Auditions - Preparation & Guidelines

1)      Make sure you attend the pre-audition gathering(s) as you may miss key instructions.

2)      Ask questions before the audition day to make sure you know everything you need to know – don’t be afraid to ask
     it demonstrates a desire to do well.

3)      Read the script & study the part

4)      Understand the plot – essential in order to give an effective audition

5)      Understand the character’s role in the production

6)      Identify character’s relationships with others – develop reactions & prepare interaction with anyone “reading in” at the audition

7)      Identify any physical characteristics that the character has, and portray them

8)      Learn the words of the audition piece(s) – it allows you to act more freely and will always earn you bonus marks

9)      Accent – attempt to speak with the accent required – demonstrate your ability to speak in character

10)    Emotion – prepare any deep emotions of the character – Rage – Weeping – Sadness – Warmth etc
     and demonstrate them – audition pieces will usually be chosen to allow for this

11)     Include any props if possible or use a substitute to simulate during audition

12)     Simulate a suitable set if possible – i.e. use a table/chairs to simulate – e.g. a house / a Court Room
     Describe your “set” to the Panel so they understand your audition vision.

13)     Deliver lines and act with confidence to demonstrate your understanding of the character / part

14)     Stay in character throughout the entire audition (if you see it in 2 ways, explain this and demonstrate both,
      but be careful not to “confuse” or detract)

15)     SONG: Learn the Audition Song(s) in the Key as written - If not, sing something you know &
      BRING YOUR OWN SHEET MUSIC
     Be well rehearsed before audition

16)     Presentation of song: Sing in character – with emotion – and use body language

17)     Good preparation reduces the nervous stress at audition

You Have 10 minutes to prove your suitability to the audition panel – Prepare –Prepare –Prepare
You must fully prepare in order to give your best performance and to achieve any chance of success – There are NO SHORT CUTS

Audition Results

Accept rejection gracefully - remember the Audition Panel want you to be successful.

They are not looking to fail you

If you have any real concerns, ask for comments from the Audition Panel on why you were not successful – constructive criticism can be helpful

 

You may be a competent actor but are unsuitable for the part due to many constructive reasons: -

1)      Physically unsuited for the part: Height – general body size – age – posture – movement ability

2)      Vocal range unsuitable – or other vocal issues

3)      Not compatible with the actors selected for other parts in the production

You may have been unsuccessful due to acting and/or singing deficiencies and/or lack of preparation

Do not ask for this feedback if you are unable to take constructive criticism

At Auditions DO NOT:

1)      Turn up unprepared

2)      Say “I have not been able to spend much time on the script – but I’ll have a go”

3)      Make excuses, such as “I really need more time to look at the music” or
     “I have not been able bring my own music” (for whatever reason)

4)      Make your domestic problems a reason for failing to fully prepare for the audition

5)      Read the part without giving thought to adequate body language and movement
     Just reading will not do

6)      Read for a part and fail to make any attempt at the vocal accent for the character

7)      Try to sing a song outside your vocal range – no amount of excuses will save you

8)      Rely on a panel member knowing what you can do from previous productions
     You are in competition for the part with other actors – in “OPEN” Audition

There is no substitute for proper preparation – He or She who prepares will win

You Must:

Tell the panel if you are not able to properly perform at the Audition due to any unforeseen circumstances such as accidents or other stress related incidents – illness or personal problems (or any other matter), which may affect your ability to give an Audition to the best of your ability. (You do not have to give any personal details to the Panel)

Another audition date will be arranged (if possible) to suit all concerned – it’s better to rearrange your audition for another date with the chance of success rather than fail trying to audition under unfortunate circumstances!

Call-back Auditions

Where a final decision cannot be made for a part following the auditions, applicants may be advised that further auditions are needed and be “called back” for a second audition.

The call-back audition may also be open to additional applicants previously unable to attend.

Auditions - Objectives

The objectives and “terms of reference” for the Audition Panel is to cast the production using the best available talent in order to meet the high standards of performance expected by SIMADS and our audiences, incorporating our members and other competing actors.

(Following audition, all successful applicants must be paid-up members of SIMADS before any rehearsals commence)