I'm auditioning for 'The Crucible' at my school...the problem is I'm an underclassmen and my school plays politics...which is the only reason I DON'T make it into any of the productions. Can anyone tell me how to best prepare for this audition? I'm trying out for Abigail Williams...don't know why, but the role of a villain seems attracting.
Advice I would appreciate are things like should I read the script beforehand, should I wear what I would envision an modern Abby wearing, etc.? (Since the auditions are run where you are randomly called up to read a random character's lines, do you have any suggestions on how not to screw up on that, too?)
2007-12-23 13:23:33 · 6 answers · asked by elphiebelle 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
Yes, read the play before the audition. The more you know about all the characters and the ways in which they interact, the better you'll be able to read any one of them.
Don't worry about costuming yourself for the audition. Just wear clean, comfortable clothing. A lot of auditions involve a movement component, even if the play isn't a musical and doesn't require dancing. So wear something in which you'd have no problem jumping around or rolling on the floor.
2007-12-23 13:39:09 · answer #1 · answered by classmate 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Playing Abigail was fun for me. I loved every minute of it--screaming, hitting people, pretending to see things...it was amazing.
Some suggestions:
*Familiarize yourself with the script and the scenes--Skimming, reading, whatever you prefer--so that way when you're called up to read cold, you have less of a chance to fumble a line.
*I wouldn't neccessarily suggest certain clothing to wear (but don't wear heels and be ready to move around). What I suggest is that you know the script well enough to decide how Abby will carry herself, project herself, and interact with other characters. Abby is a confident, smart, conniving girl--so present yourself in that way during the readings. Be conscious of body movements and facial expressions--bring out your inner spoiled villainness!
*Be able to project your voice and articulate well. Before the audition, say some tongue twisters to get you warmed up and conscious of your vowel and tongue placements! Secondly, do you have access to a gym or the stage after hours? Before the audition, find a friend and go to a large room. Have your friend stand on one end and you stand on the other---read something to your friend and ask how you sound. That way, once your friend can hear and understand you, you have a physical point of reference when trying to project during readings.
*Also...my favorite trick to do is pick my "second choice" character and make sure it's completely opposite of the first choice. Sometimes a director may not think you physically look the part, so having a backup is great. If you have a backup that is opposite your first choice, you are more likely to be noticed and impress the director by being able to switch back and forth between two different personalities, AND you look more willing to accept other roles than just Abby.
Good luck!
2007-12-23 21:43:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely read the play ahead of time, and kind of do a mini character study for every character they could possibly call you up to read for. Make sure you have an understanding of all of the characters and why they are who they are and act how they act, etc. Try to dress the part, but very subtly. Don't just wear what you think the costume would look like. Dress normally but in colors that you think would work well, or jewelery, nail polish, makeup, etc. that you think would subtley suggest the character.
And I understand exactly what you mean by politics, my school was run that way too and my whole freshman year I had to endure it. Luckily this year we got a new director, and things have changed. But just hang in there, I know how it feels and one day (whether it's at your biased school or not) you'll get recognized for your talent. Break a leg!
2007-12-24 02:15:59 · answer #3 · answered by RENThead 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was in that play before myself. The best thing to do would be to NOT try to dress up as the character. The director wants to see your face, and I do doubt that they'll pay any attention to the clothing, but don't make it too baggy. Look professional. Good luck :)
2007-12-24 00:37:11 · answer #4 · answered by Morty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read the script and watch the movie! The movie stays really close to the script.
2007-12-23 23:28:01 · answer #5 · answered by Beth 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your pillow in a mean way and that will help you prepare for it.
2007-12-24 13:14:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋