If you have never had an audition let me paint the picture for you so you know what to expect. Of course, not every single audition will be the same but this is the typical process.
When you go into the audition room be friendly and show them that you are a professional. Hand your resume and headshot over to the assistant in the audition and step in front of the camera.
It’s very common to see a marker on the floor where they’ll want you to stand.
Slating
You’ll be asked to slate. When you slate, you need to face the camera and say your name, where you are from and if you have an agent, you say the agent’s name.
A great way to stand out a little is to say your name first, then your first name again with your last name.
For example, “Hi, my name is Nancy. Nancy Valdez from Austin, Texas and I am with XYZ Talent Agency.” After you slate facing forward, you will turn to one side and pause for a few seconds, then face the other side.
This way the camera can see your profile from both sides. Now the fun begins.
Be Prepared
Ask a few questions that will help you maximize the audition. If they are recording your audition, ask them what your frame is. This tells you how much room you have to turn your head side to side, or react.
You don’t want to cut off your head or move off frame if you are given a choice to move. Are they only recording a headshot or a mid-shot (from the waist up)? Ask who you are reading with and if they want you to look directly at the camera or at the reader.
Watch the Pace
A big mistake that many actors make is going over their audition too fast due to nervousness. This is especially true if there is a lot of dialogue, for some reason we feel like we have to rush through it. Don’t rush through your auditions and on the flip side, don’t go too slow.
Finally, don’t take too many pauses in between lines. A great way to avoid rushing or going too slow a pace is by having a mid-tempo in mind. Think of the beat of the scene, think of one of your favorite songs and stick to that tempo throughout the audition.
Some emotions are often rushed such as excitement, anger or fear. Watch out for these emotions.
Plant Yourself
When people get nervous, they tend to sway back and forth to comfort themselves. Once you stand on your marker, plant yourself and don’t sway or dance around. The exception is when the casting director asks you work the room and gives you the freedom to move.
By planting yourself you’ll have your feet shoulder-width apart and mindfully ground yourself to the floor.
Be Flexible
Let them know that you are easy to work with and when they give you directions or ask you to do something differently, just do it. This is why improv is so good when auditioning because when that director tells you “okay that was good but now let’s do it this way” you won’t be married to the way you practiced your scene, you’ll be prepared.
The director throws curve balls at you for a reason; they want to see how well you work with them.
Have Fun!
Try not to stress yourself out. Auditions are hit or miss. Just have fun and learn from this experience. Always do your best and also remember to be yourself. Read more info and tips on how to submit yourself for auditions, prepare for auditions and nail your audions from my e-book.
Break a leg!