversing normally everyday. About the southern accent...don't worry about it. Just be be livable. They can work with you on keeping it or omitting.
Good Luck!!!! Let me know if you get it!

Answer 5

hey all i can say is foucus dont be nervous act like its real life and act like ur not in a movie ur just normal