Auditions

Auditioning is the most nightmarish process imaginable for casting a project, but it's the only one we have. Unless you're already a hot commodity in the industry, you're going to have to audition to keep working. No one can claim to be the expert on auditions. Every actor gets rejected. Every actor goes through times when no one wants to hire them. It's part of the business. The closest thing I know of to a definitive guide to auditioning is the book Audition by Michael Shurtleff. The stores in the resource links to the left should carry it, or you can order it online from Amazon or something.

There are three main things to keep in mind when auditioning:

1. They want you to do well. The casting process is as exhausting and difficult for them as it is for you. They're just waiting for the right person to walk in the room so they can all go home. Seeing them as the enemy doesn't serve you. Don't let the intimidating and often unfriendly situation keep you from doing your best work.

2. Have fun. When it comes down to it, getting the job is 1% what you do, 9% what you look like, and 90% dumb luck. Do your best to control that 1% by being prepared, but don't beat yourself up over not getting the job. Sometimes the reason you don't get hired can be totally ludicrous. You have a better chance of success if you just take the opportunity to perform and have a good time.

3. Have confidence in who you are and what you have to offer. Confidence sells, just like in any other industry. This in no way means "be arrogant". Arrogant people aren't condident, they're just - well schmucks. Be yourself, and you'll have more to bring to the character. Be prepared and you'll have your best work to offer.

The rest you'll learn through experience. Audition classes and workshops are available as well. Use the same guidelines I give in the Class Act section of this page. And good luck! Acting is one of the most rewarding professions I can think of. Work hard and stick with it, the world needs good actors and the stories they tell...

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