How do you recognise acting ability in a candidate during an audition?

Question

What are the things you look out for?

To Steven W... no offence taken, a very valid question you ask. I'm not interested in going for auditions. I am working with this drama group that was just set up, and they want some help in casting for plays. Hence this question.

Even if you wanted to cheat, it is impossible to pretend you have acting talent if you have none. it will stand out.

Good answers everyone.

Answer 1

I would tend to disagree with all the rest of the answers so far. Sure, presence (the indefinable x factor) is important, and so is believability, a sense of emotional engagement with the work, and a sense that the person is intelligent enough to understand the text of whatever play is being performed. These are the elements of talent and experience

The most important thing, however, is the ability to take direction, by which I mean, to work on the play in a collaborative way. If you're the casting director, then have your applicants try their audition piece another way. Give a suggestion relating to the objectives of the character, or the circumstances of the scene. For example, "How would you play this differently if Frank's mother had just died," (or some such thing). The candidate might not nail the attempt, but should show willingness to discuss changes and try it differently. This should give you a sense of how you both might work together.

Similarly, if you get to the callback stage, you might want to audition candidates together, to see how they play off each other. Acting happens between people; it's not just showing off for the audience (obviously!) - so seeing how people work together is essential.

You're not looking for a finished performance already, you're looking for a person to work with on a process that will culminate in a finished performance. I think it's essential that you don't really dislike the person, and that they have the ability to listen, and to experiment. Other than that, it's up to the director, which is something that all auditioners should remember! In the end, you can be great, and still not get the part.

I'm not sure which side of the stage you're sitting on, either way, good luck and I hope this helps!

Answer 2

Is this a rhetorical Q? Are you a casting director, Newbie,or wanna be? Are you interested in auditioning and just want a cheat sheet? No offense.

I'll offer an abstract but VERY valid example. Consider American Idol auditions, (GAK), Sometimes ya just "know"
Although it would seem that even the ignorant and untalented, get past security.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

The short answer: is this person's performance AFFECTING? Am I moved by what they're doing? Are they taking me for a little emotional ride?

Of course, as a director, I need to probe further than that. I need to assess the person's TECHNICAL skills as well. But, if they don't pass the threshhold test, there's really no reason to ask those other, more mechanical questions.

Answer 4

Acting is a glorified form of storytelling, so try asking them to bring their own material to perform, and then see whether they are able to convey the meaning of that piece to you through their acting.

If you're unsure about someone, direct them to do something in a different way, and then see how flexible they are about responding to that direction. A good actor/actress will not be rooted to their character.

Answer 5

I've heard some people say that you can cast based on the first 30 seconds of audition/interveiw. Just watch how they come in the room, how/if they say hello, etc.

Answer 6

Hello
This is an easy one to answer.....

The X Factor......


Well that is what everyone seems to think.....


Replace X with:-

Character - Performance - Radience - Style - Understanding - Ability - Appearance - Movement - Poise - Approachability - and the biggest thing of all

Reliability


Good Luck

Kind regards

Answer 7

well you have to have the look
the sort of voice and the attitude


the attitude like you know you can do it and you know everyythin
intimidate everyone...but dont be a brat just do your best! im sure you will do fine

Answer 8

When you give the panel auditioning you goose bumps because you are so believable do your best. good luck.

Answer 9

From his body language.

Answer 10

if the actor is believable