Shari Shaw of
NoHo Arts District has some great advice for actors. Here is her piece below:
3 Simple Rules For Nailing Your Auditions
Acting and Auditioning are two very different experiences which require two very different disciplines. Acting is fun! Auditioning isn’t! So you have to work twice as hard at it because if you don’t nail your audition, you won’t get the chance to do any acting.
When you are acting, you are living the part, experiencing moment-to-moment, giving and taking, playing off the other performers, expressing your creativity and passion. You break down a script scene-by-scene, line-by-line, to understand what is being said and how your character contributes to the story and moves it forward.
Auditioning demands something entirely different. You have to create an essence of the life of a character and inspire confidence in others that you are the right actor for the job. Auditioning is not really acting; it is a sales job, the business end of acting. You are attempting to sell a product (yourself) to a buyer (casting director, producer, agent, whoever). And you’ve got three minutes to do it, in a room with people who are often not on your side and don’t really care if you succeed. If you’re lucky, you get a day to prepare your scene, sometimes just a couple of hours prior to the audition, sometimes you go in cold with no more than a few minutes to read the scenes over once or twice.
So, how can you be relaxed, specific, confident and special to those judging you during your scant few minutes in the audition room AND properly sell yourself? Here’s three simple rules:
RELAX. There are numerous types of relaxation techniques. I have my students imagine they are in a soothing shower with hot, steaming, water cascading over them. They breathe deep, smelling the soaps and scents, feeling the steam that envelops them from head to toe. This will ground you to the Earth, center you and take away your tension and anxiety.
MAKE SPECIFIC CHOICES. Know your intention; determine who you are, what you want and how you’re going to go about getting it within the scene. This defines your character, brings what you say to life and makes you interesting thus distinguishing you from hoard of other actors parading in and out of the audition room. Making specific choices tells the casting people you are a serious, seasoned, actor who can be trusted with a part. If they don’t buy what you’re selling this time, they’ll remember you next time around.
Finally, and most importantly, CONFIDENCE IS EVERYTHING. You can’t be commanding in the room if you don’t believe in yourself and exude confidence. Have a little story to tell to introduce yourself, the key word being “little”. Over-talking will kill your audition. A little story about a recent trip, job or event that can be organically worked into the conversation. Funny is always good but definitely keep it upbeat and positive. No complaining or whining! It breaks the ice, showcases your personality, distinguishes you from everyone else, helps you grab the psychological advantage and builds confidence by making them your audience instead of you being theirs.
These simple tips will help you take control of your auditions and make every read a great one. Acting is subjective. So, take chances, give it your very best and let go. Celebrate being an artist.
Shari Shaw Studios teaches four classes per week in Studio City, three with emphasis in audition technique; Advanced Sit-Com, Intermediate Drama & Comedy and The Basics which also includes scene work, character breakdown and development and script breakdown. Shari’s Thursday Night Advanced Scene Study goes into greater depth for character development and breaking down scripts. Please visit www.sharishawstudios.com for more information or call 818-505-1225 to sign up for on-going classes or to schedule a private coaching session or introductory consultation.
