Acting Tips and Techniques to Use for Your Next Audition

Auditions can be a nerve-wracking experience for any actor, whether you are a professional or a newcomer stepping into the spotlight for the first time. The pressure to deliver a memorable performance in a limited amount of time can make even the most confident actors break into a sweat. However, with the right tips and techniques, you can turn these tense situations into opportunities to shine. 

1. Practice makes perfect. Becoming an actor has no set timeline, but, with hard work and dedication, you can achieve your milestones. There are numerous ways to practice in your own time, such as reciting lines while multitasking, working on different monologues, or refining your body language. These techniques enhance memory, attention, and emotional connection. For example, the Meisner Method involves repeating a line or phrase in different ways, allowing for variations in tone and meaning. 

Working with peers is beneficial when working on a scene or establishing chemistry. Theatre groups partake in exercises that are fun and amusing but serve a purpose. 

A good acting exercise is Party Quirks,  an improvisation game where 'guests' embody unique characters and the 'host' attempts to identify each one. This game encourages creativity and the ability to make bold choices. 

2. Come prepared. Musical and theatrical auditions differ significantly from film auditions and should be approached accordingly. For instance, musical auditions often require performers to sing a piece from the show or a song that matches the show's tone. Asking questions is key to a successful audition because it shows curiosity and avoids the element of surprise. 

Many directors ask actors to come with their lines or monologues memorized. This approach helps actors establish an emotional connection by fully experiencing the moment, rather than being distracted by a piece of paper. 

For every audition, show up with a resume and a recent headshot. Headshots do not always have to be taken by a professional, but it should be a picture that makes you stand out. Resumes should highlight your best accomplishments and help people get to know you. 

Acting resumes should include:

-Your name in BIG letters with your contact information underneath

-Work History and Experiences 

-Personal Information (height, weight, etc)

-Awards and/or Accomplishments

-Special Skills

-Education 

Adding a professional summary–usually found at the top of a resume–helps interest the reader in learning more about you.

3. Build up Your Emotions. 

Directors love to see actor’s portray different personalities in an audition, because it means you have a variety of acting ranges they can potentially use. Russian theater practitioner Konstantin Stanislavski's most famous concept, “Magic If,” helped teach actors to put themselves in the characters' shoes. The “Magic If” makes the character’s motivations the same as the actor’s. 

Emotional Recall is also a method that requires actors to draw upon their own personal, often intense, memories to authentically portray a character's emotions. These methods take time to develop, especially when you are on the spot. Sometimes a moment of silence or a pause will trigger a reaction. 

Have you ever felt uncomfortable or embarrassed about showing too much emotion on stage or during an audition due to the fear of judgment? Here’s why the fear will eventually go away. 

Acting is all about telling a story and truly experiencing it yourself. There will be times where a scene becomes either deeply emotional or overly comedic, leading to hesitation in the actor. 

The truth is, there is no “right way” of acting because it is the actor’s interpretation of what they feel. There is always room for improvement, but remember to always trust your instinct.

4. Take a Self-Tape. If you're unsure about the quality of your performance, it is beneficial to record yourself on video. This allows you to identify areas for improvement and helps build your confidence before participating in the audition. The best part is, you get as many redoes as you would like. Self-tapes are also optional for an audition instead of showing up in person, because there is more flexibility involved and actors can work in a controlled environment. 

Recording a self-tape for an audition should be approached with the same level of professionalism as an in-person audition. Ensure the lighting is ample and evenly distributed, the background is simple and free from distractions, and the environment is completely quiet to avoid any background noise. 

5. Take Part in Workshops. There are lots of opportunities available in the acting world including vocal, movement, and improv classes. Building up your experiences will also build more opportunities in the future. Workshops and classes have their differences, but they serve the same purpose. 

Acting classes focus on ongoing skill development and training, whereas workshops offer a chance to connect with industry professionals and learn what they seek when hiring talent. 

David Schwimmer, known for his role in Friends, honed his craft through theater training prior to pursuing on-screen acting, which helped him gain essential skills and build strong ties within the acting community.

Through diligent practice and thorough preparation, actors can turn their audition moments into opportunities to shine. Remember, each audition is a stepping stone toward growth and improvement. Equip yourself with the right tools, maintain a positive mindset, and trust in your abilities. 

Madisyn is a junior animal health science major/theater arts minor and active club member of The Cyclone Chronicle. As a theater and film actress, she just attended her first film audition in NYC and got the part! Congrats, Madisyn! In a yet-to-be-announced film, Madisyn will play a featured character who resembles a flashback and memory in a drama film. Stay tuned for more details!