Entering the Dolly magazine's Neighbours audition (Neighbours is a popular Aussie TV show). Got any tips etc.?

Question

See http://dolly.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=578261

It says I need to send in a video of me performing a script (found in the latest Dolly magazine, which I have), and also a CV (I think that's a resume?) and a headshot photo of myself.

I'm 12 (turning 13 this month) and have never done any performances or anything, but I've been doing Drama at my highschool this year and am really enjoying it and people have been complimenting me and saying I'm doing really well (I really don't mean to sound full of myself, but it is true that people say that)!

Is there anything I really need to know? Would would I need to include in my CV? Would they consider me seeing as I'm not experienced in acting?

The main prize is a 6-week to 3-year contract on Neighbours!

I'm basically looking for ways to stand out in the crowd (there will be heaps of people entering!) as well as learn any other tips and comments etc. - all of which are appreciated : )

Answer 1

here are 5 basic tips:

Bring the required information. Believe it or not, many actors forget this basic rule. Casting directors will ask for a current headshot (head and shoulders only), an up-to-date resume, and possibly a voice sample, as outlined in the casting call. The headshot/resume package represents you as an actor. From a director's perspective: if you can't follow instructions, either a) you don't care, or b) you're difficult, so c) you're out, before you even begin.

Know your stuff. Research the show, the theatre/film company, and the role. A genuine interest in the production scores big points with directors. A little groundwork can boost your confidence at the audition, lets you ask relevant questions, and initiates conversation that's more than mindless stammering.

Knowledge is strength.

If auditioning for a character: dress the part, but keep it simple. Go easy on make-up or accessories. The director wants to see a genuine person in the role, not a garish facade. Directors may have certain ideas for the character, so keep it general - for example, if you're auditioning for the part of an executive, a basic suit jacket helps the director visualize you in the role, while keeping the creative options open. For general auditions, wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing, which allows room to move and breathe.

Be positive, and showcase your strong points. A pleasant personality radiates warmth, and charms even the coldest producer's heart.

Choose a monologue or song that is familiar, and highlights your personal strengths. Rehearse in front of friends. New, untried material adds to the general nervousness, and is almost guaranteed to flub. For cold reads: be natural, and remember to breathe.

Never take it personally.

Directors have an idea of the type and look they feel are best suited to the role ... for example, if the look is angular, someone with a round face may not get the part despite scads of talent. Or maybe you have potential, but need some coaching. Ask for constructive criticism. Learn from the audition experience. It won't kill you, and it will make you stronger.

Answer 2

Your CV is your resume.  Remember to put the most recent thing first, and divide it up into categories: e.g. Academic qualifications (obviously you’re quite young so won’t have many of these yet – don’t worry!  Just include the schools you go / have been to), Work Experience, and Talents & Skills.  If you have any vocational qualifications (e.g. singing grades, dance exams, regional diving champion etc) then include those too.

Put in everything you can think of, even if it doesn’t seem relevant.  Your startling ability to waterski may not seem worth mentioning but seem like it’ll make much difference to a soap based in a small dead-end street but if you’ve got something they can use, then they’ll be interested, because there's no point in having actors who can't do anything of use.  They can always write things into the script, and you'll find yourself waterskiing on national TV in no time!!  Having said that, be concise, and don’t go over the top (e.g. “I once beat my friend at Connect 4 sixteen times in one afternoon)”.  When it comes to your CV, you can't say things like “everyone says I’m really good” – although that’s great that they say that, and obviously you can keep that thought in your head to give yourself confidence and drive, they won’t care, and it won’t look good.

Ditto what the poster above said in terms of character: do something different.  Watch some episodes of Neighbours and see who is missing.  Bree (? – it’s been a while since I watched it, and I’m in the UK so we’re behind!) did that whole goth-look already, so I wouldn’t recommend that.  But which “group” isn’t being represented?  Who would you, as a viewer, like to see on screen when you watch it every day?  If you can have reasoning behind why you think that your character would be invaluable to the story, then they will be far more likely to take notice.

Good luck!  The entire student population of Britain will be behind you!!

Answer 3

Don't play the "dumb blonde", ditzy or go for "above your age level" (including wearing ultra skimpy clothing, heavy 3 inch make up etc.)

Think a little more alternative Maybe go for a goth, emo, "alternative" (eg Triple J, dye your hair - temporarily of course).  Think of characters such as Abby in NCIS (even the nerdy guy is a bit different) or Daria or Jane from DARIA.  Ther is character there but something makes them different.

CV is pretty much your resume.

Put on school obviously.  And things you've done, not only arts based (school play, dance) but sport, classes such as music etc