Auditions today! Those two words have been striking fear into the hearts of would be actors everywhere. As a twelve year veteran director and actor with over fifty directing credits I am here to tell you that it need not be that way.If you follow a few simple rules auditioning can become just another part of the acting experience.
First, always think of the audition as a performance, after all its all acting. Your time in the spotlight begins the minute you walk in the door resume in hand with a smile on your face.
Second, remember that those directors are just people doing a job, not gods. They genuinely want to find people that entertain them and that they will enjoy working with. And don't cheat the little people, you never know when that script supervisor may turn out to be second director, or the directors significant other,etc.
Third there are very few essential elements in a quality acting performance, get them right and you'll go far. Be seen: This entails using appropriate facial communication, body language and gestures. You would do well to take a class or two in improv, or ballet, learn grace of movement even if you are a skater, "Dude", you still have to look good, Think these things through. Be heard: actors who neglect the culturing of their voice very rarely have decades long careers in any medium. Develop pitch, rhythm, pace, diction. In short all the things your junior high choir director harped on. Be understood: whether it is a memorized monologue or a cold reading make sure you find out what this character wants and communicate it clearly. Keep it simple, and remember you have lots of choices in interpretation, for example two actors both known for playing hostile characters brilliantly with two very different approaches: Jack Nicholson "I'm Back!", and Clint Eastwood "Do you feel lucky?" Remember that last guy's good choice is not necessarily the best.
Last but not least: practice! Audition every chance you get, especially for stuff that seems too simple or that you are completely wrong for. By putting yourself into an audition for a part you have no stake in you give yourself a chance to analyze your own audition skills. Besides, who knows what will happen? The only sure fire cure I know for "stage fright" (which is not your friend no matter who tells you it is) is practice!
here are some audition listings from online, (we are in no way endorsing these opportunities or vouching for the legitamcy of the people or productions represented) http://www.auditions.net/ http://www.auditions.com/
here's a sight with audition tips for dancers
First, always think of the audition as a performance, after all its all acting. Your time in the spotlight begins the minute you walk in the door resume in hand with a smile on your face.
Second, remember that those directors are just people doing a job, not gods. They genuinely want to find people that entertain them and that they will enjoy working with. And don't cheat the little people, you never know when that script supervisor may turn out to be second director, or the directors significant other,etc.
Third there are very few essential elements in a quality acting performance, get them right and you'll go far. Be seen: This entails using appropriate facial communication, body language and gestures. You would do well to take a class or two in improv, or ballet, learn grace of movement even if you are a skater, "Dude", you still have to look good, Think these things through. Be heard: actors who neglect the culturing of their voice very rarely have decades long careers in any medium. Develop pitch, rhythm, pace, diction. In short all the things your junior high choir director harped on. Be understood: whether it is a memorized monologue or a cold reading make sure you find out what this character wants and communicate it clearly. Keep it simple, and remember you have lots of choices in interpretation, for example two actors both known for playing hostile characters brilliantly with two very different approaches: Jack Nicholson "I'm Back!", and Clint Eastwood "Do you feel lucky?" Remember that last guy's good choice is not necessarily the best.
Last but not least: practice! Audition every chance you get, especially for stuff that seems too simple or that you are completely wrong for. By putting yourself into an audition for a part you have no stake in you give yourself a chance to analyze your own audition skills. Besides, who knows what will happen? The only sure fire cure I know for "stage fright" (which is not your friend no matter who tells you it is) is practice!
here are some audition listings from online, (we are in no way endorsing these opportunities or vouching for the legitamcy of the people or productions represented) http://www.auditions.net/ http://www.auditions.com/
here's a sight with audition tips for dancers
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