If you've ever auditioned for community theatre, you'll be able to relate to these 15 items. If you haven't and are planning on it, this list will be your go-to guide.
1. Your audition starts the moment you walk into the building.
Your audition isn't just on the stage. If you are inside the theatre on audition day, you're auditioning. How you act is a huge deciding factor if you get a role. No one wants to work with a talkative person who can't sit still for 5 minutes.
2. Once you get your foot in the door, you audition every day for a future show.
If you talk shit about someone, it will get back to them. Be careful what you say and who you say it to. Be especially careful not to talk shit about a member of a production team and then include another member of the production team in the conversation. Yes. That has happened. Don't be that person. Don't be dumb.
3. Stop sucking up.
Sure, be nice to the production team, but there's no need to bring them things at auditions and pretend you are an angel. Be on your game, but don't be obnoxious.
4. Shut up.
Stop talking about it. If you mess up your dance routine or if you rocked it out, just take it and the feedback and shut up.
5. There's a difference between confidence and arrogance.
Your shit does, indeed, stink. Knowing you're good, but might not get in, is the right mentality. Go with that.
6. Don't be rude to your competition.
You never know what insight they have or who they know.
7. Know the show.
Is the show all black? Is the show all women? Don't embarrass yourself. Know what you're auditioning for and understand your chances of making it in because of the content. You may be a wonderful actor, but there may not be a part for you.
10. Don't dress like the character you're auditioning for.
Please. Do not audition for Legally Blonde in all pink with a blonde wig. Do not audition for the Addams Family in all black and black braided pig-tails. I've always found that to be a cheap idea, to dress in a costume at an audition. I don't hate having a very vague similarity to the character, just don't dress in a full on costume.
12. Dress for the audition type.
I've worn a short dress to a dance audition. Learn from my mistakes. Know what kind of audition you're going to and find something flattering and also comfortable. Do your best to be comfortable and classy in an audition.
13. You don't know everything.
The production team has been working on this show longer than you've known about it. Accept that they know what they're doing, and if you don't get cast that they made a decision that was best for that particular show.
14. If you don't get cast, don't say anything about it for around 24 hours.
Never bash anyone involved in a show, but there is an especially important 24 hour rule in theatre. Don't even express your disappointment until 24 hours after you find out that you are not cast. That's when the most changes are made to cast lists, and you do have a chance.
15. Bring water, a headshot, do your paperwork, sit, relax.
You'll be fine. Be prepared. Be early. Strut your stuff. Get that job.
If you take these audition tips into account, you should have a successful audition. Break a leg. You really need this job.
