Attached is a great article by Allan Hausnork which may answer many of your questions about auditioning for Monroe Community Players or any other Community Theater group!
How To Become an Actor – Tips for Acting Auditions
Do you want to become the next Hollywood superstar or Broadway legend? Whether you’ve got the makings of the next Marlon Brando or not, you’re going to have to go through quite a few auditions to get there. These hints and tips on acting auditions can make a big difference to your success, both immediately and in the long term.
This article aims to cover the essential aspects of acting auditions helping ease beginners into the process and hopefully even giving the more seasoned individuals a little extra too.
The article is broken down into three sections relating to the audition process. These are Before, During, and After. In each section, relevant points will be given on the topic as well as a few things to think about.
Before
Taking the time to properly prepare for your audition is important, so important that failing to do so will almost completely rule out any chances you have of getting the role. So make sure you thoroughly research all aspects of the audition you are taking. Think about the story, the character, the director, and any other relevant aspects you can think of. Knowing about the character is obviously vital, as is knowing the story, but taking the time to familiarize yourself with the director, or writer, can prove just as helpful. Details such as this shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Take the time to find out exactly where the audition is and how to get there. Don’t be late. Arriving early shows that you take the role seriously. It also gives you some time to compose yourself. Turning up with seconds to spare won’t be conducive to a good performance, and you want each audition to be the very best that it can to give you the highest chance of success.
During
Don’t ask too many questions, it can become annoying to a panel who have to judge many auditions in a row. It’s also advisable to behave in nicely towards everyone, no matter how nervous or competitive you are feeling. Being rude to others could cost you in the future – you never know when you may run into them again in the future.
After
Don’t take rejection personally. It doesn’t reflect your ability in any way at all. It simply means that the judges felt you weren’t quite as close to the desired character as another actor. After each audition, think about what you felt went well, and what didn’t work. Take time to go over those things which you underperformed on.
Article by Allan Hausnork
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MCP’s audition process pretty much follows this pattern…
Come a few minutes early to fill out an audition sheet,(which will ask your contact information, previous experience, etc.)
The director will introduce themselves and explain about the show and what he is looking for.
Then people will be called up to read either from the scripts or from cuttings that the director has prepared.
After the auditions, the director may ask people to come back another night for a second round of auditions called CALLBACKS. At Callbacks, the director will start pairing up people, to see how they look by each other and how they read/interact with each other. Callbacks are usually when the director decides who is who in the play.
After the director has made their casting decisions, they will normally call you to confirm that you will take the part.
Other stuff…..
Auditions can be a VERY long process; if you have to leave by a certain time, let the director know in advance.
A director may only have you read once and it may not be the character you wanted, but don’t worry too much about it. At a large audition, a director may just want to hear your voice, how you interact with others and gauge how you carry yourself. If they are interested in you, you’ll probably be asked to come to Callbacks.
Also don’t be upset if a director does not ask you to callbacks; it’s quite possible that you are needed for the show, but not as a speaking role! I’ve been in shows where I was onstage more than the leads and I didn’t say a word! Had a blast and learned alot!
You don’t have to bring a copy of the script with you, but my personal experience is if you want to be in a show, learn as much as you can about it.
Read the script before auditions, familiarize your self with all the characters and how they relate to each other. Watch different versions of it on DVD or You Tube; pick up the Cliff Notes for more insights; go on the web or to the library to investigate the show.
If you don’t get the part you wanted, seriously think about ttaking thepart that is offered. Experience is precious and you can learn ALOT from ANY role. Plus… its just plain fun to be in a show! A lot of serious WORK, but fun!!
Hope this helps and looking forward to seeing you at auditions in the future
Sincerely,
Robert Yoman
Director and Life Member, MCP