Going to an Audition tomorrow - PLZ HELP!?

Question

I am just starting this whole acting/modeling thing, and today my mom called the place and we schedueled an appointment for tomorrow. On the phone they said they are going to have me read a script outloud in front of a camera -- HAVE ANY OF YOU EVER DONE THIS? I am REALLY nervous.
Especially because I am known to be shy - how can I do REALLY well tomorrow @ the auditon?
PLZ HELP ME this is my dream.

Answer 1

TheatreDoc is right, this doesn't sound legit. Acting & modeling are two WAY seperate things. The auditions do not go hand and hand and this sounds just like a John Robert Powers type scam. If you heard about this through being approached at the mall, or they sent you a postcard, cold called your house, you saw an ad on tv, in the paper or heard it on the radio then it's VERY likely a scam. Don't befooled by their initial claims that it's free, because undoubtedly they will ask for large then larger sums of money. First classes, then competitions and conventions and whatever else they come up with.

Go to http://ripoffreport.com/ and type in the name of the company. PLEASE show this to your parents!

If this is really your dream, then do it right. Yes you need classes, but you need real ones. Not the junk they're selling. Many local theatres have classes and workshops, check into it. There also may be some local acting studios depending on where you live.

For auditions check out websites like www.backstage.com and www.actorsaccess.com. You can also see if your state has a film alliance / commission / society or whatever your state calls theirs (some have more than one). Sometimes they post audition information for projects filming locally. The state sites may also have info on classes so check those sites out thoroughly.

Once you build up a decent resume with theatre roles and some student and indie film roles you can try getting an agent. To find a legitimate agent to represent you for commercials, TV & film go to Sag.org. Use the dropdown menu on the right labeled 'resources' and choose 'agent information'. On the next screen, on the left choose 'Find a SAG franchised agent' and follow the directions. You can look up agents all over the US, but there are higher concentrations where the work is (Los Angeles, NY, IL, FL, GA etc.). Another great resource is Ross Reports especially because they update their info so often but not all of the agents they list are SAG and you have to pay for the list. That doesn’t mean they’re not legit, but that’s why I always tell people to start with the SAG list. It’s free and those agents have signed an agreement to put the actor first! www.rossreports.com If you subscribe to backstage.com you can get a combo subscription which can come in handy but can also get quite expensive.

Then you can send the agencies your headshot, resume, and a cover letter stating that you are seeking representation and wait to see if they call you in for an interview. You never call the agencies directly. That is a big no-no! At least it is in LA. Please remember that reputable agents take exactly 10% of your pay AFTER they help you get a job. Not one cent more and not one cent before. Anything else is a scam. This is strictly for talent agents, not modeling agents or talent managers who take different percentages.

good luck!

Answer 2

Don't stress because there are always more auditions and interviews...one won't break you. Take your time, if you feel you didn't do your best ask to do it again. Most agents and what not are accomodating...within reason. I used to do all this and I learned that if you don't get something it might not even be because you weren't great. I went to all kinds of modeling interviews where they told me I was great but they were looking for hispanic girls or shorter girls...things that I couldn't change. Walk away from it proud that you tried

The best advice I've learned is to be genuine, be yourself...not what you think they want because you're not a psychic, smile, and have fun...because if you're not having fun why are you doing it. I hope that made sense and good luck!

Answer 3

Reading a piece given to you by casting people, is called a cold read. (often times for auditions you will be asked to memorize something then come back.) There is no real way to prepare for a cold read, except stretching. Cold reads are designed to allow the casting or people auditioning to see a 'spark' or in this case to see how you 'fit'.

Usually with a cold read, you do get a minute to examine the piece. Do so. Don't worry, you can put your own spin on the character... they will re-direct you after you finish reading if they want you to do something diffrent.

Before you go to the interview, stretch out. That helps with nerves. Get on the floor, stay sitting up, and bend forward over your legs... that stretches the hamstrings. Do about ten reps each leg. Then lay flat and breath. When you breath laying flat, that is the correct way to breath.... We have a tendency to hold our breath when we are nervous. This will make it worse, because your stomach tense, giving you butterflies... Make sure you breath when you read so that you won't get butterflies.

Good luck!!

Answer 4

"Anyway I go to a performing art high school and if your auditioning for any of them remember to be unique. In drama be loud, have a bright personality and be creative. In dance don't be shy and don't try to be too serious. In music be very unique, try not to be nervious, and if they ask each person to sing a small repeatitive song add a couple of notes and make it interesting." You mean "be an obnoxious stage-school brat" don't you? Have the necessary skills, to a high standard. These days, if you aren't "triple threat" - forget it! Have suitable audition pieces well prepared (and that means well BEFORE this particular audition came up). If it's dance, be dressed for dance (or with an easy change into such). Show your skills, but don't "show off" or try to be quirkily unique, unless you have something very special (and relevent to this show) to offer.. Good luck.

Answer 5

There is no 'method' for doing well. In your case, try not to let your shyness interfere with your ability to project your personality during the audition. How? That's the kind of thing only you can work on, not us.

Answer 6

The best advice you can get right now is watch out they may be a scam. if they ask you for any money for anything, or try to sell you lessons or anything, they are not a legit agent, they are a scam--show this to mom and dad.

Answer 7

wow dats intense. i am trying 4 da whole acting thing 2, i know it gets scary but i do is i pray 1st and den think about not being nervous cause it may hurt my audition so i just concentrate and do what i gotta do. good luck.

Answer 8

A good idea is to focus on your acting and not on the audience. The more focus you put on your acting, the better you will do and the less nervous you will be