Being an actor is hard enough. Here I take out the guess work of what makes a good audition based on my own work and previous auditions. I even include what I use to film, and edit auditions. Join me as I watch my own audition tapes and give you tips on what to and what not to do. Check out my video available on the bottom of this post that speaks of the same topic in video form.
- Outfits
Like headshots, interviews, and general meetings, what we wear is super important. In my audition, I wore a dark top. With my black hair, low light, and dark hair, I look like I have a floating head. The only good thing is that I do not have a black backdrop. If I did, I would really be a floating head. Instead, try lighter shirts. Find a color that matches your skin color for optimal results. It’s usually good to have a few go-to shirts so that when you do go to audition, you don’t have to worry too much about what you wear. At times, casting directors will also ask for a certain look. Try to keep your closet stocked with things that would fit in the parameters of what they are looking for. When you do you headshots, you will have these outfits so those could work as your go-to’s.
2. Where to look
When auditioning, you ALWAYS want to look off to the side of the camera. Make sure to look just slightly off the camera. That could mean looking next to the lens or just next to the entire camera. Do a few takes to figure out what looks best. You still want to face the camera. You do not want a side view. People need to see your whole face in order to see your reactions and thinking. Avoid having your hair in front of your face as well. It may take some getting used to but it makes such a difference in professionalism.
3. Nervous Ticks
I have a really bad habit of moving my leg. I started in elementary school when I started having panic attacks. As the panic attacks went away, this habit did not. I find it funny that I am now able to stop this movement when I start playing the character but I still need to work on it in daily interactions. The last thing you want to do is give up your power to someone else when you’re having a meeting. The best way to know what bad habit you have is by recording yourself. This is how I learned I bounced too much. When I recorded myself and learned, I was able to undo the habit. This will save you from completely ruining your shots on the day when you have to film and submit the audition quickly.
4. Research Brand Names
As an actor, you will probably do a lot of commercial auditions. This is where most of the money is raised until you can get a network or streaming service show/movie. This is why it’s super important to research names! No one wants to hire someone that doesn’t take the time to research the company. They definitely do not want that person to represent their company.
5. Readers
How do you get someone to read the other character’s lines? You make a phone call, ask a roommate or friend, OR do it yourself. I personally would rather call someone. An actor friend, a parent, your child…just find someone. There are also apps where you can record yourself saying the opposite line and play it while you act. I find these difficult, however, because then you have to time your reactions and it makes the process feel rushed and inorganic. You could also say only your lines out loud, then process the opposite lines in your head and react. In post production, you then MUST record yourself saying the opposite lines.
6. Character Work
Character work is the process of getting into your characters mind. Thinking about why they said that line, why do they believe what they believe, and so much more. I’m not going to go into what character work entails. That topic deserves a different post altogether. This is where getting training in acting is SO important. Before you can act, you must understand. You will not have a good audition unless you understand.
7. Tips for listening
Listening in auditions is as important as having a reader. It informs the way you’ll say your next lines. It ties in with knowing why you’re saying what you’re saying. Even if you have rehearsed the lines, the issue is getting yourself to hear them like they’re new. A great tip for this is to find something different each time the person says it. No one will ever say their lines the same. We’re not recordings, it’s not possible. What you have to do is discover something about what they’re saying. Once you have that thing, keep thinking it every time you hear that line. This will help you be active with your partner and REALLY listen to what they are ACTUALLY saying. (see also subtext).
8. Excessive Sighs
I absolutely cannot stand when actors make a big sigh. It’s so performative. It’s not natural. When trying to create natural reactions, avoid taking all of that energy out in that way. Instead, ground yourself and listen. When you do a “show boat” sigh, you’re not actually listening. You’re anticipating.
9. Post Production
Casting directors sometimes want you to turn in self-tapes quickly. Because of this it’s so important to find a process that will SAVE you so much time. You want to spend most of your time on the audition and preparations. Not on trying to get it in. I use apple’s ecosystem to transfer my files from my phone to my computer. I then use iMovie to edit and export my auditions. I could use Adobe Premiere Pro but it’s too clunky for my computer and takes longer. If you have a set up where Adobe Premiere Pro is better, by all means use it. You don’t, however, need fancy systems to create a great audition tape. Get your technology and system set up before you have an audition so that you are ready to go. Casting director’s are asking so many audition tapes from so many people. Getting it in sooner will ensure they actually see your tape.
Laila Flores 