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Audition Advice From A Professional Actress

by Catherine Fitzlanders

I always say acting is the best and the worst career in the world.  There is nothing like being called to say you have the lead in a film or a part in the play, your tummy will flip over and you will not be able to take the smile off your face.  But you have to remember for every part maybe 200 will apply and they could audition 20 or more people.  That means the odds on you getting the part every time will be slim. Before you get disappointed hopefully what I am going to say will hopefully help you on your way!

BE PREPARED

It is very important to be prepared for auditions and there are a number of ways you can do this. The first is simple, if you are going for an audition for a play always read the script first. Buy a copy and study your character. You may only be asked to read a small part, but if you read the whole play you will be able to get a better understanding of the character you are auditioning for and how you feel it would be best to play him or her. If you are auditioning for a new film, then ask for the script before so you can again get a better feel for the character.

You will usually be asked to perform a monologue or read a part of the play/film. Have 2 contrasting (different) pieces prepared, so you can do them if you get a short notice audition or if you are asked to. It is always a good idea to have one modern and one classic, that way you are prepared for whatever part you are auditioning for. If you do not have a drama teacher, perform the monologue in front of someone whom you know will be able to give you honest feedback.

CLOTHES

Either wear plain clothes or if you have an understanding of the character dress in clothes you think they would wear. It is a good idea not to go too over the top so if in doubt keep it simple. Casting directors may only see you as you are dressed, so if you are going for a part as a girl next-door type and are dressed a little wild, they may not see you as the part you are auditioning for.

KNOCK BACKS

Not everyone can get a part that has 20 applicants. When I didn't get a couple of my first auditions I was very upset. It would be great if you could get every part, but you have to remember this is unlikely. You may audition and do the best you have ever done, but the casting director doesn't feel you fit the look of the character he/she has in their head.  They may want someone with a rounder face, bluer eyes etc. This is something you cannot change. I always do my best and even if I do not get the part, I come out of the audition knowing I have shown them my best acting even if I am not suitable for the part I have auditioned for. They may call you back another time to audition, this has happened many a time for me. As long as you have come out of the audition having done your best, you cannot change an image the casting director has in their mind. You should feel happy!

NERVES

The first few auditions you may find very nerve racking. This will get easier and casting directors will understand. Take a deep breath and hold you head up high. Don't be too over confident, but try not to be shy either.

I hope this has given you a bit of an insight into acting auditions.  If you have any questions I will try my best to help you answer them. Feel free to email me on cat_fitzlanders@yahoo.com 

Regards,

Catherine Fitzlanders
UK actress

Contributor: Catherine Fitzlanders, Actress

Catherine Fitzlanders is an attractive, versatile actress who has worked in all professional fields from TV and film to radio and theatre. She is a full British Actors' Equity member and can be found in Spotlight. Catherine has enjoyed many roles as diverse as simply being married in BBC TV's "Casualty" to being murdered and found dead in a cell in the new British Feature "A Time For A Killing". Other TV and film credits include BBC's 999, Irvine Welsh's Bad Blood, Meridian's Anything Goes, and BBC's Ways and Means. On stage, Catherine has undertaken many different roles which include: Cynthia in Tom Stoppard's The Real Inspector Hound; Michelle in the first-ever theatre soap Married Class; Phillipa in Agatha Christie's A Murder is Announced; and Pam in A Day in The Death of Joe Egg.