The tip to a successful audition is to choose a monologue you actually like! Luckily the library has shelves and shelves filled with books on monologues, so finding one should be a snap. Make sure you practice with your speech over and over until you are comfortable. You have to know your character inside and out to make it believable. Don’t be afraid to explore your character. Ask questions about who they are talking to (or about), what they are going through, what year is it, what are they like. Dig deep into them and figure out exactly who you are playing.

One of the biggest mistakes an actor can make is not memorizing the lines well enough. Even if you think you know all your lines, run through them again. And again, and again, and again! Then take a break. Don’t even think about your lines for a day or two. If you still have it memorized by then, you are in safe waters. But just make sure you know your monologue like the back of your hand. This is so important.

You have your lines memorized and you are in for your audition. What now? First off, don’t look at the floor. You would be surprised at how many first time actors actually do this. Pretend whoever your character is talking to is actually there! Imagine them sitting in front of you. Pace around, yell at them, point towards them. After all, there may be nobody there, but you want the director and producers to think there is. Once you have them believing it, you are closer to that big role. Just don’t place your imaginary person where the casting director is sitting. They hate it when you stare at them while going through your lines.

If you remember these few tips, you should have no issue in your next (or first) audition. Just remember, when it comes to monologues you have to know what you are saying and make it believable. Choose a piece that really sticks out to you, make it your own, and remember it. Recite it every hour if you have to, just make sure you really know the lines.

As always, break a leg!

Part 2 under….

BSM: When an actor gets in the audition room, what qualities make you take notice?
MG: I immediately notice if an actor is prepared. That means doing the research before hand to know about the project, to research all the players (ie: director, writer, producer, casting) and to have a good sense of the character and material. It is always apparent if an actor is asking a well thoughtout question or if they are just asking a question to fill time and to stay in the room longer. I always tell actors, if you do all the necessary leg work, come in prepared, make a choice, and show your stuff. You can leave and feel good about what you’ve shown us. Of course, there is that certain ’something’ that is apparent immediately in some actors. Very few have it, but those that are blessed with that “IT” factor, can usually get away with more in the audition room because they are special enough for a CD to work with. There has to be a likability in any actor. I always say, ‘how can i watch this person the whole movie, how am I suppose to care about this person on screen .’ Most of the actors that have made the best impression on me have not been cast for that particular project. It is always 2 or 3 or 4 projects down the road and that first impression lasted enough for me to continue to bring them in and to find the right part for them.

You can read the rest of this fantastic interview here.

Well, guess what? The casting directors get nervous too! Here’s a snippet from an article by a director:

There. The secret’s out. Directors get very nervous about auditions. Well, at least this director does. Will anyone come? Did I pick the right sides for people to read? I’ve said accents at this point aren’t important…but what if they are? What if I forgot something? What if I didn’t make enough copies of the forms? WHAT IF NO ONE COMES?

You can read the rest of the article here.  So when you go into that next audition, just remember, you are most likely not the ONLY one who is nervous.

Hundreds or even thousands of people audition just to play a part in a movie or show. Look at the interview with Sterling Knight who revealed he auditioned for a part in New Moon and High School Musical 4. He didn’t get the part in New Moon and doesn’t think he will get the part in HSM4, but he’s not giving up! And we know another role will come along for him because he has talent and experience. He is a good example of someone who kept and continues to get turned down for roles, but again…he doesn’t give up.

Another good example is American Idol that went across the country just to choose 24 finalists that will begin their season’s show. Talent and experience played a part for those who made it and this is the same for those who decide to pursue an acting career.

The Audition

Everyone knows that your big break in the entertainment industry begins with the audition. There are many held in different parts of the country and if you are a beginner with no training, you won’t do that well and chances are, you will just make a big fool of yourself. No offense. We are just trying to give it straight to you here and save you some heartache and disappointment.

Just think, how many times did you laugh when someone who tried to be the next American Idol wore a hideous costume or sang out of tune?  It may not be funny if you were the one in front of the camera but then again, that is what happens when you go in unprepared.

More under….

Get Some Experience

This is why people who want to become aspiring actors and actresses should think about enrolling in acting classes. Does everyone need acting classes? No, but it can give you confidence, experience and one leg up on your competition. And believe me, the competition out there if fierce!

You also want to get  involved in school plays or small productions because the experience you get there will be very useful when you decide to break out and let the world know who YOU are.

Your Portfolio

After attending a few classes and workshops, this is the time you need to take a few headshots and prepare your portfolio. When you go to an audition, this is what the casting director will be looking at as well as judging your performance.

You Don’t Get the Job, Now What?

If you don’t get the part, try to find work as an extra as this will give you a better understanding of how shows and movies are made. You may even get the chance to talk to the actors and actresses present so they can give you a few tips and pointers which you can use.

When you are ready, find out when there is an audition or casting call taking place. You can also get this through the web. Some of these charge people a fee just to look at the listings so before you pay a dime, find out if this site is really worth value for your money.

Part of being an actor is joining the union. This depends of course on which media you are specializing in so you could sign up with the Screen Actor’s Guild or the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.Being a member will help you land a job whenever there is an opening and make sure you are paid correctly for the skills that you have provided.

Talent alone will not always guarantee that you get the part when you go for an audition. This is because most casting directors also look at your work experience.

Be Patient

If you want to a successful acting career, don’t jump in with your head first and expect to be a star overnight. You have to be patient just like an infant learning to walk for the first time. Be open minded and be willing to learn because being successful in this craft never ends.

You may not get this from reading books but by playing different roles and talking to those in the business.

What matters here is the hard work you are willing to put in and the fact that you will overcome whatever obstacles are thrown your way. And there will be obstacles! It’s all part of the business.

Here are some tips for pursuing an acting career:

1. Be prepare for everything. Prepare yourself physically. You have to look your best at your every audition. To achieve this, you have to take care of yourself. Improve both on your physical and mental capacity. It will also help if you will practice rehearsing dialogues or plainly, speaking in front of many people.

Your physical appearance is an investment and even though you may not like it, it does matter. It’s not beauty that matters, it’s the fact that you look like you take care of yourself and that you have self-confidence. We don’t all need to look like Angelina Jolie to have a successful acting career.

You must also be ready emotionally. You cannot get everything you want in an instant. You might experience a lot of rejections first even before you get your first callback. It will be best if while on the process of going through auditions, you have a part time job that can suffice your every day needs. You can also treat this phase as something fun and enjoyable. This way, you will not take the rejections too hard or too personal.

2. Learn the ropes. If you want to be taken seriously as an actor, present yourself as one. It will help if you will meet the right people, especially an agent who will represent you and find you audition schedules. You have to know where that action is taking place. You don’t necessarily have to live there. But it will be less expensive if you do. If you can find small gigs on the locations where the auditions are usually going on, then that will be much better.

Establish friendships with the people that you will meet along your audition rounds. You never know who will bring you luck and fortune in the future.

3. Be the master of the craft. Watch a lot of movies and learn how the actors attack their roles. Read aloud dialogues from scripts. Read books and references that can help you improve and where you can learn a lot from.

4. Be careful in hiring an agent. Do not believe those who will make you pay even if they still haven’t found you a job. That’s when they are supposed to get money from you. They get certain percentage as commission for the work that they helped you find. They are your allies. They must know your strong points so that they will instantly think of you for roles that fit you right.

Take all of these tips seriously and realize that the road may be rough, but if you keep pursuing your dream and you have a positive attitude, it can happen!