The reality of auditioning is less than ideal: you receive a short character brief and some scenes that are out of context most of the time, along with a short turnaround time to learn, analyse, rehearse and put everything down. On top of all that, don’t forget to stand out amongst hundreds and thousands of others who are doing the exact same thing.
So, how can you ace it every single time, without stress and self-doubt? You need an Audition Preparation blueprint, and we’re about to give you just that.
Know it Like you Mean it
There’s no other way around it: learn your lines! When your lines are truly locked in, you will stop thinking about what words come next and start actually listening and reacting during your audition - which is where the good stuff happens. You don't need to be word perfect or stop at every punctuation mark to the point of rigidity; sometimes in the heat of the moment you may swap some words around or even ad-lib a bit, and that’s okay. The point being, by knowing your lines, they no longer take up any mental space so that you can be free enough to embody the character and play the scene.
The Part’s Past
Your character existed long before the audition scene you are given. Where did they grow up? What do they want more than anything? What are they afraid of? You can do fun exercises to create these details: write diary entries in character, create a playlist of their favourite songs, imagine their childhood bedroom, etc. You don't need a ten-page research document for every part you audition for - just enough to make your performative choices in the audition feel grounded and specific. The casting directors won’t get all of your backstory through watching your scene, but they will feel the depth of your character.
Steal from what’s Real
Personalising the relationship between your character and the person they are talking to in your audition scene is such a powerful tool. You can do this by identifying who from your real life reminds you of the character you're talking to in the scene. For example, rather than playing to a generic idea of a "friend" or "boss," anchor it to a real friend or boss in your own life. Alternatively, you can personalise your feeling: if you are playing someone who is disappointed for example, think about the last time in your life that you feel that sensation, and call on it during your performance. This method of substitution gives the scene authenticity that's hard to manufacture by any other way.
Dress to Impress
You don’t need to be in a full on costume for every audition. That said, don’t just stay in your comfy activewear and get it over with. Dressing close to the character helps casting picture you in the role without doing any extra work. Keep it on a suggestion level rather than a full commitment - a blazer, some accessories, a change in hairstyle or makeup can go a long way.
The Shell of the Self
How does this character carry themselves? Do they take up a lot of space or make themselves small? Do they move quickly or slowly? It is best to have fun and be in the body with this type of exploration: for example, you can put on a 15-minute timer, some music and just move around in your room to find your characterisation of the role; experiment with how this character would turn on the light switch, close the blinds, lie down, make a coffee, etc. Finding even one small physical detail - a particular posture, a way of holding tension, a pattern of breathing - gives your performance an anchor and makes your character feel lived-in from the first second of your audition.
For more acting and auditioning knowledge, book an Acting Coaching session with Self Centred Studio and we can provide you with a personalised session catered to your needs.