7 Tips to Improve your Audition

Auditions can be a challenge for an actor. I know. Believe me, I know.

It's not easy being on the decision making side of the table either. Every time I participate on the production side I gain additional insight into what makes a successful audition. So I've pulled more tips on auditioning together to make it easier to audition.

1) Be Memorable (in a good way). Dress professionally, look like you take yourself seriously. This is an interview, think of it that way.

2) Be Prepared. Know what you are going to sing and practice it enough to be confident in singing it. Preferably without the words in front of you. It's better to sing well and la-la through some words, and show us you can connect with an audience, then to be hidden behind your sheet music.

3) Make a Choice. Don't be afraid to be strong and wrong. Show some sort of character personality when you read. It might not be what the director had in mind, but it will be more memorable then a vanilla reading. This is easier if you know the show. Check your library... many times you can find scripts for shows.

4) Don't Apologize mid song. We know your nervous. It's okay if you hit a wrong note or are slightly off tempo. It is really hard to judge your skill singing if you keep apologizing every time you take a breath. If you need a restart stop and ask to start again. Most times you'll be allowed to do so.

5) If you get Advice Take it. If a member of the production team gives you some sort of feedback .. sing louder, drop the accent, read it meeker, whatever ... take this gem - they like you enough to see if you could fit the vision of the show.

6) Be Truthful. If you won't do the show if you can't have part X, say so. Don't waste our time, and we won't waste yours. If you won't take a part if your BFF (or daughter, cousin, uncle, son) doesn't also get a role, that's fine too, just be upfront about it.

7) Choose a Role you Fit. This is probably the hardest thing to do yourself. Ask a friend, fellow thespian, music teacher, drama teacher for help. Audition for roles you fit and feel strongly about. For example - I'm nearly six feet tall, for me to play a love interest onstage there either 1) needs to be a really tall guy 2) or a director who makes atypical casting choices - so generally, I look for strong supporting character type roles. Play to your strengths when auditioning, both vocally and aesthetically.