Auditions – Actor’s Edition

This particular blog post doesn’t really have a whole lot to do with production.  But I can’t help but think of how much I learned by being on the other side of the table and watching the actors for a change.  And since a lot of actor’s are reading this blog, I present to you a list of audition tips for actors:

1. Be on time.
2. Refrain from asking questions like “how much does this pay?” or “who’s going to be at the opening?”  We all know those concerns are in the back of everyone’s mind, but it’s a little insulting when someone’s more concerned with the business aspect as opposed to the creative.
3. Open yourself up when you walk in the room.  Give us a little bit of your personality.  We’re looking at who you are as a person and deciding whether or not that’s right for this particular role.  Chances are you have it in you, but if you don’t show us, we’ll never know.
4. If a scene requires kissing, don’t kiss the reader unless explicitly told to (yes, someone tried this).
5. Follow direction.  Even if that direction is totally wrong for the material.  If we give someone a direction, and they read it the exact same way, we instantly know that they’re capable of very little growth.
6. If you genuinely like the script, let them know.  And if you have an honest question about the script – please ask.  We want to cast someone who’s passionate about the material.  Just don’t do it if you don’t mean it.  If someone is blowing smoke up my boat, I can smell it a mile away.
7. Unless they say otherwise, take your time.  If you need a moment to do a prep then do it.  I respect an actor who’s unwilling to compromise where his craft is concerned.  You’re coming here to show us how you work.  Don’t let anything stop you from doing that.
8. If you’re given the sides a week or so in advance, don’t come in the room barely familiar with the lines.  Your competition sure won’t.  That’s for sure.
9. If you’re given the full script before the audition, you should read it.  And if you haven’t read it, and they ask, you should lie and say you have.  I’m dead serious.
10. If the playwright’s in the room, do not ad-lib your own lines into the script.
11. Please look like your headshot.  We’re all vain, and we all want to look like a cover model, but if you walk into the room and you’re someone else – you’re definitely not getting the role.  And most of the time we don’t even want a cover model.  Just be yourself, and be proud of who you are.
12. Have fun.  We want to work with people who are fun.  If we enjoyed working with you at the audition your chances of getting cast just shot up by a factor of ten.