In Advance

Do:

1. Read the whole play.
2. Think about the world of the play.
3. Consider all possible parts you could play.
4. Read your scene or sides out loud at least five times—all the characters.
5. Make sure you understand what all the references mean, where the humor is, what the tone is and what happens in the scene.
6. Ask yourself two basic acting questions about the scene: “Who am I talking to?” and “What do I want?” (Hint: You don’t need to BE something, you need to DO something.)
7. Highlight your lines.
8. Get enough sleep.
9. Get enough water and healthy food.
10. Warm up your body and your voice.

Do not:

1. Memorize your lines.
2. Block (add full movement to) the scene.
3. Attempt to imitate a famous performance.
4. Schedule anything else for the rest of the evening.
5. Drink alcohol or extra caffeine.
6. Eat garlic or onions.
7. Forget to shower.

At the Audition

Do:

1. Wear good clothes but nothing distracting.
2. Wear or bring appropriate shoes.
3. Remove your jewelry.
4. Bring water in a bottle and some breath mints.
5. Bring your script, sides or scene and a pencil.
6. Show up early.
7. Sign in.
8. Read the rehearsal schedule very carefully.
9. Fill out the information card legibly and completely.
10. Turn off your cell phone in the lobby and keep it off.
11. Prepare to stay until you are dismissed.
12. Be willing and ready to read for other roles.
13. Have a positive, upbeat, courteous and courageous attitude.
14. During the scene: stand in 1/4 position, speak clearly, listen closely, breathe fully, make eye contact with your scene partner, allow yourself to be nervous.
15. Take direction if it is given.
16. Show everyone you are a team player and easy work with.

Do not:

1. Talk, sleep or distract anyone during someone else’s audition.
2. Use any media devices of any kind in the audition room.
3. Bring food except an energy bar if you need it.
4. Chew gum.
5. Apologize for your performance.
6. Criticize your performance.
7. Look at anyone but your scene partner during the scene.
8. Ask the director too many questions.
9. Be difficult or expect special treatment.

After the Audition

Do:

1. Thank everyone who facilitated your audition.
2. Leave the building.
3. Relax.

Do not:

1. Leave anything in the audition room, including trash.
2. Hang around in the lobby talking.
3. Beat yourself up about your audition.
4. Criticize anybody else’s audition.
5. Make any assumption about the casting.
6. Give it another thought until the cast list is posted.
7. Forget that it’s only a play.

Auditioning Tips

• Read the play!
• Perusal scripts are available in the Thompson Hall lobby.
• Check the libraries.
• Order from Dramatist Play Service or Samuel French.
• Order from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
• Ask if there are certain scenes that will be read.
• Practice reading out loud.
• If you have a reading disability, let the director know.
• Know the main characters.
• University Theatre doesn’t need a resume: we use a casting card.
• Choice of roles: Write what you are most interested in, but it is a good idea to say that you will accept any or all roles.

Appearance

• Attitude and first impression: From the minute you walk in, you are auditioning.
• Be professional.
• Dress appropriately. No T-shirts, flip flops, halter tops or cutoffs.
• Get hair away from face; shave.
• Make the director remember you: Wear a memorable color, scarf, tie, etc.
• Fill out your card correctly and print legibly.
• Be honest, but earnest.
• Come freshly showered with deodorant—easy on the cologne and aftershave.

Reading the scene

• Hold the script with one hand and use the opposite thumb to hold one’s place in the script.
• Hold script away from face.
• Memorize the first line if possible.
• Look up—the director needs to see you face.
• Make sure your partner is ready.
• Take a deep breath, relax.
• Don’t rush!!!
• Look at the first few words, look up and say the line like you meant it.
• Make eye contact with your partner; communicate.
• Listen and react to your partner—half of acting is reacting to what your partner says.
• If you mess up the beginning, don’t worry. Don’t apologize. Don’t go back and correct yourself.
• If you are after several people who have read the same way, read the part differently. Make a BOLD CHOICE.
• If director asks you to do something different in interpretation, go for it. The director is asking to see versatility.
• If director asks you to read a part you don’t want or like, do it anyway. This shows your versatility.
• Pronunciation: If you don’t know the word, hopefully you will see it before you read it and ask. If not, just go for it—don’t stop in the middle of the reading.
• Read differently for different characters.
• Don’t just say lines. Split them up: “He had these (think and remember) funny little legs (visualize) and he used to (reach for the word) splash about in puddle…”

Vocal

• Projection: Be loud so the director can hear you. Read to the back of the house. If you are asked to be louder, you must do so.
• Diction: Enunciate consonants, no lazy tongues.
• Accents: If not called for, don’t use. If you have one, try to get rid of it.
• Dialects: If the play called for a dialect, don’t do it unless you are very good at one. If the director asks you to do one, try!

Body

• Posture is important—stand up straight.
• Walk tall.
• Control body—don’t sway or use extraneous movement.
• Several steps and a cross here and there, but no wandering around the stage.
• Open your body out to the audience- 1/4 open.