Landing

Ahem...full attention.

Landing an audition. oh it's about time i gave it proper thought

As some of you know, I have one today. I like to intensely review right before hand, then go into it not a rehearsed character but more of an open slate keeping all these important details in mind.

Although, I have a rehearsed character prepared as Puck (Robin Goodfellow) I am still open to any modifications at this point having only worked from a scene sheet for now. This is already one good thing to remember: Pick a scene of the play that explains most about the character. It will be easier to get a feel of them and then more fun to play around with.

The best scene for this is usually the first appearance of this character in a play. As it usually introduces them. (duh lol)

So after you have your scene picked out and read over it a few times (making sure to mark unclear parts and words, right?) rehearse a few times, read-through style but don't hold back. Try it several ways. Ask a friend or possible fellow future cast-mate (you always want to ask someone you find fits your own style for style review past blogs) what they think, but don't take it to heart. Only the casting director should tell you what to do and let it stick.

This is important to elaborate on. Lots of actors tend to come to me and ask "Is this good?" or "How should I do this?" and you know what I say? A-S-K--T-H-E--D-I-R-E-C-T-O-R!

Why?

Because the play, though pre-written, is being put up the way he/she sees fit. and some can be real nasty too
So moving on, once you've got a basic feel for the character and know what it's about put the script down. DON'T TOUCH IT!

Re read it once or twice before actually going in, to refresh your mind but it's always best not to over-rehearse as that will already be an ingrained character and auditions call for open slates.

Now, walking in you might get nervous. I sure do.

Realize that this is the fun part. How much fun you have with it will later decide how you feel if you fail or succeed.

Drink an energy drink lol

And go play!

Make sure you're presenting yourself with the style you want, make eye contact walking in, saying hello, be polite and during the scene, only make eye contact if it calls for it.
Some asides do, for example.

IF YOU STUTTER OR STUMBLE: It's okay. First off you're only human. Second, it just might be damn funny if you stay in character because characters are humans too.

Lastly, listen to the response. (Even during the scene but that's another installment lol of Audience there/not there also called the "fourth wall")

Once you've finished, the casting director may ask you to do it differently. They may ask you to read for another part. This is where we don't think, just do it. We're already not nervous and we're just having fun. Let's hope they give you a minute to read through it (though some are assholes and won't)

Once it's over before they tell you to get the fuck out they'll probably give you some helpful tips of advice. It's these that you want to memorize. yes out of the whole damn process!

You know over the years I've built up a very wide collection of advice and tips from people and directors alike, and one thing I can say is nothing will help you along farther than really thinking each through and using what you need.

Some ways to do that is to keep an acting journal. Kinda like this one. Take it to rehearsals, auditions, hell take it everywhere.

Write in every piece of advice you find useful.