Getting Your Foot In The Door: Tips To Help You Nail Your Audition
Photograph by Jakob Owens
Whether you've previously auditioned only one time in your career or a hundred, it's normal to feel nervous. Luckily, there are some key steps you can take to absolutely nail it. Here are some helpful suggestions for making a good first impression.
Be Memorable
There's more to landing a role than merely reciting a monologue. Whether you realize it or not, you're being evaluated from the moment you arrive. Maintaining a professional, positive attitude will help you stand apart from your peers and show the director you're someone they want to work with.
That's important to remember: Don't just sell the part; sell yourself. Keep your head high when you walk into the room. Build your audition on the familiarity of your own experiences. Most important of all — be professional! The more easily they can see themselves working with you, the more they'll want to.
Look the Part
It's not enough for the director to envision themselves working with you. They need to envision you as the character. Wearing a full costume to the audition would be going overboard. Simply consider how that character dresses, styles their hair and moves their body. Dress professionally but in colors and styles that suit the character's personality.
The more you adopt the right look, the better. This includes your hair color. Use some pro tips for coloring to make your hair look perfect. Consider using a temporary dye. Test the dye on a discreet section first. For an even color, don't tie your hair up after applying the dye. Use baby wipes to clean dye from your skin before it stains.
Be Versatile
It's not enough to know the words. The director will want to test your acting ability as well. How well do you take direction? How quickly can you adjust to changes in a scene? What will you bring to the production? Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the work. Considering its full scope will help you comprehend what the author had in mind and how the arc of the story flows. It will deepen your understanding of your character, and you'll make character-appropriate choices when asked to make changes. More than that, it demonstrates your dedication to the production as a whole.
Don't let fear steal your opportunity. If you keep these tips in mind and stay persistent, you'll make it. By following these tips, you’ll easily be able to go out there and nail that audition.
If you’re interested in acting, check out this interview with actress and musician Olivia Olson!