20 Things You Should Never Do in an Audition
Follow these 20 important rules during your next audition
(By Jim Webb)
(Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels)
There’s a million books and articles out there that can tell you what to do at an audition.
“Be prepared!”
“Be off-book!”
“Dress the part!”
Blah, blah, blah.
How about we do something different. Why don’t we address all the things that you should NOT do in an audition?
Whew! We could literally be here all day, discussing this topic. But let’s condense it down to 20. Here are 20 things you should NOT do in your next audition.
* Don’t be intimidated by the other actors in the audition waiting room. They might have more credits than you or more training than you. But remember, you were called to audition for a reason.
*Don’t go into the audition room desperate to book the job. Desperation can make it seem like you’re an actor who doesn’t get much work.
Who wants to hire a desperate actor who no one else seems to be hiring?
*Don’t make excuses. Late for an audition? Don’t waste time making excuses, telling the casting director how it’s not your fault, how your agent screwed things up, how bad traffic was. Seriously, nobody cares!
*Get into the habit of acting BEFORE you audition. Having a bad day? Fine! But at least ACT like you’re thrilled to be there. At least ACT like you’re thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase your talent.
*Don’t be afraid to ask questions. What’s the dumbest question to have, before an audition? The one you were too afraid to ask.
*Don’t forget to be a professional. Even when things don’t go your way, keep a smile on your face and stay professional.
*Don’t apologize when you make a mistake, during your read. Simply repeat the phrase correctly and move on.
*Don’t hit on the pretty girl or handsome guy, before your audition. Stay focused. Save all the romantic stuff for later.
*Remain quiet and cooperative until it’s your turn. Don’t be disruptive when other actors are auditioning.
*Don’t be hostile to actors who are competing for the same role as you. If the role is meant for you, you’ll get it!
*Don’t be overly enthusiastic about the audition. Because all you’re doing is heaping unnecessary pressure on yourself. Just go in, do your job, and leave.
*Don’t act like an arrogant jerk. You’re not a star yet. You’re not above being asked to perform the audition differently from what you expected. Stay humble and flexible throughout.
*Don’t attempt to shake hands with the casting director. Just say hello and get started.
*Don’t forget to enter the audition with confidence. This is your chance to shine. You cannot be timid.
*Don’t ignore direction, when a casting director asks you to try something different from what you rehearsed at home. Take their direction and do your best to deliver.
* If you’re thinking of bringing a real gun, or even a toy gun (or knife), to your next audition to use as a prop, do yourself (and everyone else) a favor:
DON’T!
* Never begin your audition or scene from level 10, emotionally. Otherwise, there’s nowhere else for the scene to go but down.
* Don’t mime parts of your audition unless it’s absolutely necessary. Things like fake smoking or fake driving can make your acting look…fake.
* Don’t aggressively attempt to stand out. Wild and crazy attempts to “stand out” at an audition usually don’t end with you booking the role. It usually just makes you look…wild and crazy.
* There is such a thing as over-preparation. Be careful not to prepare yourself for your audition to the point that you become inflexible to redirection, script changes or new circumstances.
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