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!

Timing- it is the ability to ‘move and speak in a precise manner’ at the right moment for maximum impact and the pacing of action.

Rhythm- It is the ability to understand and put into good use the rhythmic expression of a play.

Style- it is the ability to absorb and produce a particular manner of presentation. This is sometimes characterized by the director’s vision, company agreement or any conventional mode of presentation.

Pace- it is the ability to regulate the speed of delivery and action, dictated by dramatic potential.

Atmosphere- it is the ability to create atmosphere, which can also be considered self belief and confidence in one’s self that makes the audience believe.

Interaction- it is how one communicates, as well as reacts with other actors and identify themselves with the roles they play.Characterization- it is the ability to create a believable character within a role – through discussion, improvisation, analysis, understanding, belief, faith, living the part,  imagination, faith and a sense of truth and emotion memory

Emotional impact- it is the ability to feel the right emotions within the role, and communicate them to the audience.

Focus – it is the ability to hold the attention of actors and audience, as well as the direct attention of the audience to specific persons or areas on the stage

Sustain – it is also the ability to sustain a role through an entire play, as well as sustain momentum, mood, atmosphere and pace as required.

Generosity – it is the ability to offer something to play off to others and the ability to allow focus to be with other actors.

Stillness- it is, on the other hand, the ability to show thoughts and emotions without movement.

Spatial awareness- is the ability to create space around self and other actors; positioning – in relation to each other/to audience; physical movement on stage; utilisation of props or set designs.

Breath control- this is also the ability  to  control  breath  for  vocal projection; for physical control of energy and use of voice

Stamina- is the ability “to maintain energy, sustain role or momentum”

Strength – is the ability to maintain stamina, fitness for physical and vocal control; for emotional control – carrying it through (emotional tension/sensation is physically

Relaxation- this is the ability to use voice and body without damage ability to use voice and body without damage and allows emotions to come through within character at points of high tension.

Control – meanwhile, is the ability to have power over one’s voice and manipulate it at will.

Good actors must possess a number of skills, among them good vocal projection, clarity of speech, physical expressiveness, a good sense of perspective, emotional availability, a well developed imagination, the ability to analyze and understand dramatic text, and the ability to emulate or generate emotional and physical conditions.

Take good note of all that were mentioned here, since acting is an artistic approach to character portrayal, and a good means for entertainment and for you to make the most out of it, making the most of available resources for your acting career will surely get you a long, long way.

Here are a few notes for you on establishing a good acting career:

- If you are new to show business and do not know where to go to for professional help, try to look around for reputable casting firms who could provide you with expert advice on how to evaluate your acting skill and what good roles may be suited for you.

- Make the most out of audition calls, since this is where you may be able to test yourself for roles that are available in the market.

- Sometimes it helps to work freelance, however, having an agent gives you more opportunities in landing opportunities for audition and casting calls. Take note that agents are the first ones to know of any available roles that are being cast for movies or shows.

- Choosing a good casting or agent is important, especially for amateur actors who still do not have much idea about how to scout for good acting roles. An agent can help you find the most suitable roles for you.
- There is always the risk of devoting too much time to balance between work and the demands of an acting career, especially when juggling a professional career and an acting venture.

- Always be sure to keep your word and always maintain a decent and professional demeanor. It does not matter whther you are an artist or not, you are still expected to maintain a professional air.

- Always make sure to prepare materials that you may need to promote yourself like audition tapes, resumes, headshots, portfolios, etc. Keep it handy all the time, you’ll never know when a good opportunity comes up.

- Always keep yourself updated and headstrong by joining acting workshops and advanced acting programs or projects that will help you continue to polish your acting skills, preparing you for better chances of landing good roles in the future.

- Make it a point to always put your best foot forward and always make sure that you are always ready to take on a variety of roles and characters, which is a good sign of your acting versatility and dynamic personality.

- Not everybody can make it successfully in an acting career, regardless of how hard one should try. Be ready to take on criticism and even skepticism, but taking it more of a constructive feedback rather than a disappointing twist.

- Always focus on things that you think that will always let you propel your acting career.

In 2006, the median hourly salary of most actors was close to $12. Majority earned around $8 to $22 while those in the higher levels earned a little over $51. Because most of these projects are short term, it is difficult to determine how much you actually learn on a given year.

If you are in demand right now, producers and directors will call you up while you are working on a current project.

Who Sets the Standards?

The one who sets the standards in terms of how much a stage actor earns depends on the Actor’s Equity Association while the Screen Actor’s Guild will cover those working in movies, television and commercials. If you happen to be a radio studio performer, the one handling that will be the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

In short, you have to join a union in order to have an acting career. But this does not mean that you can’t negotiate for a higher salary if you feel you deserve it. Some are members of two or three of them at the same time because they work in several media.

SAG and AFTRA

Actors who are members of either SAG or AFTRA earn a minimum daily rate of $759 or $2,634 for a week. They will also receive contributions to their health and pension plans as well as compensation for reruns and foreign telecasts of the productions in which they appear. There will also be paid vacations and sick leave which is something you contributed to.

Broadway & Theaters

If you happen to have a job in Broadway, as of June 2007, you can earn about $1,509 a week. Actors in Off-Broadway theaters will earn from $516 to $976 a week and this depends on the seating capacity of the theater.

For those working in regional theaters, you could earn $544 to $840 per week. Should you go on tour, there is an additional allowance of $113 per day for living expenses which could go up to $119 depending on the cost of living of the city you are visiting.

Hollywood

Not every actor working in Hollywood earns above the minimum and if you are just starting out, the same thing is going to happen to you. In fact, many of SAG members only earn an annual salary of $5,000 per year so they have to find other ways to supplement their low incomes.

It takes a while before your acting career really gets off the ground when all you have done in the past is play as an extra or have a supporting role. If you think about it that is where everyone started because you have to prove your worth to the producers and directors who makes shows and movies.

Remember that every time they have a project, they expect it to do well with the public. This may not always mean an Academy award or a Grammy. With that, the sky is the limit when it comes to how much you can really make during your acting career.

Part 2 under….