How to Get an Audition: A Beginning Actor or Actresses’ Guide

Are you wondering how to get an acting job, or how to get an audition? What steps can you take to make the process more successful? We tell you here!

There are approximately 34,000 actors currently in the workforce. But, there are countless other people attempting to break into the industry.

The problem is that for every audition, there’s a large handful (sometimes even hundreds) of other aspiring or established actors trying to land that role. Even worse is that you may not even know where to start looking for one!

Finding yourself lost? Don’t worry, we got you covered.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about how to get an audition.

First Things First: Finding An Audition

Before you can focus on nailing an audition, you’ll have to find one. As you can expect, this is often easier said than done.

But, there are a few solid methods you can use to help you during your search.

Ask Professionals

There are hundreds of successful producers and directors who could help you get to the next level. But, they’ll likely never know who you are unless you reach out to them first.

A phone call or email won’t cut it, though. We’re talking old school here, you’ll get the best results from mailing a handwritten letter. In this note, very briefly mention who you are, what you admire about them, and if they can help you.

While the success rate is sure to be notably low, you may luck out and end up contacting someone who is willing to help you. Even if they don’t have an audition for you, they may be able to point you in the direction of someone who does.

Search on Your Own

If you don’t want to put your fate in someone else’s hands, you could conduct a search on your own.

Through classified newspaper ads, networking at acting workshops, and attending industry events, you’ll drastically increase your chances of finding an audition that suits you.

Don’t be afraid to travel to attend these functions, even if it means going out of state. You’ll often have to step outside of your comfort zone to meet the right people.

Ask People You Know

Many new actors in search of auditions forget that this is a possibility. You could simply ask friends, family, your acting coach, or anyone else relevant that you know.

If all else fails, you can take to social media and ask on the platforms you’re active on.

Once you’ve had success on your search, it’s time to focus on…

Preparing For Your Audition

Now that you’ve found an audition, you’re going to have to put in even more work to give yourself the best possible chance of standing out among the crowd.

While it can be nerve-wracking to even think of getting onstage in front of a director and producers, you’ll have a much better chance of success if you have a plan for how you’re going to perform.

That means you’ll need to…

Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse

When you already have a role, rehearsing is straightforward. You have a script to memorize and mannerisms to work on. When you’re auditioning, however, you need to essentially create the character out of thin air the moment you walk onstage.

This level of trailblazing is something that separates amateur performers from future professionals.

So, you need to come up with a plan. Imagine what that character does for a living, how they stand, how they speak, what they wear. You need to nail the character down to the point where you understand the basic mannerisms they have during a conversation.

All of these things combined will help those running the audition easily picture you in the role.

The major problem here is that every single role is different, meaning you’ll have to do this every time you audition. But, that only means you’ll get better at it.

As a backup plan, you’ll want to have a few performance routines ready to go at a moment’s notice.

It’s not uncommon for directors to say something like “I like where you’re going with that, but can you give me something a little different?” and then not offer any other form of guidance.

Having two or three solid ideas to work off of will ensure you seamlessly react to this sort of request.

The Performance Itself

So, you’re here. Waiting off to the side of the stage after weeks (or maybe even months) of planning. The most important thing to remember here is that you’ll likely get the role if you truly fit the role.

For example, let’s assume the audition calls for a gruff, biker-type looking male with a short temper and a colorful vocabulary. If you match the appearance (even slightly) and can make the director easily envision you as that character, you’ll have a solid chance of landing the part.

But, even if everything isn’t perfectly aligned, it’s your performance that matters. There are plenty of directors who will take an actor who shows promise but blanked during their performance over someone who fit the criteria of the part but acted arrogantly and too sure of themselves.

Directors need actors to help bring their own vision to life, so they need someone they can work with well and shape along the way.

If you’re someone who can grow to be the perfect candidate the director is looking for, they may choose you for the role based solely on that. All that’s left to do is perform as fluidly as you can (definitely possible with enough practice) and not worry about factors you can’t control.

Learning How to Get an Audition Can Seem Difficult

But it doesn’t have to be.

With the above information about how to get an audition in mind, you’ll be well on your way to landing the role of your dreams.

Want to learn more about how to break into the entertainment industry? Make sure to check out the rest of our blog!

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