What Are The Best Audition Tips You Need To Know To Book That Role!
12th September 2022
Georgia Carter
So we all know that feeling don’t we? It’s before an audition and we think ok how do we do everything we can to book this role? Whether it be audition tips for musicals, self tape audition tips, monologue audition tips or those zoom audition tips you need to nail as this industry is becoming evermore so digital. We as actors, singers, dancers have to be flexible, malleable and determined to do our best. Auditions are the places where we truly show what we can do, so let us give you the advice, the acting audition tips that will push you further into that career you want and book every casting you go for.
First things first, there are so many types of auditions out there, so I will break them down into easy to digest chunks for you, as for example, for a commercial audition, you will encounter a different experience to that of a musical theatre casting.
Self Tape Audition Tips
The most common type of audition now you will find for any performer will be a self tape, as even before the pandemic, casting directors were looking to make their lives easier and if they could see 200 people in a day compared to only 50, then they were winning. Perfecting the self tape is key and follow these audition video tips to book that role.
Your phone is your best friend for shooting a self tape, and as long as it has a decent camera, then you really don’t need to shell out on any fancy equipment, not yet anyway. Make sure you use the camera on the back of your phone, as this is better quality.
Sit as close as you can to the camera for the best audio.
Make sure you shoot in landscape, not in portrait.
Film just your head and shoulders, as this is all that is needed for a self-tape. Casting directors need to be able to see those smaller reactions on camera, so unless you have been asked to shoot a scene where they see your whole body, keep to this advice.
Lighting is key when you are shooting a self-tape, so if you do not have the best natural light in your room, then you can always invest in a ring light. They are not that expensive, and you can find them on Amazon for only £30.
A plain background – specifically one that is white, but blue works as well, so there are no distractions and also ensure there is as little background noise as possible. This I know may be hard if you live in a noisy household or near a busy street, but try and find somewhere you won’t be disturbed.
To produce a perfect self tape, you need to be off-book and really have rehearsed the scene – if you have time. The better you know the scene, the easier it will be to play with the lines and the character.
Ask a friend to help read with you for the tape. I know finding a reader at the last minute can fill an actor with dread, especially if there is a tight deadline for a tape. So I suggest having a few friends who are willing to help you and vice versa, and then at least you have someone to react to in the moment. Believe me, I have used Audacity in the past, recording the other character’s lines and it works so much better if there is actually someone there.
Voice Over Audition Tips
For a voice over audition, whether that be for anime, video games, commercials, audiobooks or movies etc., of course the most important thing to remember is that your voice needs to be warmed up. Vocal warmups should be done even when you are not auditioning, and they help to open up the vocal cords and help with breath control. Maybe try some lip trills, tongue twisters or even yawn and sigh to start with.
Read the script and be familiar with the scene. Have fun with it and really use those acting skills to get into character. If there are phrases and words you are not sure of pronouncing, then practice these before you record your voice over.
Look at what types of accents you might be asked to deliver and if you are a professional VO artist you will more than likely have a few accents ready to go.
Invest in quality equipment as the casting director needs to be able to hear you on your audio file. This also relates to the software you use to edit the file you send to the casting director.
Commercial Audition Tips
For commercial auditions, it is worth remembering that you need to portray a naturalness to the character you are playing. Lean into who you are and have fun with the casting. This may be in the room or on tape.
Commercials rely on expressiveness, and as they only last for 15-30 seconds, you need to get the casting director to notice you in a short space of time, but don’t overdo it either.
Research the brand and understand the tone of the commercial. Maybe watch previous commercials of the brand and then you will ascertain the style of the advert.
Slating needs to be as natural as possible, and state your name, location and role you are reading for.
Ballet Audition Tips
Research the company, production and role you are auditioning for.
Eat well before the audition as you will need all your energy. Some auditions go on all day, so bring snacks with you. This also is good advice for the weeks leading up to the audition.
Dress appropriately and wear comfortable clothes. Clean tights, and having your hair up and out of your face is key.
Be as professional as possible as soon as you walk into the casting room, this is your moment. The better prepared you are to take direction, stretching when not dancing, and those who are polite in the room, are only going to improve you as a dancer in front of the casting director.
Musical Theatre Audition Tips
Follow these musical audition tips to impress those directors at your next casting.
Unless they have sent you a song to rehearse, pick a song that works in terms of the type of character you wish to play. Are you a belter, or sing more of a romantic range? Once you have found this, then lean into it and find songs that compliment your style.
Learn the notes, and rehearse the song as much as possible before being in the room. Then you will be able to make it your own, whether this is a song of your choice or one sent by the casting team.
Connect to the story and bring out your passion for telling it to the directors. If you have no emotional connection, it will be abundantly clear.
Mark my words, this audition tip for singers is the most crucial one. Look after your voice 24/7. This is your instrument, so take care of it.
Dress with confidence and something you feel comfortable in.
Treat yourself after the audition, however you think it went.
Music Scholarship Audition Tips
Know your music and pick something that works well for your voice.
Be prepared.
Keep going if you make a mistake.
Make sure you bring the music for accompanist, and taping in a strip is advised.
Really enjoy your time in front of the panel.
Final Thoughts
So I hope this has been helpful and whether you need tips on acting auditions or what to do for that all important musical casting next week, or even a last minute zoom call, now you know what to do and book the gig!
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