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The Audition . “Use what you know. Don’t worry about what you don’t know.” – Michael Shurtleff. Vocabulary. Casting : The director’s process of matching up characters and actors.
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The Audition “Use what you know. Don’t worry about what you don’t know.” – Michael Shurtleff
Vocabulary • Casting: The director’s process of matching up characters and actors. • Audition: An interview for a particular role or job as an actor, consisting of a practical demonstration of the candidate’s suitability and skill. • Callbacks: Additional opportunities for the actor to audition. • Headshot: A modern portrait for today’s branding needs, where the focus of the photograph is the personality inside the person captured. • Resume: A brief account of one’s professional or work experience and qualifications • Cold Reading: Reading aloud from a script or other text with little or no rehearsal, practice, or study in advance. • Sides: Refers to the specific set of lines from the script of an acting project that the actor must learn prior to an audition.
The casting process • While analyzing the play, the director begins to form an impression of the kinds of characters the playwright has created. With these characters in mind, the director’s next major responsibility is to choose actors that can bring those characters to life. • Matching up characters and actors is called casting. Casting is usually accomplished through the selection process known as auditions, in which actors try out for the part that they want. • The director might ask actors to “read cold” (without preparation) for each part. This could be done as a private or group reading. Directors may also require that actors prepare (memorize) a monologue from a play. Lastly, some directors may choose to use a combination of the two for their auditions.
The casting process (cont’d) • When a production like a musical requires specific talents, such as singing or dancing, the director might require songs or a short dance routine to be included in the audition. It’s best to find out as much as possible about the audition before the day they take place. • Most directors distribute a proposed rehearsal schedule along with the audition application. If you foresee scheduling conflicts, it’s best to make the director aware as soon as possible. • After the first round of auditions, directors sometimes need a second or third “look” at an actor. These opportunities are called callbacks. They help narrow the selections by giving the director another chance to see and hear the actor. They also give the director the opportunity to combine several actors in scenes to see how they look and work together.
What a director is looking for Great Auditions Bad Auditions • The actor is unable to fit the role vocally and physically. • The actor is too tall or too thin. The actor may also be too young for the role. • The actor is defiant toward the director. They are also afraid to make choices that would allow them to grow. • The actor is egotistical. They are not supportive of their fellow actors / crewmembers. They do not abide by deadlines and are usually unprepared. • The actor can interpret the actor vocally and physically. • Physical attributes – gender, appearance, height, and size. • Growth potential. The actor takes direction well and will progress throughout rehearsals. • The actor is definitely someone they want to work with. They’re respectful & supportive of others. They meet deadlines such as being off-book. They are attentive and prepared.
A successful audition: What do you do? • The first thing to know is you are always being watched!!! A director is attentive to who attends their auditions. They notice your behavior towards others and your respect to the audition environment before you even begin auditioning. This is when the audition actually begins. • Secondly, be prepared. If you received sides, or were told to prepare a monologue, work on this material as soon as you find out. Even rehearse your slate. Don’t wait until the last minute. The director will know if you’re unprepared. • If you’re at a professional audition, have your headshot and resume ready to hand to the stage manager or director. • Finally, commit 100% to your performance and have fun! The truth is, the director wants you to succeed. They want you to be awesome in all aspects because it makes their job a lot easier.
What’s your Elevator Speech…? • An elevator pitch, elevator speech, or elevator statement is a short summary used to quickly and simply define a person. • At some auditions, directors will ask you to share a little something about yourself. This is what can set you apart from the rest of competition. Be careful though, what you say can make or break your audition. Overall, the director just wants to know a little more about you and your personality. Don’t go into too much detail though about your dead cat or your crazy aunt who keeps giving you smooches every time you see her. You want the director to like you, not to be scared of you.
Essential Questions • What is the purpose of auditioning and when does the audition actually begin? • According to actor Bryan Cranston, what is your job as an actor in the audition? • What two items must you bring to an audition and what “extra” component can set you apart from the rest of the competition? • Complete the Audition Application Form on page 176, and create and create a mock resume which will be turned in prior to your audition.
