Tips on how to Audition
By: Avery Hamelin
I cannot tell you how many times that I have answered emails from anxious aspiring performers who love their craft but cannot get over the anxieties of the initial appointment with agents, or the pressure of auditions. Frequently asked questions are “what do I need to prepare?” “What are they looking for?” “How easy do you think it will be to get a job?” These vaguely formulated question in which I am often responsible for answering are painful at best because making a good impression is easy the image you exude. Here of some easy tips to impress the toughest critics:
Dress professionally
Nothing is more displeasing to a business professional than seeing an applicant dressed in a lycra mini skirt and belly baring midriff top. Likewise goes for a man sporting some sunday sweats, and a baggy t-shirt. “Business Casual” is the key term here and is defined as dressing appropriately, and stylishly, without looking like a stock-broker. Think your style just isn’t up to standard? You don’t have to frequent style blogs and achieve an over-the-top runway look. Zara, Reitmans, and the Gap are fabulous examples of sites that piece together their daywear collections to make it easy to get that effortlessly fashionable look. Remember that the perfect style is dependent also on the purpose of the audition. If you are meant to do an active monologue, or are dancing, dress appropriately for the occasion! Feeling great about how you look with improve your performance and your chances of landing the job.
Arrive on Time!
This industry has absolutely no time to wait for those have no merit to do so. I am always amazed at first time audition’s who show up late, make excuses, or make the willful choice to not show up at all. This is one of the most unappealing qualities that an agent/director can see. If they are hiring a performer hair, wardrobe, experience level can be changed and built upon. However, your ability to be punctual for a shoot? Not so much! Show that you are a professional and that you can be relied upon by showing up at least 10-15 minutes before your scheduled audition/appointment.
Stay Current
There is no excuse for not knowing the show your auditioning for, the specifics of your monologue/song/dance/photoshoot/ etc., and not having memorized the audition itself. The entertainment industry is constantly changing and it is important that one stay current with shows and current trends, and it is imperative that you are prepared to audition. Never memorize your piece days before the audition, this will spell disaster. Prepare, prepare, PREPARE, so that you will be able to perform at your best.
Finally, it is important that you RELAX! Be yourself, don’t stress out, and remember that it’s all about having personality as well as showing that you are a professional who is willing to work and can fit the standard. Hope that these tips are helpful.xo
