by Jennie Kelley

Created on: January 06, 2007   Last Updated: March 01, 2007

My "audition nightmare come true" happened during a monologue from "The Merchant of Venice." I was auditioning for the role of Lady Percy in Henry IV, and I chose a perfect Portia piece for the audition. It was witty, beautiful, well put together, and I completely pulverized it. I stumbled over my lines so much that the auditor (a kind guy, thankfully) fetched the play from his office library so that I could call line to him and finish my audition with some dignity. I finished, indeed, but the dignity had sunk into the stage long ago-probably around the same time I forgot my first line.

I wasn't confident. I certainly wasn't charming. And, worst of all, I wasn't prepared. Preparation is key, my fellow actor friends. Don't even bother auditioning if you feel unprepared. That sounds cold, but you do not want to make a negative impression on auditors-they will remember you, especially if you make as much a fool of yourself as I did.

1. Know what kind of audition is expected-monologue or script readings.

2. Call to set up an audition time, and do not be late! It is terribly rude, and in all likelihood, the auditors will not wait for you for very long, if at all. There are probably tons of punctual people waiting to read for the same role you are.

3. Know the play you are auditioning for! Ideally, read it. If you don't have time to read it, at least read a summary of it on the Internet or something. Nothing is worse than being asked to read from a script when you don't know the setting, plot, or anything about the characters.

4. Choose a monologue that is appropriate to the play you are auditioning for. Stay within the Age (Classical, Modern, Contemporary, etc) and the age (20-year-olds should not audition for a 70-year-old character). Also, try to find characters that are similar to the character you are auditioning forcomparable personalities, situations or physique will all help show auditors that you are capable of performing in a role.

5. Know what character you are auditioning for and, if the auditor asks, tell him or her whom you are interested in. Don't say you don't care. A response like that tells an auditor you do not know your own abilities and limitations. You may pick more than one character that interests you, but don't fiend interest in characters that you would have no chance of playing. For instance, if you are a young lady auditioning for Hamlet, consider the role of Ophelia. Not Polonius.

6. Practice your monologue many, many times. Perform in front

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