Tips for Audition Season

Ahhhh Audition Season. A time of year that can be full of anxiety, but also optimism for actors, directors, and theatre companies alike as they plan for what the new year will have in store for them. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer interested in joining a theatre community this season, we’ve got the audition tips to make the auditioning process as stress-free as possible 

#1 DIRECTORS WANT TO CAST YOU. Directors need actors for their shows and they would be thrilled to have you on their team. Head into your audition remembering that directors are on your side! 

#2 ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF. Ask for what you need. If there’s a chair in the room and you’d like to use it, ask for it. If you need to hear your starting note, ask for it. 

#3 BREATHE. Take a minute to regroup before you begin and remember, if you mess up, it’s okay to ask to start over. Everyone in the room is rooting for you to succeed. 

#4 BE AWARE OF THE SPACE. Stand with confidence and project your voice to an appropriate level for the room. Don’t use the people behind the table as your focal point. Deliver your monologue or song just over the heads of the directors, not directly to them. And never deliver your monologue or song to an invisible person in an empty chair. 

#5 MAKE CHOICES. Especially when given sides to read. Don’t worry about making the “right” choices, just make a choice. When you’re hired, the director will guide you toward the right choices. In auditions, directors just want to see that you’re capable of making bold choices. 

#6 TAKE A NOTE. If you’re given feedback or are asked to try something different in auditions, take the note. The director is trying to see how well you incorporate changes and take direction and decide if you’re going to be the right fit for their rehearsal process. 

#7 REHEARSE. That’s right, you should rehearse your audition before you even step in the room. Often, sides are available prior to auditions to look over as well. Be sure to reach out to the theatre or the director and ask! 

#8 DON’T JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS. Directors may cut you off early because they loved you and don’t need to see more, or they may ask you for more because they’re trying to figure out where to place you in their cast. Don’t assume the worst. 

#9 BRING A FRIEND. Theatres are always excited to see new faces, and it’s always fun to share the experience of being in the same season as a friend. Plus, having a friend at auditions can help ease your nerves. 

#10 CONGRATULATE YOURSELF. When the audition is over, leave it there. You accomplished so much by even showing up in the room! 

Parkway Playhouse’s 76th season auditions will take place at The Mountain Heritage Center (Across from Parkway Playhouse) on January 21-22, 2023! Time slots are available for experienced and less experienced auditioners. Find out more here: https://parkwayplayhouse.com/get-involved/audition/

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