1. Know the script well enough to know that you could perform it, but not so well that you cannot be spontaneous at the audition.

2. When you are in a room with other actors waiting for your turn, don’t discuss the play with them.

3. Don’t wear expensive jewelry—you may have to take it off and lock it up somewhere and/or it may be distracting.

4. Don’t carry a large purse or bag—it’s unwieldy, and again, distracting.

5. Get to the audition on time or early—allow extra time if you have to travel from afar or if you need to work on your lines before the audition begins.

6. Don’t wear perfume, aftershave or cologne—again, distracting and many people are allergic.

7. Be yourself and show us who you are!

8. If you don’t understand something in the script, ask us! We want to help you do your best audition!

9. Always thank the people with whom you read (audition!) when you leave! You will stand out by being gracious and courteous!

10. A positive attitude will get you farther

10. Don’t go to an audition with the attitude that you are doing them (the producers, directors, agents, etc.) a favour by being there. They are doing you a favour by giving you the opportunity to audition for them.

9. Never ask the casting people what they want from you in the scene, or how they want you to play it (unless they are directing you).

8. Do not improvise in the audition unless asked.

7. Do not try to be funny at an audition unless it is specifically for a comedic character.

6. Do not “act” your way through the waiting room and down the hall to your audition space. A person who is really calm and centered does not become neurotic when he/she walks into an audition situation. This is difficult because your nerves will probably be jangling from the minute you wake up on audition day, but if you can be aware of this and control it as much as possible, your chances of making a good impression will increase dramatically!

As an actor, you may have the opportunity to audition for a variety of parts and productions. Here are 10 tips to help you prepare for your next audition.

1. Find out as much as you can about the play, director and company that you are auditioning for. Research the playwright and their other works. The more information you have about any piece or production will only help you in your preparation. Don’t know where to start? Google it!

2. When preparing a monologue, don’t be afraid to make bold choices. An audition is a chance for you to demonstrate your understanding of the material and skills as an actor. Consider if the character has an accent and if so, what is it? What time period is the piece set in? Where does the character live? Is there a specific dialect or speech pattern that your character uses? You will have to do some research on your own (see tip

1. Prepare, prepare, prepare! Know the play. Know the story. Know your character. Prepare to listen and react.

2. Do not ask for a script to take home. This will only give you more time to worry about what you are going to do in the audition.

3. If you have any questions whatsoever about the role, ask them at the beginning of your audition so that you can get on with it and not be interrupted later by a question that occurs to you as you are working.

4. Make sure you know where and when to show up for your audition! And make sure you know how long it will last!

5. Be off book! If you are reading from the script, you cannot listen and react truthfully – thus, your work will be false and boring (for both of us).

6. Do not fool yourself into thinking that I am impressed by a memorized monologue or poem or song indiscriminately chosen without any thought as to its relation to the part you are auditioning for or its relationship with YOU. The wise actor knows that ALL material must be chosen with great care and consideration if one is to be effective in an audition situation or performance situation for that matter! Do not waste my time or

1. Be on time.

2. Fill out the audition form completely and legibly.

3. Dress to be remembered! Wear something that says something about your personality, or something that separates you from the crowd or is appropriate to the character you are playing.

4. Bring pictures and resumes (8×10) stapled together. If you don’t have an 8×10, use a 5×7, but do not use smaller than 5×7 for headshots. Make sure your name is on the front of your picture and resume in clear lettering so that it can be easily read from a distance!

5. Be prepared! Know what play you are reading for and research it; know who the director is, who you are reading with, etc., if possible; know where the theater is located, who’s in the cast already and what their ages are; know who else is auditioning for this role (if possible).

6. Make sure you bring all materials: headshot, resume (stapled together), sheet music (if applicable), monologues/scenes (multiple copies), sides or script (if applicable), pencils, water, food if necessary.

7. Do not chew gum during an audition!

Uta Hagen’s 10 Tips:

1. Produce a good picture.

2. Be on time.

3. Know the lines.

4. Have a strong objective.

5. Be clear about what you want from the other person (the “subtext”).

6. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, or of silence; this is your time to rehearse and get it right for the director, not for the audience.

7. Prepare well in advance; over-rehearsing will make you stiff and unnatural, but if you’re not prepared, you’re bound to be nervous and make more mistakes than usual.

8. Make sure your performance is honest; don’t try to please the casting director by doing something they haven’t asked for (they don’t know what they want).

9. Be yourself; don’t imitate someone else’s style – do it your own way!

10. Have fun!

1. Be a good listener.