This evening I will be in downtown Pittsburgh to audition for some plays that will premiere late spring/summer 2018. I’m looking forward to it as I haven’t done theater in a while! I’m excited to get my hands on a good script and to work with a solid group of actors who are professional (yet down to earth); making the best combination for a productive environment to work in as a performer. Needless to say, this audition, has inspired me to share some tips with any of you actors out there (or newbies just getting your feet wet) on what is necessary for you to “book the gig”!
•WHAT TO WEAR
Auditions should be treated with the same respect as an interview. So that being said, keep your sweats and leggings at home! Women should wear clothing (nice blouse/sweater/top/dress) that compliments their skin tone and the the same technique goes for men (dress shirt/sweater/top). There is no need to get glamourous (unless that's you're thing), but dress professionally. Bright solid colors work great for people with medium to dark skin (like a deep pink or emrald) as lighter colors compliment fair skin (such as a pale blue or pastel colors). Jeans should be clean, not wrinkled, and preferably exempt of rips and holes. Your hair should look the same or at least close to how you have it styled in your head shots. Women, if you wear heels to your audition, I advise rehearsing in them so that you feel comfortable and balanced. You don't want the slightest thing to throw you off; there's enough pressure to nail your monologue (in front of a panel of people you don't know who will determine whether or not you make the cut)! Men, if you wear sneakers, then they better be "fresh" (i.e. brand new or squeeky clean). Finally, women, refrain from makeup overload (i.e. blush, eye shadow, liner, loud lipstick, etc). You can contour and do your thing, but keep it in the realm of "no makeup-makeup". You want the casting director, producers, agent, director (or whoever you're auditioning for) to see you and your talent. You don't want them to think you're un-castable or stereotype you.
•MONOLOGUES
Make sure that you have at least one monologue prepared just in case. Some auditions don't require it anymore (having actors do "cold reads" from the script of the production). But sometimes it is necessary to be seen so you need to be agile. Choose a monologue either stage or from film that suits your strengths (i.e. relatable: the character is in your age range and their words resonate with your life). I also recommend, for the serious actors, to have 2 "contrasting" monologues prepared (one dramatic/one comedic OR one contemporary-current/one classical such as "Shakespeare"). There are cases where you may be asked to do another monologue or provide 2 right off the bat. Some panels (directors, casting directors, agents, producers, etc.) running the audition process like to see the actor's range and this gives you the opportunity to show what you're capable of! I have 2 monolgoues on standby that I'm ready to whip out if called upon and I recommend the same for you. Opportunity can arise out of the blue at any given moment.
•HEAD SHOTS
Make sure you have at least 2-5 head shots on you when you go to your audition. I recommend keeping a stack in your home so you don't have to print off one at a time. You want to have extras on you when you go because you never know who you may meet. Actors have been discovered in gyms, cafes, or minding their business as they walk down the street. Be ready at all times! If you don't have professional head shots then I recommend that you make arrangements to invest in some. You can do your research and find a plethora of photographers in your area (especially in NYC and Pittsburgh) to choose from. But for the time being, you can simply print off a nice selfie that has a clean background (no items or people photo-bombing behind you). I've done this myself and my selfies are actually better than pictures others have taken of me! You can print off some copies at Walgreens, Fed Ex, CVS, whichever you prefer. Your head shot should be 8x10.
After you have your pictures, make sure that you print off copies of your resume (credentials of productions you were in prior). You can search online for "acting resume templates" so you know how to form your resume. When you staple your resume to your head shot make sure you cut it down to size; simply by cutting off any excess paper (cut around your head shot).
•BE YOURSELF
Finally and most importantly, "be yourself"! Auditioning can be overwhelming if you're not prepared or have little experience with it. The best advice I can give from one thespian to another is to be true to who you are. Don't try to impress anyone or be something that you think the panel wants to see. Also refrain from comparing yourself to other actors who are present at the audition with you. They're just as anxious as you are! If you don't book the audition, don't sweat it because you will book another one. But, I'm sure that following these tips that I have shared from my "actor's tool box" to yours will give you an advantage to make the best possible impression.
•FINAL THOUGHTS
Arrive early at least 15-20 minutes. I personally recommend 30 minutes early so you can relax and maybe even get seen early if there’s a no show (some auditions go by time slots and if an actor doesn't show for their's then you can be seen early making a good first impression). Below are links to “casting resources” in Pittsburgh, NYC, and some general online resources that provide notices for projects across the country.
PITTSBURGH:
Pittsburgh Film Office
Pittsburgh Public Theater https://ppt.org/ppt_home/about/work-with-us/auditions
Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company
12 Peers Theater
NYC: Backstage magazine (available at The Drama Book Shop: 250 W. 40th St between 7th and 8th Ave) http://www.dramabookshop.com/
https://www.backstage.com/
GENERAL:
Actor’s Access
Playbill
Casting Networks
Broadway World
For more information on what it takes to hang in this business and some tips for getting started checkout my “Mini Actors’ Workshop” Post
Santé
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