Audition Tips!
LEARN SOME TIPS AND TRICKS FOR YOU NEXT AUDITION
Auditions―Yes, Please!
As theaters reopen, actors are eagerly preparing for what they’ve been anticipating for months—casting calls. Having confidence in yourself is incredibly hard if you’re rushing or apologizing on your way in. Believe in yourself and give yourself time to perform at your best. It is an exciting time to get involved with performances, so auditions should be a fun and thrilling experience. Here are some quick tips as you plan your next audition:
Back to Basics
Update your headshot and resume. Think over the experiences you’ve had this year―how have you adapted, evolved, and developed new skills that will serve you in your acting career? Get creative and thoughtful in how you describe various roles you’ve had in the past and update your resume. But do not stretch the truth. The people behind the table have more than likely worked with everyone and if you claim something on your resume that is not true, they will find out.
Bring what you will need, even if you think you may not need it. Chances are it’s better to have it with you and not need it, then to be turned away because you packed light. Some auditions require you to have a current photo ID. Being prepared as possible shows professionalism—this goes a long way when auditioning. Be sure you have your conflict dates with you, in a calendar or calendar app. Be honest about conflicts. The worst thing you can do is say you have no conflicts, get cast, and suddenly need certain rehearsals off. Directors will not take kindly to you.
Be Prepared
The more off book you are for an audition, the easier it will be to display the creative choices you have made. Casting directors can tell when actors are ready and that always leaves a good impression. Having a strong sense of your character's motivation and wants will let you bring your own personal style to any piece. Sides and music are usually available on an audition website.
Don’t hesitate before doing extra research. If something in an audition makes a specific reference, look it up. If you don’t know how to pronounce something, double check you’ve got it right before going into the audition. Plan what you wear and how you present yourself beforehand. Pick comfortable clothes and hair and makeup styles that reflect the character but still feel comfortable. Try not to wear anything that screams costume, you want to reflect the character in a simple way.
Arrive Early
Do everything you can to be as familiar with your surroundings as possible. Research the area of the audition site to be able to predict how long it will take you to get around, so that you arrive one time. Visualization helps prepare many actors for auditions as well. Picture the room, even if you don’t know exactly what it will look like. Visualizing will help prepare yourself for the unknown and help you feel comfortable in a new environment.
It is also very important that you give yourself extra time when arriving for an audition. Allow for unexpected things to come and slow you down on your way. The better prepared you are for something delaying you, the less stressed you will be.
Written by Shannen Sulpizio
Updated January 2026