About Acting

Do You Have What it Takes To Be An Actor?

Many readers have e-mailed variations of “How can I tell if I have what it takes?” First, a warning: be very clear not to confuse this question with “How do I know if I will be a success?” “Have what it takes” refers to ability…

Going from Good Acting to Great

Unfortunately the word “great” has become so trivialized from careless overuse that it’s lost all its energy. However, to me it still means splendid, awe-inspiring, and beyond talent and into genius. Therefore moving into “great acting” is the equivalent of climbing Everest–difficult, but it can…

What to do When an Agent Asks for Money

“My name is Rachael and I am a senior in high school. Recently, I heard about the Wilhelmina Scouting Network. This is an online site where agents, producers, directors and other industry people can search for models and actors. I had an interview with one…

A Simple Tip for Acting Success – Embracing

Many of you know Ruth Kulerman as the writer of our articles, but last week, I was lucky enough to work with her as an actor. She played a goddess in a reading of a play I’ve co-written, and she was fantastic. Many professionals in…

Top Ten Tips for Succeeding as an Actor

1. Understand the Industry Before you enter it, become an expert on the acting and entertainment industry. Read twenty books on the business of acting, talk to dozens of actors and meet with as many people in the industry as possible (directors, producers, agents, editors,…

Final Words from Ruth Kulerman

Although not specifically listed as “tips” in this, our last journey together, let me just pour out “words” I powerfully believe concern the art of acting and those who occasionally get a glimpse that the drive to act is more than a drive for 15…

20 Monologue Tips

Today is Ruth Kulerman’s second-to-last essay for ActorTips. Reading it over, I’m amazed at how much personality pours out of her writing — and I’m certain that’s a key to her extraordinary power on stage (yes, I’ve been lucky enough to see her act). While…

Terrible Reasons to Become an Actor

Here is a fascinating question from a reader: “WHAT DRAWS PEOPLE TO BECOME ACTORS?” I’ve asked several people this question over the years. They fib. But here are some of the replies, followed by my own observations. 1. “I thought it would be fun.” TIP: …

Know the 2 “E”s and 3 “I”s of Acting

Recently we have addressed several practical and very necessary professional subjects, such as paying to be heard, the use of postcards, memorizing, and scams in all their varieties. Each of you can determine which article–hopefully at least one!–during the past nine months has most helped…

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How to prepare for audition 10 step

1

Find out all you can about the audition. Write it all down if you must. You can never be too prepared! Keep these key points in mind:

·                                 When is it?

·                                 Where is it? Get the address and postcode of the building, floor number, room number. If it's in an unfamiliar city, consider a dummy run to time the journey and find parking spaces/ bus links.

·                                 What is the audition for? Research all you can about the company, production of the show. Not only will this give you a better picture of what they'll be looking for, it shows interest and keenness.

·                                 What exactly will the audition entail? Will there be an audience or just a panel? One single audition or several different sections?

·                                 What you're required to bring or wear. You may be asked to bring head shots, sheet music, history of theater experience or copies of your prepared monologues.

2

Don't be shy. Allow friends, relatives or colleagues to watch your performance prior to your audition. Like knitting or baking, performing is a skill that takes a lot of practice. The more often you perform, the less nervous you will be each time and honest, constructive criticism is gold-dust. Perform to many different types of people- experts and amateurs. The more advice, the better.

3

Check, check and double check what will be expected of you.

·                                 Is there a time limit? Strictly time your performance leaving some breathing space. Remember that nerves will normally speed up the performance.

·                                 Is there a dress code? Even if there is, you have to look your best.

·                                 Do you need to submit accompaniments for the pianist in advance or on the day? Do you need to provide the panel with copies of your scores or monologues?

·                                 Are you expected to bring a CV/resume, proof of identity or examination/qualification certificates?

4

Practice, practice, practice! If you can, get a script, and learn the lines of the character you're wanting, or just look though the script.

·                                 Actors: research the material and familiarize yourself with it. If you are auditioning for a specific character, spend time thinking about their characteristics and their role in the play.

·                                 Singers: Ensure you can confidently perform scales, vocal exercises and that you have a personal routine to warm up your voice. Be aware that you may need to warm up 'publicly', meaning that there will rarely be a private practice space to warm up. Don't let this intimidate you. Make sure you know your specific vocal range, voice type and fach. Be prepared to answer questions about your preferred style and part.

·                                 All Region Band Tryouts: Make sure that the music is well practiced. The only thing you can do for the audition is to make sure that you prepare your music to the best of your ability. Warm up, and make sure that your instrument is swabbed, oiled, or cleaned prior.

5

   The night before the audition, gather any materials you may be required to bring with you. Get to bed early in order to be well-rested for the day ahead.

6

On the day, eat a balanced breakfast. Avoid acidic or greasy foods, fizzy drinks,chocolate and coffee as these damage your vocal chords and make it harder to be at your best. If you are a smoker, do your best to put your morning cigarette off until after your audition, especially if you will be singing.

7

Arrive reasonably early to your audition, as there will inevitably be a moderately large amount of people there before you. Also, if you are unfamiliar with the area where the audition will be held, allow time in your schedule to make sure you won't arrive late.

8

Don't chicken out. When you arrive, there may be a large crowd of people, but it's perfectly normal to be nervous. Just remember all the hard work you have put into preparing for your audition and walk in smiling with your head held high.

9

When you're finished...

·                                 Be patient. You may not hear immediately whether or not your audition was successful. It can take days or weeks.

·                                 Try not to over-analyse. You never know what exactly they were looking for- you've done your best and it's all you can do.

·                                 Stay focused and determined. You won't get every part you audition for and this is normal! Remember that each audition you do is strengthening you as a performer and thickening your skin.

10

Remember: Break a leg!