Oh! Hello there, I didn’t see you come in. I was just getting ready for an audition. What’s that? …Well, thank you! I am, in fact, feeling relatively calm and collected. … Of course! I’m more than happy to give you a few basic tips and tricks for dealing with pre-audition/interview jitters. Snuggle up, make some hot cocoa, and read on my friend…
1. Know the material.
Here’s the obvious one. We all know that notification time can vary wildly. You have anywhere from one weeks notice, to just 30 minutes to get your butt to the audition. You literally have no control over this aspect of it, so just go with it and do what you can in whatever amount of time you’re given.
That being said; if you have the time, USE IT! Study the character description, create backstory, put an outfit together, checkout clips online (if it’s a current TV show), research the CD, director, writer, etc. (if it’s a pilot or a movie). Get to know the tone and style that they might be looking for. I mean, you can never know exactly what someone is looking for, but at least you can be in the same ballpark (Or close by…. Maybe tailgating in the parking lot by the stadium.)
2. Practice the systematic expulsion of bodily carbon dioxide and respiratory absorption of atmospheric oxygen.
That means; Breath, you dummy! The respiratory system can be your body’s built in magical stress reducer. (NPR agrees, so it must be true) Block those nasty little stress hormones by taking slow, deep, and mindful breaths. Literally visualize the air in every step of the process; from the contraction of the diaphragm, to the expansion of the alveoli (That’s these little guys not these) Practice and repeat.
3. Get some sleep.
No, I’m not talking about the paltry 4 or 5 hours that you sometimes get after staying up half the night cramming the 9 pages of sides into your exhausted little noggin. It’s not going to do much good for you to stay up memorizing if your brain can’t function well enough to then remember all that stuff later. You need to be wide awake, on your toes, bright eyed and bushy-tailed, and … some other colloquialism that has to do with being well rested and alert.
It’s also useful to note that acting is generally a visual medium. So, you should try and walk in to that room looking like the best version of you. … Unless of course your audition is for a decomposing zombie or a back-alley hooker. In that case, stay up all night and practice your moaning. (Oooo! Did you see what I did there? I’m so risqué!)
4. Keep your sides with you
I don’t care if you’ve got every single line memorized frontwards, backwards, and in Pig Latin. Have those papers in hand! You never know what could happen in the moment. What if the reader decides to make an odd choice that completely throws you off, or the casting director decides to start from middle of page 3? You need to look as professional as possible.
Plus, It’s not all about you. I’ve heard from several CDs that it makes them uncomfortable to see an actor without the sides in hand. Part of their brain is now stressed out waiting for the actor to mess up and forget the lines. So, now instead of impressing them with your memorization skills, you have only succeeded in keeping them from fully engaging in your performance. No Bueno.
5. Double click your mouse.
That’s right, I’m talking about… ::earmuffs for the kids:: … masturbation. If you just gasped or giggled, then shame on you. But, really, I totally get it. Sadly, most women wouldn’t even consider talking about this topic out loud, and here I am writing about it for all the world to discuss. But, that’s how I roll.
I got this nugget of advice in college from a teacher whom I really respect and admire. The basics behind her legitimate theory was; what better “release of tension” can you think of? You’ll be more relaxed, much more composed, and self-empowered. It really is great to walk into that room with that cheeky feeling of “I know something you don’t know”
If you think that you’re not yet very good at the act of self-love, then my professional advice would be to practice your craft. Often.
6. Want it. But, don’t NEED it.
You’ve probably gone out on a few dates in your time. You may have come across that certain smell that some people have, those people that seem like they NEED to find a Husband/Wife and NOW. That stench, my friend, is Eau de Desperation. And we all know that it reeks. The “spark” only ignites when two people get together and have the mutual thought of “Oh! They are pretty cool. This could work”. This concept applies to auditions as well. Once you get the idea that this audition could be “the one” out of your head, you’ll find yourself much more relaxed. And perhaps even ::gasp!:: having fun? Try and think of auditions as opportunities to flex your art and expertise in little spurts. The fact that it might eventually lead to a job is just the cherry on the sundae.
::sips the last of the cocoa:: Well, that’s all for tonight.
What have I left out? Share your advice or personal ‘pre-audition ritual’ in the comments below. Seriously, I want to hear it. You’re great. ::Hugs::
*PS. I didn’t swear ONCE in this article! High five!