Good Medicine Theatre Company

We have had some exceptional auditions for Same Time, Next Year. For the proud few that audition well - it shows. They exude confidence, present themselves professionally, and usually perform at optimal levels. The thing that always amazes me is that so many people seem to think that these auditioning golden children have some secret formula. But a good audition has absolutely nothing to do with luck or talent and everything to do with preparation and practice.
 
There are a few golden rules to a great audition:
 
 1. You cannot get cast if you do not show up.
  
It's very Zen, don't you think; simple, obvious, and profound. Yet for some reason this is a tough one in this town. Of a random sample of 11 audition appointments we had 4 cancellations and 2 no shows. In my book this is completely unacceptable. Before you make an audition appointment take a good look at your schedule and determine if this show and its schedule are right for you. If you've seen the script and don't think that there is anything in it for which you could be cast, audition anyway, let the director decide who's right for each role and if nothing else it's great practice. If you genuinely need to cancel an audition appointment speak with the director about rescheduling, chances are they will be willing to work with anyone who reaches out with an honest approach. Not keeping an audition appointment is a clear sign that you are not a reliable performer and directors will remember.
 
 
2. Calm down. The directors want you to be the one.
 
 Trust me, all they want is to find the perfect actor for the perfect roll so they can call off the search and go have a beer. Smile, breath and enjoy yourself.
 
 
3. Read your own resume.
 
Is everything spelled correctly? Is it formatted well? Does the digital version look as good as your paper version? Remember that everyone's computer formats documents differently. Your digital resume should be in the form of a pdf or image file, like a jpg. Your resume is a refection of you, what sort of image are you presenting?
 
 
4. Dress appropriately.
 
I am always shocked by what people wear to auditions. It is mind-boggling. An experienced director can tell what kind of audition you will give by how you are dressed. Here's a quick list of things that I have actually seen at auditions that should NEVER be repeated. Tiaras. Tiaras should never be worn to an audition. Work out clothes. Paint clothes. Sweatshirts. T-Shirts. Cut off anything. Skankwear - If you can see bellybutton, ass, or breasts in the mirror, for god’s sake, cover them up. High heels. Chains, Pins, and all manner of leather. Black, green, or blue fingernail polish - that goes for the guys too. Tiaras, please no tiaras. So what should you wear? Anything dressy casual, that's comfortable to move in and looks great on you. Directors are looking for actors who are happy, healthy, and great to work with. Look it!
 
 
5. Prepare a monologue.
 
It's an audition. The only reason you are there is to show them your work. You should have a monolouge. A good actor always has at least three monologues up their sleeve at any given time - two contemporary and one classical. Monologues to perform at the drop of a hat; at the opening of an envelope; or anytime the supermarket checkout people get chatty. But these can't be just any monologues. These should be your signature monologues - stuff that makes you really shine. I haven't been on stage in almost 10 years but I still have those monologues running through my head, aching to jump out should an unsuspecting passer-by inquire. Years from now when a director asks, "Have you got anything else?" you'll be glad you do.  
  
I hope that I have imparted a few small pearls of auditioning wisdom and I know you guys are all going to be auditioning wizards for the next round in April. Want to get a head start? Good Medicine Theatre Company offers an audition critique and review for only $25. Groups of 5 or more can get a bargain rate of $100. Follow the contact us link to schedule an appointment.