Audition Tips

Your Acting Career Starts with That Oh So Important Audition

Your acting career starts with that oh-so-important audition. This is where casting directors look for talented individuals that will soon play a part in a commercial, show or movie. The audition is extremely important and can make or break your career. Not that one bad audition can destroy your chances, it’s just important to be prepared when you go in.

Auditions are held on a regular basis so you should hire an agent. Especially if you are looking for Disney auditions. 99% of the time they are closed and require an agent. I know you have seen sites that list where to send your resume and headshot, but very rarely will you get a part on the Disney Channel just by sending in a tape and a picture. Do you want to be on the Disney Channel? Are you looking for auditions for Disney? Get an agent!

On the day of the audition, dress neatly and casually. Get there early so you will have to compose and relax before your name is called up. You do not want to look sloppy, look  like you are trying too hard or be a nervous wreck because you are late.

When your name is called, give the casting director your headshot and resume then do your thing on stage. Most auditions will require you to do a one or two minute monologue (here’s an example of a monologue) and then read from a part of a script. Some will give the audition script days in advance so you can already practice it.
You will then be interviewed so don’t be shy and answer each question to the best of your ability. If they accept you, then that is great! If they feel you have the talent but not for the part they are looking for, better luck next time. They are usually looking for something or someone very specific.

Just because you may not be right for this particular part, doesn’t mean you aren’t right for the next one. Just read a few articles about how several of the different Disney stars got started. They definitely had to audition more than once before what they felt was their big break!

Most auditions take about 2 hours and aside from the casting director, there will be others watching. If you happen to miss the audition due to an important matter, see if you can arrange a private audition. It is even possible to send your audition by mail by sending them the tape or uploading your video to their website. But, being there in person is best. They want to be able to interact with you and they can’t do that through an audition tape.

While the audition is the starting point of your acting career, you should do some research so you know who they are and their reputation because there are scam artists who use this to victimize people. If they charge you an entrance fee to attend the audition forget about it. Should everything check out, do your best to impress the casting director.

Being accepted during the audition does not yet guarantee you have a part because you are part of a pool of talents that will be closely be examined by the network executives. If you don’t get the part, they may offer you another position and this could be a supporting role or one of the extras in the set.

It’s very common for someone to audition for one part and end up getting another. If you have a great audition, they may remember you for when another role comes up!

Is it demeaning? Not really and don’t forget that this is how some actors and actresses first started before being given the chance to play a starring role. After the project is done, you can add this to your resume. Which is huge!

Landing a part is not easy and you will probably be rejected plenty of times before someone finally says otherwise. So attend additional acting classes and offer your services elsewhere, which is the best way to sharpen your craft.

When another audition is scheduled, forget about what happened before and just stay focused on the task at hand. As an actor or actress, you have to be a professional because that is the norm in the entertainment business.

Just come to the audition prepared and play the part to the best of your ability for a few minutes which may sometimes feel like an eternity. Who knows? Maybe this time things will be different so you can walk out the door with a smile on your face and look forward to a promising acting career which you have been dreaming about for a very long time.

Good luck and most importantly, have fun!!