How should i prepare for an audition?

Question

ok. i really want to be an actress but i dont really know how. i have been in loads of plays and i just dont have the support. i want to do my audition for a private performing arts school but i really dont know weather i would be able to do it. and i deffinitly dont know what to do. i get really nervouse in front of small groups and i think i would mess up, even though i can perfrom infront of hundreds :( i really dont know what to do and its getting annoying plz help me!

Answer 1

Don't be nervous about anything! Take a deep breathe and do your best. Just remember that the people you are singing for will be rooting for you because they want the best there is. Be confident and know your audition song front and back. Focus when you sing and don't overthink it. Don't OVER practice your audition when I was going to an audition I was told either sing it a few times the day before or none the day before and once or twice in the morning. Don't eat too much before your audition because it makes your voice all acid refluxy. Think of all the plays you were in and how you well you did. RELAX TAKE A DEEP BREATHE AND DO YOUR BEST!

Answer 2

You didn't say if this is a musical theater or straight play thing -- but either way, if you have a role you have done in the past, that would be a great thing to audition with, or perhaps a song/monologue from one of those shows, even if it wasn't your part -- in other words, something that you are very familiar with.  I think that unless you have a terrific voice, a comedy song or one with lots of personality can work better (Broadway Baby by Sondheim).  This gives you someone to "be" in the audition.  It can be harder to put across a love song or sweet song --

On another note, when picking an audition song, it might just be me, but I'm sick to death of anything from the last 30 years!  Go for a classic -- they'll just think you are well-trained, even if the school does more modern works (which are often hard to do well -- the music from Rent sung poorly is a lot worse than the music from Oklahoma sung poorly).  If you are bringing sheet music for the piano player, don't ask them to change the key on the spot.  If you are bringing recorded music, then get the "Music Minus One" version and bring the CD with you, and a backup CD player, just in case they don't have one!  (you should get this information in advance!)  Auditioning is kind of awful, and kind of fun.  Remember they are looking not just at your audition, but at your experience in other plays and your attitude!  It's okay to tell them that you love doing theater -- whatever you do -- don't apologize!  Good luck!

Answer 3

OK, so what's wrong with your teachers?  What do you mean by a private performing arts school?  Any post-secondary school is going to require an audition. There are classses in how to audition, Go to dropdeadacting.com and sign up for her free lessons on auditioning.

Answer 4

Dont be nervous! It'll show on your audition. If you truely believe in yourself then you will be fine.

Answer 5

When choosing an audition song, never go with something classic, like Amazing Grace or a Disney song. Directors have heard them time and time again, and you won't stand out. You want to be remembered and you want to be noticed. I suggest picking something from an old Gershwin show or some Cole Porter. Not a lot of people select that kind of music. Otherwise, if you don't want to sing showtunes, select a common song that you can see being sung at a Cabaret. If the artist has even performed on Broadway, the better, since they'll have that type of voice. Never pick something from Phantom, RENT, Wicked, Legally Blonde, Hairspray, Wizard of Oz or Chicago. They're all terribly overused.

Answer 6

Try phoning up a couple of drama schools and ask them what's expected of the applicant in an audition. I'm sure there's private teachers you could go to for help with an audition piece and some simple exercises to keep nerves under control. Although it's not good to be TOO nervous, a little nervouseness shows them that you're keen and really want to do well.

But mainly I'd say phone round some places and just ask what's expected. You're showing interest and you'll be prepared!

Break a leg!

Answer 7

As an acting coach, I will tell you what I always tell my students.  Know what you are talking about.  It isn't enough to memorize a monologue and then add a little feeling to it.  You need to know what the means means, what it intends to communicate and who you are speaking to.  That alone will make the piece more interesting, and should help with your nervousness.  I have found that most people are nervous because they are not well enough prepared.  Try really analyzing the piece you will present ... you may just surprise yourself.  Try this site:

www.colonialsd.org/pwhs/lib/pwhs/colon...

Answer 8

I know completely what you mean.  I can, and have, performed in front of hundreds of people.  But I have a really really hard time singing in front of my mom.

As far as acting goes, practice makes perfect.  Go over and over and over your lines for that audition.  And once you have them memorized backwards and forwards, practice on front of the mirror.  And remember to make everything bigger than you would be in real life, because you have to portray your emotions to everyone in the theater, clear to the back row.  

So, go in a mirror, and practice you facial expressions.  Both up close, and far away.  This will let you know how that audience will see it.  Just, play around with different expressions until you get one that you feel comfortable.  And remember, if you feel stupid doing it, you're probably doing it right.

But, when you go to this audition, remember that it is these peoples jobs to listen to amateur actors.  So, if they like you, you're in.  And, if they don't like you, (and believe me, sooner or later, it will happen!) then you don't ever have to see them again, so who cares?

Break a leg!!!

EDIT:  Are you wanting to be an actress alone, or an actress/singer?

And, it wouldn't hurt to enroll in a small acting class, to get you more comfortable in front of a few people.