For many actors, the most difficult part of acting is the audition process. Even the most experienced actors still get butterflies before they walk in that casting door. Some become physically ill, but this does not stop them from their goal. Nerves are natural. We all respond to stressful situations differently, but when entering that office or theatre for the purpose of furthering your creative career, you must be artistically prepared. The more prepared you are then the less the nerves will overpower you. Some nerves boost' heighten the experience, which can be good, however you must learn to tame them, as you would a new puppy.
Understand that the director, casting director, writer and producer would like you to be the one' for the part just as much as you do. However does not always work out that way. Despite the odds, you can still put forth a successful audition no matter what it is for and no matter how short the time you have. You may not get the part, but learn to allow the confidence you felt in that room to carry you through to the next audition and the next.
1) Have a solid repertoire of monologues available; at least 5-6 good ones that suit you perfectly. One classical (Greek or Roman), at least two Shakespeare or perhaps one Shakespeare and one of his contemporaries, and two modern' speeches, a comedic one and serious one, from well-known playwrights. An extra speech to have is one that goes against your type'. You are normally cast as a tough guy/girl or character' type? Then chose a piece that, while difficult for you, shows that you are not afraid to approach that kind of roll. An example could be a girl next door' actress delving into the mind of a seasoned prostitute. The rest of your portfolio should include other shorter pieces that are easy to memorize and enhance your personality and creative ability. This way when the casting crew says thank you, have you got anything else?' you can say yes I do' with absolute confidence.
2) If you are having trouble with Shakespeare, as many actors do, keep a copy of the cliff notes handy to help you better understand the context of the speech you are studying. The more you have the ability to relate it to your present mind', the better you can connect to the emotion underlying the piece. For Greek and Roman plays, there are several different translations. Do not just pick up the first one you see on the shelf. Translators have their own creative style. Deciding on which to choose is like deciding which novel to buy. If you connect with the author's style, then it makes it easier for you to get inside their world.
3) Trouble finding an entire speech? Then incorporate the smaller bits into a whole, or have a writer friend do it for you. Or perhaps you might consider writing your own' adaptation of one by turning a man's monologue around to suit a woman or vice versa. There are also many films that have brilliant speeches. Download a copy of the film-script from the Internet or you may find it in book form' in one of the major bookstores. They may even be able to order it for you if not on the shelf. Check the library also for books of monologues, it is much cheaper than buying a book. Nothing worse than finding one great monologue in a collection for $10.00 and getting it home to find there is only one monologue that is worthwhile to use.
4) Employ an acting coach to help with the performance process. You love the monologue but you still need to find the nuances within it and possibly an outsider' can help with this. Put an ad in the paper looking for one, or possibly ask an actor friend, one whose opinion you trust, to work on the pieces with you. An agent is not an acting coach.
5) Have a professional, up-to-date, black and white, 8x10 photo and organized resume. If you are asked to send it in before hand, always include a short cover letter with it. Not glorifying how wonderful you are and why they would want to hire you, but a simple paragraph stating that you are sending the info as requested for the upcoming audition for such and such, and that you are looking forward to the audition.
6) The night before the audition it is difficult to get sleep. Hopefully you will get to bed early so you have enough energy to last the entire audition day. Sometimes you may arrive at 9am but are not seen until 3 or 4pm. You do not want your energy sapped by the time they call you to come in.
7) Meditate. Honestly this is the best way I know of to relieve nervousness and those frenzied butterflies. When your name is called and before you step through that door, count back from seven, visualizing the numbers as you go. A little bit of nerves and butterflies are good but do not allow the fact that they are there to overwhelm' you. You are in control. Find that quiet stillness when you count back to 1. Visualize yourself walking in with confidence and a ready smile. Shoulders not slumped and do not shuffle your feet. Make eye contact with each person there, yes they are all staring at you, but they have to so get used to it!
8) Greet them as they greet you. Stay focused and down to earth. Allow them to make notes because they will even before you do your pieces or read from the pages they have chosen for you. Do not try to be super comic or overly sarcastic as these people are tired and cranky and may not get your sense of humor. Do not allow your nerves to overpower your true self and cause you to be a blubbering floundering fool. When asked for what piece you are going to do, state it clearly and with a smile. Give yourself a few seconds to arrange a chair or whatever you need to give an indication that they are about to enter your' world. Then take another moment to picture the first sentence of your piece and allow the emotion of it into your heart. Trust that you have something worthwhile to offer. And begin.
9) Do not concern yourself with what they are thinking while you are speaking. Concern yourself only with drawing them into your world for that 1 long minute or perhaps 2. When you are finished with your piece do not suddenly pop up out of it. Give yourself that extended second to finish' it off, then make eye contact with the panel and say thank you'. There may be some conversation and this is where they may ask have you brought anything else'. Ask them if they prefer a classical or contemporary and they will be thrilled.
10) When finished, again thank them genuinely, put the chair back, and exit with the same confidence you entered the room with.
Even if you do not get the part, they have seen the best of you and that is all you can put forth. They could recommend you to another casting director, they may keep you in mind for the next audition, anything could happen. Keep auditioning; keep building your confidence and experience. You will learn something different each time. Try not to allow the rejection to damper your ability. At the same time do not allow the success to shoot your ego so high that no one recognizes you anymore or wants to work with you anymore.
Best of luck on your audition journey!