QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE AN AUDITION:
- Does my monologue fit the piece I'm auditioning for?
- Do I need to shorten the monologue to fit the audition requirements? Do I need to tweak it slightly to fit me?
- What is my character's history? (family, living space, likes, dislikes, problems, secrets, clothing, hobbies, obsessions, etc.).
- What time period is the piece? Do I need to do some research?
- Who am I talking to?
- How does my character change during the course of the monologue?
- Where are the mood changes, the beats in the monologue?
- Am I prepared? Do I understand what I'm saying? Have I practiced enough? Do I need to rehearse in front of someone else?
Once you're prepared, it's time to stop thinking and just relax into the character.
AT THE AUDITION
- Don't dress in costume, but it can help to wear clothes that are somewhat appropriate to the part.
- Don't bring props.
- Find a way to relax. Breath deeply. Shake out your body. Smile to yourself. Picture yourself having fun in your audition.
- Take a deep breath before starting.
- Introduce yourself with your name, your character's name, the source, and the author.
- If you make a mistake, just keep going. Chances are, no one will notice. Even if they do, mistakes don't necessarily make it or break it for you, if you're right for the part.
- Be fearless.
- Stay still for a few seconds after your last line. It seals the audition.
- Thank the people on the audition panel.
- Congratulate yourself no matter what happens. You've just gained experience auditioning.
