How to Hold an Audition

Holding auditions is relatively simple but without preparation can often go wrong. It is often unimportant what type of audition you are holding, but sometimes there are subtle differences, and different equipment is required. This is universal for most types of auditions

Steps

Download Article

If you are only expecting 20 or 30 people for an audition, even your garage may do. If you need a larger space, try renting out hotels or venues function rooms. These often are quite cheap to rent during the day, which is the most likely time to hold your auditions.^{[1]XResearch source}
2
Get the equipment you require.
- If you're auditioning people to become members of a band, you may need to supply amps, leads, microphones etc. If you need a drummer for a band, you will most certainly need to have a drum kit available. Not many drummers will cart their expensive kits to an audition. Other instruments won't be necessary as most people will only play their own instruments
- If you're auditioning an actor or singer for a musical, you may need microphones also, and a stereo or PA to play music through. But more importantly you may need someone to play out parts with them. This should not be too difficult to organise if you are in charge of hiring people!
Advertisement
3
Decide whether you are going to hold 'open' or 'set' auditions.
- Open Auditions are where you have a start time for auditions and anyone can turn up. This is done on a first come first serve basis.
- Set Auditions are where you do not list the time or location of your auditions on your advertisements. You just put a contact number up, and when people ring you, you give them more information and a specific time and date for their audition. Though this sounds more complicated, this is often easier and seems better organised. Also, you know how many people are going to show up before they arrive.
- Posters should follow this guide:
  - AUDITIONS
  - What type(s) of performer is required
  - Age and sex requirements
  - Time and Date (optional)
  - Length of audition
  - Contact number, website and email
If you're not artistic/confident enough to make your own get them professionally done. Posters put up in venues, music shops, colleges and schools, drama clubs etc. are often the most effective. But there's no harm in placing advertisements in local papers. Another way to guarantee auditions is to ring Talent Agencies and Agents which can be found in your Yellow Pages. Only good performers are picked up by these businesses. Make sure to be safe about where you decide to put up your advertisements.
If they are auditioning for a part in a film or play, provide them with a script as soon as they decide that they would like to audition.^{[2]XResearch source}
7
Create forms for when people arrive. Also ask them to bring passport style, photos so when you're debating which to accept afterwards you will remember every person. This form should have:
- - Name
  - Phone Number
  - Address
  - Email Address
  - Age
Often the most talented are the busiest! So try to accommodate them in a separate/private audition.
The panel should always consist of at least two people, at least one man and one woman, unless you are running an all male or all female band. This looks more professional and one on one auditions can be disconcerting.
Make sure the place where the people are auditioning is separate from the people waiting to interview, this helps calm nerves and will make it more fair^{[3]XResearch source}
Don't give away your decision either and tell every person auditioning that you'll get back to them.^{[4]XResearch source}
Once the auditions are over, make your decisions and inform the person you've accepted first, then ring/email each person saying that you're sorry but that you'll keep their form in case another opening becomes available.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
Should I take notes, and what should I write down while they are auditioning?
Community Answer
As long as you can pay attention while taking notes, it is a good idea. Write down what you like and dislike about each actor's performance so you can remember it later when it is time to make your casting decisions.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 0 Helpful 25
Question
Can I hold an audition in the neighborhood in the front yard?
Community Answer
Yes. It honestly depends on how formal you want your performance to be. If your performance is a fun neighborhood get together, it may be fine.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 1 Helpful 11
Question
Could I do it during school?
Community Answer
You will have to check with your school, in order to find out their policies on holding auditions during school hours.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 4 Helpful 12

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Dismiss people who are clearly wasting your time, but don't be rude to people who, 'aren't what you're looking for.' You should let them finish.
Thanks
Helpful9 Not Helpful0
Try to get singers to perform with a microphone to see if they are used to using the equipment etc.
Thanks
Helpful8 Not Helpful1
Always be nice!
Thanks
Helpful7 Not Helpful1

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

You may need public liability insurance to use a function room or venue, but this is not always the case. Make sure you find out before hand!
Thanks
Helpful45 Not Helpful18