Preparing for an Audition Acting Tech Advanced Acting

Preparing for an Audition Acting Tech. & Advanced Acting MVHS 2008

My First Steps l Research the show you are auditioning for: l Check out the script and read it cover to find out what the story is about and what characters you might want play l Protect yourself! l Do not audition for a show and not know what you are getting yourself into

Find Out the Requirements l Make sure to read the audition notice very carefully and that you understand what is required for that particular audition. l If no requirements are available on the audition notice, contact the directors to find out what they are looking for.

Possible Requirements l Straight Play: l Professional Resume and Head Shot l Dramatic/Comedic Monologue (some times you need 2 monologues) l Use a Dramatic monologue if the show is a dramatic piece l Use a Classical monologue if the show is classical l Use a Contemporary/Modern monologue if the show is contemporary/modern l Use a Comedic monologue if the show is a comedy

Possible Audition Requirements l Musical: l Professional Resume and Head Shot l Dance Audition (bring comfortable clothing) l Monologue and 16 measures(32 bars) of a song (preferably from a Broadway musical) l Monologues and songs must be chosen to fit the show’s requirements. You must also provide your own sheet music for the accompanist l Ex. If it is a comedic musical, provide a comedic monologue and song

Choosing A Monologue l Find a monologue that matches the tone of the show you are auditioning for: l Comedy Comedic monologue l Dramatic monologue l Classical monologue l Contemporary monologue

Choosing a Monologue l Find a monologue that is unique and age appropriate l Do not do a monologue with a character who is WAY older than you in age. Play someone close to your age so that it is more believable. l Find a monologue that is special and that most people might not use a million times over.

Classical l Classical: l MONOLOGUES: l Shakespeare, l MUSICALS: under l 42 nd 1900 and under Greek Plays, Chekhov, Moliere “Golden Age” 1940 -1960 and Street, Annie, Anything Goes, Bye Birdie, Carousel, Guys and Dolls, South Pacific, West Side Story, The Music Man

Contemporary l Contemporary: l MONOLOGUES: 1945 -present l MUSICALS: 1960 -present l Phantom, Urine Town, Chess, Rent, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Wicked

Practice! l Memorize your monologue l Directors dislike it when an actor has to read from a script at an audition l Practice l You your blocking will only be given a chair and no props to work with

Practice! l Practice your voice and where you are going to take pauses l Directors want to hear how you use your voice and dislike it when it is monotone l Make sure to use levels throughout your monologue l Make it interesting to watch and listen to l Practice your facial expressions in front of a mirror.

Musicals l Make sure to practice your song several times with an accompanist before your audition. l DO NOT LET THE AUDITION BE THE FIRST TIME YOU HAVE RUN THROUGH THE SONG! l Make sure that you have the lyrics memorized as well and that you have stage presence while singing.

Resume l. A resume provides the director with all of the information he/she may need in considering you for a role: l Contact Information: name, address, phone number, email address l Physical Information: height, age, hair and eye color l Previous Experience with acting l Awards Won and Special Talents

Tips: l Make the resume NO LONGER than a page l l Directors see hundreds of actors a day and do not have time to read over a page Make it pleasing to the eye and easy to read Resumes MUST BE TYPED! l Directors mostly just glance at these at the beginning of your audition l l Be short and concise with your information l Directors do not have the time to read your life’s story

Resume Example

Head Shots l An 8 x 10, black and white, glossy photo of an actor from the shoulders up l Must be a recent photo of you l Can be very expensive l Not always required for an audition, but you should ask the director beforehand

Head Shot Example

At the Audition l Make sure to sign up for an audition time (if available) l Show up 15 minutes before your audition time l Dress professionally (try to stay away from all black) l Have extra copies of your resume, head shot, monologues, etc. if needed

While Auditioning l Take a deep breath and relax l Walk in with confidence l Introduce yourself in a professional matter: l “Good evening. My name is Karla Quinones and I will be performing two monologues for you this evening. The first will be ______ by ______ and the second will be ______ by ______. ”

While Auditioning l Feel free to take a few seconds in between each selection to collect yourself as well as give the directors time to evaluate your performance. l Once you are finished, say “Thank you” l DO NOT bad-mouth your performance, the performance of others, or the directors until you are in the safety of your own home!

After the Audition l Depending on the company the following may happen: l There will be a cast list or call-back list posted to inform you of the parts that were cast or those who need to be called back for a second audition. l CALL BACKS: this is when the director needs to see you perform one more time for various reasons. Just because you did not get called back does not mean you are not in the production.

After the Audition l Some directors will call you and let you know about the part you were awarded or if you did not get cast. l Make sure you find out when the first rehearsal is so that you show up to it and are ready to go!

Your Final l l You will be asked to audition for a production in the class. You will prepare 2 monologues: Your choice of STYLE: l COMEDIC/DRAMATIC l CLASSICAL/CONTEMPORARY You will also prepare a professional resume to present to the director Your audition should last 5 minutes: no more, no less