by Andrea Emmerton

One of the most frequently asked questions received by Theatre
Ontario, is "How do I prepare for an audition? What does the
auditioner want from me?" We created this article to make the
auditioning process easier for you.

The first thing to know about auditioning is that it's highly
unlikely you will do your best work in an audition. As a matter of
fact, if you are like most good actors, you'll probably walk out of
an audition feeling as if you've just sucked the life out of the
room. And even if you think you've "nailed it," it's still no
guarantee that you'll land the role. There are too many variables
that are out of your control. The trick is to zero in on what is
within your control. If you are fully prepared (which always gives
confidence) then you are able to silently state "I AM COMMITTED AND
DEDICATED TO MY CRAFT." That work ethic is what will make the
auditioner remember you—even if there isn't a role for you this
time.

Auditions take place for one reason only: to determine without any
doubt that you have the ability to be yourself in the given
circumstances of the monologue or soliloquy that you will be
delivering. Most auditioners are not going to cast a performer, they
are casting a person, a human being. They are going to cast an actor
who best exemplifies the characteristics and traits of the character
as written.

Remember that auditioners want you to succeed. They are not setting
you up to fail.

Do's


Make sure you do your homework. Find out as much information as
possible about the project. Dates, location, accessibility of
rehearsal space, some background on the company and the director.
Ask yourself why you want to work with a particular director or with
a particular company.
§ Become familiar with the play that they're casting. Think about
matching your audition piece to the role you're seeking in the play.
Choose an audition piece that resonates with you.
Read the play that you are auditioning from. It will give you and
the audition piece `context'.
Get coaching, if you think you need it.
Take the time to memorize all of your audition piece.
Show your range of delivery. The easiest acting choice is anger.
Auditioners get tired of being yelled at during auditions. Subtlety
will not be unnoticed.
Warm up before entering the room for the audition. To do otherwise
is a waste of the auditioner's time.
Be pleasant and personable, but allow the auditioner to set the tone
for chatting, asking questions or shaking hands.
Appear confident even if you are feeling nervous.
Take your time to focus before beginning and be aware of the finish
(fade-out—as opposed to an off switch `scene'). This will show the
auditioner that you have a process with which to work.
hink of the audition as the delivery system for your personality and
potential.

Don'ts

Don't be late. Always keep your designated appointment. If you have
booked a time, make sure that you are there early and ready to go.
Nothing will annoy an auditioner more than someone who shows up late
or not at all or who cancels at the last minute. You will be
remembered and could be prevented from doing auditions in future.
Don't apologize for having a cold or being unprepared. Just do the
best you can.
Don't look at the auditioner while delivering your audition piece.
Refrain from using violent or overtly sexual language. Unless the
show you are auditioning for requires it; it's best to avoid it. Too
often actors think they are being brave in their choices but it is
often a mistaken belief. You may make everyone (including yourself)
uncomfortable. It's not about the words themselves, but rather the
character and situation.
Don't use a piece you've written or that a friend wrote for you or a
poem or a piece from a novel. Auditioners want to see actors. You
will be evaluated on how you interpret writing for the stage.
There's plenty of established work to choose from. That being said,
there are some speeches that are done too often, e.g. Viola's Ring
Speech from Twelfth Night , Catherine in Waiting For The Parade and
two from Wild Abandon —the "Cat Speech" and "Devil's Eyes."
Don't take a bow after the audition. This is not a performance. Do
not expect applause or laughter.
Don't suddenly remember that you are not available for some of the
dates of the performances after auditioning.