Tips for preparing for your acting audition.
Acting auditions, although necessary in most cases for earning a role, can be stressfull and difficult, especially if you do not have a lot of acting experience. These auditions may take the form of prepared sides, a monologue, or a cold reading. If you are experiencing a high level of stress or fear, read our article on how to handle audition jitters, and remember that the best way to fight stress is to be fully prepared. The following outlines the main attributes that an audition panel in an acting audition will likely be looking for. Don't have an audition yet? Search Audition Notices.
Acting Auditions are usually judged on the following criteria:
Concentration: Are the actor and character completely integrated?
Physical Expression: (Focus, gesture, posture, gait) Does the actor commit to physical choices that suggest the character?
Vocal Expression (Diction, projection, rate, pitch) Does the actor give a clear and nuanced vocal interpretation that reflects the character?
Text/Sub Text: (Memorization, pronunciation, understanding of material, literal & implied) Does the actor effectively engage the audience through their passion, believability and willingness to take creative risks?
Overall Impact (Confidence, believability, passion, creative risk taking) Does the actor effectively engage the audience?
Acting Audition Monologues
Many acting auditions require you to perform a prepared monologue. If you are asked for a monologue, keep in mind the following points...
- the audition monologue should be memorized
- your audition piece should be carefully timed to the requested length
- your acting audition piece should be relevant to your own age and life-experience
- your audition monologue should be chosen from a play, not from a monologue book, and it should reflect the types of characters and themes found in the show you are auditioning for
- supported by character research
- your acting audition should be introduced by giving the title of the play that the monologue is from, but don't launch into long introductions or "setting the scene"
Instead of an audition monologue, some acting auditions may require you to perform a cold reading. The cold reading may also follow the monologue, or be used at call-backs.
Links to More Acting Audition Tips
Top Monologue Mistakes & Solutions
Acting Audition Online Course
