by Tiffany Hunter

Created on: April 29, 2009   Last Updated: August 30, 2009

Your agent just called and you have an audition for tomorrow! Awesome! You've already won half the battle. Casting has seen your submission and picked you out of thousands, deciding "Yes!" you just might be right for this role. The problem is, many actors don't see the audition process this way. An even bigger problem is, these same actors blow their chances from here on out. The best way to prevent audition anxiety is to be prepared.

Where are you going?

Is it across town during rush hour or across the street? As soon as you find out where you are auditioning pull out a map or search online and plot how you will get there. Make sure you leave plenty of time to get there. If you are going to prepare for the audition all morning anyway, you might as well leave a half hour early and prepare in your car rather than be frazzled for time because there was a traffic jam.

What is the audition for?

Is your audition for film, theater, or a commercial? McDonalds or Wal-Mart? If you are unfamiliar with the piece then do your research. The way you read will depend on whether you're auditioning for Joss Whedon or Shakespeare. You simply wouldn't make the same choices.

Who are you auditioning for?

Have you met the casting director before? Worked with the producer? Maybe you took a workshop from somebody involved and they have a specific slate that they prefer. Maybe they despise angry monologues, or maybe they love them. If you are unfamiliar with them, then it's research time once again! Find out what their previous projects were, what their preferences are and how you can impress them.

Know the sides and/or monologue!

Always take the time to go over and prepare your work before you audition. Is the full script available online? Is it based on an urban legend? Do your analysis, character profiling, and find out what actions will drive the work. Do as much work as time permits, but remember to keep it flexible. Think ahead and try to plan two or three different ways the reading could be done. The more you work with the material, the more comfortable you will be. Also, remember if you are in Toronto or New York to be memorized!

Be professional!

Arriving on time with a headshot and resume (8x10 with resume stapled on back) should be a given, but unfortunately many actors do not remember this. If you are consistently prepared and give a great performance you will always be remembered. Many actors don't book a breakthrough job for years, but when the time comes and they do get that leading role it is usually from someone that remembered and admired their professionalism.

The most important thing to do when preparing for an audition is to relax! This is a chance to perform for some very important people. It may not be a big audience, but at least it's better than performing "Waiting for Godot" to your dog, and it will actually give you a shot at the big times. When the audition is over, take a deep breath, learn from any mistakes, and forget about it. Focus your attention on finding the next audition!

Learn more about this author, Tiffany Hunter.
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