Audition/Acting tips

(this article first appeared in issue #5 of The New Cloud City Gazette)

 I wouldn't call myself a professional actor except in the very strictest sense (I've been paid), but I've been doing the community theater thing for a long time.  When I audition, I tend to get cast.  Today I'd like to share a few audition & acting tips.

Pick a show that you're going to like.  Acting is work.  Every show is at least a two-month commitment, with rehearsals three or more times a week.  If it turns out that you don't like the play, it will soon be evident in your performance.

Dress comfortably for your audition; don't dress for the part you want and don't wear your fancy clothes.  You may be asked to move (in fact, I encourage it), or even dance. 

I'll go over four types of auditions and how to prepare for them:

1. Monologue.  This is a brief (1 or 2 minute speech) that displays your range. 
   
   You get to choose and prepare your own monologue.  Choose something unusual - assume that they've heard Joe Pesci's scene from "Goodfellas" a million times already.  Don’t just opt for your favorite movie scene.  What you want is something that you can do well, and that reflects a major theme of the play - if it’s a comedy, you want to show off your comedic timing.  If it’s a drama, be vulnerable.  A thriller - be scary.  Keep a few different monologues in your arsenal, and practice them once in a while.
   
   You should have your monologue thoroughly memorized.  Practice in front of the mirror, sure, but also recruit an honest friend.  When you perform it, your goal is to make the audience feel what your character is feeling.  Do not hold back.  Use your voice, your face, your entire body.  Move around.  
   
   
2. Cold reading.  You're given a "side piece," which is a bit of the script of the play you're hoping to be cast in.  You're usually given a couple of minutes to read it over, then you read one character's part aloud with other actors, or by yourself with an assistant reading the other parts.  
   
   You can, of course, always get a copy of the script and read it beforehand, but that's not really necessary.  When you receive the side, read it over to yourself.  Try to understand what's really happening in the scene, and how your character feels about it.  When you read, feel that emotion.  Trust me, it will show.
   
   Remember that, when you are on stage, you are always acting -- even when it is not your turn to speak.  React to what other people are saying.  This makes their performance, and yours, more real. 
   
   Don't be afraid to move during a cold read!  
   
   
3. Musical.  You'll be asked to prepare a certain amount of a song - the audition notice will tell you what type of song and how much to prepare, usually measured in "bars" or "measures."  If you don't read sheet music, don't panic.  "Bars" are marked off by thin vertical lines; just count those to learn how much of the song you should prepare to sing.
   
   However, not knowing how to read music means that you should probably get help to practice your piece.  It can be difficult to know when to start singing if you've never worked with an accompanist.  As a rule, they don't want to hear any a cappella auditions, nor any recorded music.  On the bright side, most accompanists are very helpful and understanding.  They will, if asked, give you the starting note, and even a nod when you should begin.  
   
   But practice as best as you can, anyway.  Like the monologue, you should know this piece cold.  Your song should never be from the auditioning play.  Pick something memorable that shows off your abilities, and don't just sing it, act it.  Treat it like a monologue set to music - make them feel something. 
   
   
4. Dance.  Yes - you will have to dance.  And it's not as hard as it looks, but again, you may have to prepare.  
   
   Choreographers have an idea of what they want at least one dance to look like, and they will try to teach everyone a part of it in fifteen minutes or less.  The good news is: this complicated routine will consist of about 8-12 basic steps.  It is intended to weed out those who simply cannot be taught.
   
   Classes are great, but they do cost money.  We live in the age of YouTube, so that's a nice option.  In the privacy of your own home, you can become comfortable with basic theater dance steps.
   
   When you are in the middle of a dance audition, you must look as if you’re enjoying yourself, even if you’re concentrating so hard that you’re sweating bullets.  Smile as you’re going through the steps.  

One last thing to remember is that you can do everything right and still not get a part.  Sometimes it just comes down to the director wanting a particular type of appearance, and you can’t do anything about that.  Sometimes roles are pre-cast.  I don’t care for the practice, but it happens.  Don’t let it discourage you.

So now you’ve been cast.  Now what?

Obviously, you need to memorize your lines.  That doesn’t happen magically.  Study on your own time.  Show up to every rehearsal that you can.  Always notify your stage manager when you can’t make it.  These are basic courtesies; most directors will go over them (and more) at the first meeting.

Don’t eat while you’re in costume.

Be quiet backstage during a live show.

Don’t walk around barefoot.  Like, never.  

You’ll be rehearsing scenes repeatedly, sometimes with only minor changes.  If you don’t understand a direction, ask for clarification.  Always bring a pencil, and write down your blocking.

My favorite director shared a bit of advice that I’ve never forgotten:  Nearly every story is really about love.  It’s a universal human condition.  In every show, in every scene, look for the love.  If it isn’t in the words, it’s in the subtext, or in the actions.  If you can find it, then you will connect with your audience every time.

You’re never alone on stage, even if you are.  A lot of people work very hard to produce a show, are working very hard to make you look good.  Rely on your fellow actors, your crew, and do all you can to make them look good, too.  If you get a chance, work backstage once in a while.  It gives you perspective.  

The most important advice I can give, and the one I want to leave you with is:  Relax and have fun.  Most of the theatre kiddies are good and supportive people.  This is a worthwhile and enriching activity.