Auditioning for a play

Before you audition, it’s important to conduct research. Become well acquainted with the show in question. Get a feel for the style so you can choose an audition piece that fits.

Nowadays you can find many scripts at your local library or bookstore. Sometimes you can even find it online! If you can’t read the script, at least read summaries of the plot and characters. 

Here are some tips to help choose your audition piece:

• Become acquainted with the visual style from past productions by looking up pictures, videos, and websites.
  YouTube is great for this – but remember not all videos are equal. 

• Become acquainted with the background of the show. 

  • Did the show receive awards? For what? 

  • Any well-known performers famous for their roles in this show? 

  • Famous production staff (directors, composers, choreographers, etc)?

• Understand how the characters fit into the show and plot, and which ones might suit your abilities. 

• Use the above information to influence your choice of monologue, attire, and character. 

Even if the audition panel seems intimidating, try to relax and put your best foot forward!

what to do for your audition:

• Prepare and bring a resume & headshot (even if you don’t have a headshot, a professional-looking resume is a must, even if it doesn’t contain much experience.) 

• Audition on the earliest day possible (while you can still *wow* the panel… and before they have mentally cast the show without you) 

• Be prepared. Know your character, lines, levels, and research without hesitation. 

• Arrive vocally warmed up and physically loose (continue to warm up until you perform, if allowed). 

• Choose a monologue that is similar to the play in author, humor, character, or style of the show based on your research. Reading the full script helps you pick a monologue! 

• Dress professionally. This is the same as a job interview, but be prepared to move as well so your character doesn’t feel stiff. NO jeans, UGGs, flip flops, sweatpants, hoodies. 

• SLATE: Announce your name, and the title of the play your monologue is from. There is no need to say the name of the character in the monologue. Make sure to show your true self and make eye contact with the panel as you do this. 

• Show some “release”. There should be a marked difference between the person you are as you “slate” and the character, emotion, and voice of the character in your script. 

• Look for at least 3 level changes that you can make in your monologue. Level changes could be in emotional levels, energy levels, volume levels, but something that makes sense for the thought process changes in the monologue so that it is not static or all one level. 

• Remember everyone feels nervous. A great idea is to imagine someone you feel comfortable singing in front of in the audience. Relax and enjoy yourself. 

what not to do:

• Don’t bring your friends to hang out with or to watch you audition.

• Don’t wear a costume (though angling toward the show style, era or even a character trait might be good – for example if the character you want always wears red, wearing red couldn’t hurt.) 

• Don’t be too personal with the director/panel (even if you know them.) Be professional. 

• Don’t make excuses (for singing, clothes, preparedness, or even illness.) If you must apologize, make your apology and move on.

• Don’t arrive unprepared. 

• Don’t project fear. Don’t fidget. Stand up straight and confident. Relax, take a deep breath, and do your best. 

• Don’t do full choreography or pantomime the words. 

• Don’t perform a monologue from the show you are auditioning for – unless it was recommended or suggested by the director. 

• Whenever possible, ONLY perform monologues from ACTUAL PLAYS, not monologues written to stand alone. Some directors really dislike these and may disregard your audition because of it.