Preparing for Auditions

 Before  they even begin to see actors, directors and producers have a   script they believe in. When they start casting, they want to find  actors who  will make their script work.
  In  television, the  executive producers are almost always writers. In film,  directors very  often have also written or co-written the script. Not  surprisingly, all  these people view the story as being very important. So, it’s  in the  actor’s best interest to look at his or her character and scenes  and  figure out how they contribute to the storytelling, the tension, the   suspense, the humor, and the believability of the world that goes into   making a successful production.

  Even a  one-line character has  an important role in a script. Otherwise,  cost-conscious producers  wouldn’t be paying money to hire an additional  actor!

  You   can give a terrific “performance” in your audition but if you haven’t   made the scene work, chances are you will not get the job.

  Work on the script involves:

• Understanding the purpose of your role and scene within the context of the story and the project
•   Knowing what your character wants and how your character goes about achieving it
•   Exploring character relationships
•   Making active, exciting choices
• Identifying transitions and beats
  
• Finding and playing moments before and after
•   Understanding the style of the production

  Work  on the script changes with each audition. There are always new   questions, new challenges, and new solutions with every script you get.  

• Are you there to provide conflict to a main character?
•   Are you there to emphasize certain character traits of a lead character? (how kind they are, or how generous, or how evil) 
•   Are you there to provide a “plot point” and move the story along? 
•   Are you there to provide an important bit of exposition or information? 
•   If  the scene is with a star (especially those with casting  approval!),  what choices can you make that will make the star shine the  way he or  she wants to shine?

  Once  you understand how  your character and your scenes fit into the script,  you can do your  homework to make your character a living, breathing,  believable  participant in the story.

The  ultimate goal is for them not to  see any of the work you’ve done on the  script.  Once you're in the  room, trust that the work will stay with you.  Throw away the work and  just "play".  If the scene “works” and they believe you ARE the   character without your having to work at it...you’ve got a great shot at  getting the role! 

 In  addition to understanding the purpose of the scene and analyzing the   text, actors need to present themselves in such a way that producers  and  directors want to work with them.

  Ideally, at an audition an actor will be:

• Relaxed
• Natural
• Spontaneous
• Energetic
• Exuding confidence
• Listening and reacting in the moment
• Professional
• Able to take direction
• Displaying “charisma” 
• Looking like someone who'll be fun to work with, or at least not difficult.
  

  This  is a lot to accomplish, considering the high stakes and short  time you  have at an audition. But if you can have these qualities at an   audition, directors and producers figure you’ll have these qualities  on the set when it becomes REALLY important.

  Work  on the self  is a continual, ongoing process. Discoveries and progress  you make in  this area can carry over from one audition to the next.

You can work on specific ways to help you exude the qualities they’re looking for.

• Preparing yourself physically and mentally before you go in the room
• Relaxation and visualization techniques
• Knowing who you are and how you’re different from everybody else
• Dealing with mistakes in a professional manner
• Being prepared with alternate approaches in case they want to see it “another way”
• Using your script to help you, rather than hinder you
• Focusing on your work while taking in the environment
• Focusing on your work while interacting with others in the room

By   preparing yourself fully and knowing your choices and your lines,   you’ll be much more professional and confident at your audition.

  By  being comfortable with your unique qualities and knowing you’re  the best  at being who you are, you’ll have that “charisma” they want.