#127: Bending With The Road PT 2
Tuesday 12/24/24
Here is PART 2 of the SEVEN TIPS to work on your auditioning muscles!
Silence past comments
You can take things on board and have them in the back of your mind but you shouldn’t think ‘oh god, I can’t do this’ if your instinct tells you otherwise.
It can be hard to move past criticism or comments you’ve received that felt more personal than constructive – you might feel you therefore ‘cannot’ do things a certain way. Try to silence those assumptions about what the casting person is looking for; go with your instinct, make your interpretation of the piece and commit to it.
If you’ve been using the same audition piece for a while and it’s not getting you anywhere, it might be worth shaking things up too. Try and remain open to constructive feedback and stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Make your peace
Auditions may not go your way for lots of reasons, and are often nothing to do with your ability or what you delivered in the room. At some point EVERYONE is talented.
Try to make your peace with the way you approached your audition, as long as you are confident that you have done your best. The chances are you still did a great job even without getting the role, and it’s all about being visible and building relationships. Book the room, not the job.
Be remembered for the right reasons
Pick a piece “with lightness and darkness to it.” Keep it interesting and remember that the casting team are often meeting people all day, so it can be difficult to feel engaged with pieces describing grim and harrowing acts. Be aware though that you do want to be remembered – and for the best reasons. I work on this with my college audition students… it’s truly the best way to be seen in many lights quickly.
Do your research – on the part and in life!
When someone walks into the room, you can just tell if they’re well prepared.
Being prepared and doing the prep is a key trait of actors who do well. It is important to keep reading, keep engaging and be interested and curious in what is going on around you. Be confident enough to engage in a conversation is important, as it will show you are not just interested in the part, but the wider context, which is as important. Continuing to educate yourself also helps to keep your acting fresh and sharp, even between jobs!!!
Dreams Don’t Die
Julie