When faced with your first acting audition, you may not know what to expect.
This article covers what you can expect to find, and some direction on how to handle yourself during your audition.
Research the production and the individual roles if possible.
This demonstrates that you are serious and professional.
It will also help to dress appropriately.
You want the casting agents to "see" you as the character, and dressing for the role or setting will help them imagine you as the character.
For example, if the setting is in an office, wear business attire.
If the production is about young adults or teenagers, then dress like one.
If you know the role you are auditioning for, you may prepare your character ahead of time.
For example, if you are auditioning for the role of Stanley in a Streetcar Named Desire, you know Stanley is a loud and crude brute.
You can develop that character before the audition.
There is a story about how Danny Devito won the role of Louie on Taxi by going into the audition and throwing down the side exclaiming "who wrote this sh-t".
He was "in character" from the moment he entered and was hired on the spot.
Bring several copies of your headshot and resume with you.
When you arrive at the audition you will most likely find yourself in a reception area.
You will be given a "side".
A side is a three to five minutes of dialogue from the production.
Reading from a side that you didn't get until arrived is known as a "cold read" audition.
Typically you'll have about ten to fifteen minutes to go other the side before you are called in to read.
When you get a side, don't try to memorize it.
Instead, work on developing a character.
The casting director wants to see your acting skills, not your memorization skills.
Make strong choices for your character.
You may be partnered with another actor during a cold read.
If so, work with the other actor before you are called if possible.
Don't try to upstage your partner, but work with them.
Again that shows you are professional.
If your partner is not as strong as you, you must still be able to make your read as good as it can be.
Many times you will be called in to audition by yourself.
You will likely be reading with one of the casting agents.
Often the agent will read the dialogue flat, and not give you much to play off or react to.
You must provide all the energy of the scene.
Make good eye contact with the casting personnel as you read.
They will need to see your face, so don't bury it in the side.
You will have to look at the side for the dialogue, and it's expected that you will look down at it often.
Be aware of your blocking and stand "open" to the casting agents.
Again, they need to see your face and your actions and reactions.
Be prepared to take direction and adjust your character accordingly.
Some auditions are improvisation.
Improvisation is when there is no scripted dialogue and you make it up as you go.
The casting director will give you a character and a setting, and tell you to start.
For example, I had an improvised audition where I was told I was cop and that I was running after a suspect shouting to freeze and halt in the name of the law.