Episode #355
Air Date: 2/20/2025
Auditions That Wow
Auditioning is your moment to shine, a chance to take the script and make it your own. It’s not about guessing what the casting team wants—it’s about showing them a version of the character they didn’t even know they needed. So, how do you approach that audition material and make bold, dynamic choices that stand out? Let’s dive into some tried-and-true ways to tackle those sides and pro-tips to give a memorable performance with auditions that wow!
1. Read the Script Like a Detective
Before you even start thinking about how to perform, focus on what’s actually happening.
Look for clues: Who is your character? What’s their goal in this scene? How do they feel about the other characters? The script is full of breadcrumbs—follow them!
Dig into the subtext: What’s your character really saying underneath the words? Often, the most dynamic moments come from what’s unspoken.
Consider the stakes: Why is this moment important? If it doesn’t feel urgent to your character, it won’t feel urgent to the audience.
Pro Tip: If you only get a few pages (common in auditions), research the show or project to understand the tone, genre, and relationships.
2. Make Bold, Specific Choices
Casting directors love actors who make strong, specific decisions—it shows confidence and creativity.
Decide what your character wants: Every line should connect to their objective. Whether they want to win someone over, hide their fear, or take control, let that goal drive your performance.
Add layers: Don’t play one emotion the whole way through. For example, a line that seems angry might also have humor or vulnerability beneath it. Complexity makes characters come alive.
Surprise them: If the script hints that your character should cry, consider holding it in instead. If the line feels like it should be shouted, try whispering it. Unexpected choices, when rooted in truth, can make your audition unforgettable.
Pro Tip: Bold doesn’t mean outrageous—your choices should still feel grounded and authentic to the story.
3. Personalize the Material
Find a way to connect the scene to your own life or emotions.
Ask yourself, “When have I felt like this?” Relating to the character’s feelings makes your performance real and relatable.
Bring your unique self to the role: Your life experiences, quirks, and perspective are what make your interpretation one-of-a-kind.
Avoid playing it “safe” or generic: Lean into the specific details that make you special as an actor.
Pro Tip: Casting directors aren’t just hiring a character—they’re hiring you. Show them who you are through your choices.
4. Play the Relationship
The way your character interacts with others tells the audience (and casting directors) so much.
Who are you talking to? Think about how your character feels about the other person(s) in the scene. Are they trying to charm, intimidate, impress, or connect?
Pro Tip: Even if the scene feels like a monologue, it’s always a conversation—someone (real or imagined) is listening.
5. Be Comfortable with Adjustments
The casting director might ask you to change your performance during the audition, so be flexible and open to direction.
Don’t over-rehearse: Practice enough to know the material but not so much that you’re locked into one way of performing it.
Show that you can take direction: If they say, “Let’s see it more playful,” don’t panic—just embrace the note and try something fresh.
Experiment at home: Try the scene a few different ways during practice. This builds confidence and helps you stay nimble.
Pro Tip: Adjustments are often less about “fixing” something and more about seeing how versatile you are.
6. Use the Space and Your Body
Don’t be afraid to move and engage physically, even if you’re in a small audition room.
Find natural gestures: Let your body support the emotions and intentions of the character.
Work with the environment: Is your character sitting, standing, pacing? Use the imaginary space to ground yourself in the scene.
Stay connected to your breath: Breathing deeply not only calms nerves but also helps you connect to the character’s emotional state.
Pro Tip: Movement should feel purposeful, not random. Ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?” with every choice.
7. Embrace Stillness When It Counts
Sometimes, the most dynamic choice is doing less.
Let the moments land: Pauses can add weight to your lines and give the audience time to process what’s happening.
Use your eyes: A glance or subtle expression can speak volumes and draw the audience in.
Avoid overacting: Trust that the camera or the audience will pick up on the subtlety.
Pro Tip: Stillness doesn’t mean being passive—your character should still have energy and intention, even in quiet moments.
8. Prepare Emotionally (But Stay Flexible)
Connecting emotionally to the material is important, but you don’t want to overthink it.
Find the truth in the moment: Instead of trying to “feel sad” or “angry,” focus on the circumstances and let the emotions emerge naturally.
Practice emotional recall: If it helps, think of a personal memory that mirrors the character’s situation. But don’t get so caught up in the feeling that you lose sight of the scene’s purpose.
Stay in the moment: React to what’s happening in the scene, not what you think the emotion should be.
Pro Tip: Keep the emotional preparation light in the room—showing you can control your emotions is just as important as accessing them.
9. Be Fully Present
This is your time to connect with the material and show your artistry.
Don’t rush: Give yourself a moment to center before starting the scene.
Stay engaged: Even if you stumble over a line, keep going. Recovering gracefully shows professionalism and composure.
Enjoy the process: Remember, auditioning is an opportunity to act, even if you don’t book the role. Relish the chance to play.
Pro Tip: Casting directors aren’t just looking for perfection—they’re looking for potential. If you’re fully present, you’ll stand out.
10. Practice, Practice, Practice
Great auditions are the result of preparation, not luck.
Rehearse smartly: Focus on understanding the character and building strong choices rather than memorizing every word perfectly.
Get feedback: Practice with a coach, friend, or self-tape setup to see how your performance reads.
Stay consistent: Auditioning is a skill, and the more you do it, the more confident and dynamic you’ll become.
Final Thought
Approaching audition material is all about blending preparation with spontaneity. Dive into the script, make specific choices, and trust your instincts. Casting directors want to see your interpretation of the role, so be fearless, be present, and most importantly—have fun. You’ve got this!
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