Tips for Actors Before the Big Audition

In theatre, many shows are cast by holding general auditions. In many auditions, actors do not get to audition at scheduled times. They have to show up, sit with a large group of other auditioners, and wait for their turn. First come, first served. As a Stage Manager, I have helped cast many a show. There are many things an actor should do and not do in order to get cast.

First off, show up as early as possible. If the doors for a general open audition open at 6 p.m., show up at 6 p.m. Don't show up at 5:30 p.m. and keep pacing outside of the locked doors. Check in with the stage manager or other theatre staff as soon as they look ready to help you. If they are still unlocking the doors, remain patient. Patience as an actor will pay off. Remain polite, patient, and above all, friendly. Any form of ego will only hurt your chance of getting a role. An actor might be supremely talented, but if he/she has a very large ego, their chance of getting a role quickly diminishes. Allow the stage manager to tell you about the audition process, even if you have auditioned at the particular theatre many times. This is his/her job; it is his/her passion. Just like the actor loves to audition, the stage manager has a job too, and wants it to be respected. The actor needs to fill out all necessary forms. When arriving to an audition, make sure to have your latest headshot. If you do not have a headshot, try to bring at least a current snap shot. With digital cameras these days, the least you can do is snap a quick picture, download it, and print it. Some idea of your current face is better than nothing. If a general audition gets many people auditioning, you could quickly be forgot if you don't have a photo. Do not rely on the theatre taking a snap shot of you. Also, if your headshot is so far out of date (3 hair styles ago and 20 lbs lighter or heavier), it is a good idea to also bring a snap shot. Along with the headshot, make sure to have your resume updated. If you are out of college and have several community or professional shows on your resume after college, you many want to seriously consider getting rid of high school shows.
Make sure to put all other areas of talent on you resume, including technical theatre experience and other talents such as dance, music, juggling, etc.
The stage manager will try to audition you as soon as possible, and will try to honor the first come, first served policy as much as possible. Sometimes, however, you may not get to read before the guy that came in 10 minutes after you. This is most often because the stage manager needs to pair you up with the best person to read with. This is for the actor's benefit. Stage managers really do want an actor to do their best. A stage manager does not want to work many many rehearsals and many performance with a bad cast. It is also highly beneficial for the actor to be able to stick around the audition process to read with other people. One of the most difficult parts of the audition process for the stage manager to pair up people, especially when there are not enough men or women present. That is another reason why an actor may not be able to read right away. If there isn't a "young male" to read the part that is in the scene you are set to read, you will have to wait. If you can wait around most of the night to help read, this will be duly noted by the stage manager and the director. Everything that happens in the lobby-getting paired up, giving forms, remaining patient, friendly, and QUIET, does get back to the director, even though he/she may not be in the lobby. Talent is very important thing for an actor, but how easy and enjoyable it is to work with a person is also extremely important. At the end of the callbacks night, when the director and the stage manager are casting the show, some people will be equally talented. There is a role for the young ingenue, for example. 2 women are absolutely equally talented. When looking at talent alone, both are perfect for the role. The role will most often go to the person who exhibited the best behavior during auditions. She has proved she would be a pleasure to work with. It's just like a job interview. Remain flexible and friendly and you will do very well in an audition.