In the next few weeks, I will be doing a series of blogs around how to prepare for an upcoming audition. These blogs will not only include things you can do before and after an audition to help you succeed but also what you shouldn’t do.

Preparing for a good audition begins with getting the right information. The first thing to find out is who the director is and what they are looking for in an actor. How do you do this? Simple! It’s all about your networking skills.

Try to find a way to connect with people who have worked with this director before or have auditions with them regularly. It’s amazing how often people forget that theatre is a community where everyone is connected in some way or another (especially in New York City).

It’s not too late to give yourself the best possible chance of success at your next audition.

If you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve already got an audition coming up. You may be an experienced pro, or a relative newcomer to auditioning. You may have signed with a talent agent, or be just starting out on your journey. But however far along you are in your career, there’s always more you can do to prepare for an upcoming audition.

If you haven’t signed with a talent agent yet, that’s ok. It’s a good idea to find someone who can represent you anyway. There are plenty of great agents out there who will listen to your story and help you find the right opportunities for your unique talents.

A good agent will also know when it’s time for you to take things into your own hands (or feet). In my opinion, no one should ever wait around for their agent to call them about an upcoming project. As I’ll explain below, there are many steps you can take to get ready for an audition and make the most of it once it happens.

So, you’ve booked an audition. Now what? Auditions are stressful enough, so I’m going to give you some tips on how to prepare before and after your big meeting.

Before the Audition

1. Research, research, research!

Know who the casting director is. Search their name on IMDB. Have they cast anything that you’ve seen? Is it a type of film that you like? Do other actors/directors/writers that you like work with this casting director? Knowing who is in charge of choosing the actors for a job will help you know how to best show them your skills.

2. Know the project.

I know that sometimes it is hard to get information about a project before an audition when it is still in early stages of development. But if there is any way for you to read a script or even just learn about the film/show’s premise, do it! So often we go into auditions without knowing what we are auditioning for, or why we should be involved with the project. This can make us seem disinterested and unprepared; two things that no one likes in an actor!

3. Prepare your lines and your scene work as

The night before an audition, the actor should get plenty of rest. A good night’s sleep might be hard to come by, but the actor should see that it is a priority.

A good breakfast will help get them ready for the day, and they should try to eat something that will provide enough energy to keep them going. Something like eggs or whole wheat toast would be a good bet.

The time before an audition can be a little nerve racking, so the actor should try to channel their nerves into something positive, such as doing some vocal warm ups or some light stretching. It’s important not to do too much physical activity though, because you don’t want to tire yourself out before you even get there.

When you get to the audition, make sure you arrive early enough so that you have time to prepare. Take a minute or two to calm your nerves and focus on the material you are going to perform.

If there is a sign in sheet, make sure you sign in and put your phone away so as not to disturb anyone around you. Save your energy for when it is your turn. When it is your turn, take a deep breath and give it your all. You never know what might happen!

Actors need to have a plan before attending an audition. Auditioning is a part of the job as an actor. What is an audition? An audition is an opportunity to get a job. How do you prepare for an audition? Actors have different methods of preparation but here are some basic steps that I am going to outline.

1) Read the Script or Sides

2) Research the Role and Character

3) Learn Your Lines

4) Rehearse the Piece

5) Prepare Appropriate Clothing and Props (If Necessary)

6) Get a Good Night’s Sleep and Eat Well Beforehand

7) Arrive Early at the Audition Location

8) Relax and Focus on the Character While You Wait to be Seen

9) Do Not Judge Yourself or Others; Your Task at Hand Is to Concentrate on Your Work as an Actor

I was just talking with an actor who is currently attending a BFA program. I asked her how her acting classes were going. She said that she had had to switch teachers because the one she started with was a good teacher, but she never really got any constructive feedback in class. She felt like she was floating around not knowing what to improve upon and just going through the motions of the exercises.

Enter: Note Taking and Action Steps

As actors, we are often trying to do our best work in class and in auditions. So much of the work we do is on instinct, so it can be difficult to know exactly what we did that didn’t hit the mark or why we missed out on that part. After an audition or class we don’t always have time for a full debriefing and if you are like me you probably don’t even want one anyway. You have already put yourself out there and you might be feeling a bit vulnerable or angry at yourself. We all know that those are not emotions conducive to productive conversations.

But here is the thing… You need this feedback! Well, maybe not right away, but soon.

Here is what I recommend:

After an audition: Take your sides home and do this exercise.

After a

As an actor, you are constantly trying to determine what the individual needs are of every role you are auditioning for or performing. In order to do that, you need to learn as much as possible about your character. You must ask questions such as:

What do they want?

Why do they want it?

Where are they from?

What is their social standing?

Their education level?

Your job is to answer all of these questions and then some. It may seem like a simple task, but it is very difficult to fully answer them without truly understanding your character’s motivations. This is why preparation for an audition is crucial.