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This article was co-authored by Lesly Kahn, MFA. Lesly Kahn is an acting teacher and coach based in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder and owner of Lesly Kahn & Company, Actor Training, which focuses on preparing actors for employment in film, television and theatre. With well over 30 years of experience, Ms. Kahn has coached hundreds of actors who have become household names. She also ran the BFA Program in Acting at Marymount Manhattan College, and worked in television as well as New York and regional theatre. Lesly holds a BFA from New York University and an MFA from The Yale School of Drama.
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Theatre as a child can be a great way to express yourself and meet new friends. It can help a shy kid come out of their shell, or an already confident person gain experience. However, you must first get into a play. The only way to do that is to audition. And make sure you have a picture
Steps
Choose a play to audition for. Musicals can be great if you like singing and dancing, or you can choose a play without any music. Think about the location, if you are ready for the commitment, etc. Ask your drama or music teacher at school if he/she knows of any upcoming auditions in your area.
Read up on the company's requirements. Some of them want taped background music, others piano accompaniment. Make sure you have the right shoes. Most importantly, make sure you fit the roles. Most companies offer a list of roles, so you can be prepared.Advertisement
Be different. Don't choose the same old song that the directors have heard a million times. By choosing a new and fresh song, the directors are more interested then they would be in another kid singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".
Practice your song. You must know it like the back of your hand if you are to ace the audition. Don't be afraid to put your own spin on it. Directors like when performers show they are creative and can be individual.
Get plenty of sleep and eat a good breakfast the day of the audition.
Look clean and polished on the day of the audition -- but don't overdo it. Remember: You are like a salesman trying to sell a product, only you are selling your talent. You want to make sure you look your very best. Make sure you wear clothes you can move in, and have your hair styled in a way that the focus is on your face, not your hair.
Be confident and carry yourself well. Directors are not looking for someone who doesn't think they're good enough. They want a kid who is confident and gives off the message that you believe you have what it takes. When you stand up to read or sing, give a winning smile and look right at the directors. If you believe you're right for the part, they will too.
Listen and be obedient.[1] Nothing turns off a director like a conceited actor. Acting like you are above everyone else or refusing to listen will give off the message that you are stubborn and hard to work with. Directors are not only looking for an ability, but also the way you behave in general. So don't be a snob.
Ask questions. If something in the script, sheet music, or dance combination confuses you, don't be afraid to ask the director for some tips. That's what they are there for. Wanting to be completely sure of how they want it will assure them you genuinely care about making the play the best it can be.
Once the auditions are over, go home and relax. You will probably hear back from the company in about two weeks. So do not spend two weeks being anxious and worried. Do what you normally do and get plenty of sleep.
If you don't get cast, don't let it get you down. It's just one play. Maybe they didn't think any of the parts really fit your talent and personality. It doesn't always mean you are not good enough. Just keep trying and one of those times you will get in.[2] If you truly can not handle the rejection, try a different hobby. Jennifer Hudson lost American Idol but went on to win an Academy Award. Sometimes you have to take a wrong turn to get on the right track.Advertisement
Expert Q&A
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- QuestionHow can I prepare right before an audition?
Lesly Kahn, MFALesly Kahn is an acting teacher and coach based in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder and owner of Lesly Kahn & Company, Actor Training, which focuses on preparing actors for employment in film, television and theatre. With well over 30 years of experience, Ms. Kahn has coached hundreds of actors who have become household names. She also ran the BFA Program in Acting at Marymount Manhattan College, and worked in television as well as New York and regional theatre. Lesly holds a BFA from New York University and an MFA from The Yale School of Drama.
Acting Teacher & CoachTry to loosen up by dancing or singing a song so you don't feel as nervous. However, don't do this if you're in a waiting room with other people since it's distracting to other people. - QuestionWhat does it mean if they tell you to not bring any material to the audition? Like no practiced monologue or anything?
DonaganTop AnswererIt means they want to see you improvise something. - QuestionHow do I not stress out after my audition?
Darth PrettiusCommunity AnswerJust think of everything that could go right and not about what could go wrong. Or do something fun afterwards, you've earned it!
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Tips
- Be kind and courteous during your audition. Take directions well and listen to the directors. Take critique well and thank them for the chance to audition.Thanks
- Directors don't always cast the best singer/actor in the lead role. They cast who they believe will bring the best performance in that specific part. So don't be upset because you believe your audition was better than someone else's who got the part.Thanks
- Movies are usually very different from the stage play, so stay away from watching the screen version too often. It can give you a false sense of the play.Thanks
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References
About this article
Lesly Kahn, MFA
Acting Teacher & Coach
This article was co-authored by Lesly Kahn, MFA. Lesly Kahn is an acting teacher and coach based in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder and owner of Lesly Kahn & Company, Actor Training, which focuses on preparing actors for employment in film, television and theatre. With well over 30 years of experience, Ms. Kahn has coached hundreds of actors who have become household names. She also ran the BFA Program in Acting at Marymount Manhattan College, and worked in television as well as New York and regional theatre. Lesly holds a BFA from New York University and an MFA from The Yale School of Drama. This article has been viewed 17,556 times.
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Co-authors: 22
Updated: May 25, 2023
Views: 17,556
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 17,556 times.
Reader Success Stories
"I used this advice to audition for my school's advance theatre and it really helped. I think the best was the confidence part. I walked in there like I did that every day. My teacher was smiling the whole way through, just because I walked in with confidence."..." more
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