The Audition

Use what you know. Dont

worry about what you dont
know. Michael Shurtlef

Vocabulary
Casting: The directors process of matching up
characters and actors.
Audition: An interview for a particular role or job as an
actor, consisting of a practical demonstration of the
candidates suitability and skill.
Callbacks: Additional opportunities for the actor to
audition.
Headshot: A modern portrait for todays branding
needs, where the focus of the photograph is the
personality inside the person captured.
Resume: A brief account of ones professional or work
experience and qualifications
Cold Reading: Reading aloud from a script or other
text with little or no rehearsal, practice, or study in
advance.
Sides: Refers to the specific set of lines from the script

Really Bad Auditions

The casting process

While analyzing the play, the director begins to form an
impression of the kinds of characters the playwright has
created. With these characters in mind, the directors next
major responsibility is to choose actors that can bring those
characters to life.

Matching up characters and actors is called casting.

Casting is usually accomplished through the selection
process known as auditions, in which actors try out for the
part that they want.

The director might ask actors to read cold (without

preparation) for each part. This could be done as a private
or group reading. Directors may also require that actors
prepare (memorize) a monologue from a play. Lastly, some
directors may choose to use a combination of the two for
their auditions.

The casting process (contd)

When a production like a musical requires specific talents,
such as singing or dancing, the director might require songs
or a short dance routine to be included in the audition. Its
best to find out as much as possible about the audition
before the day they take place.

Most directors distribute a proposed rehearsal schedule

along with the audition application. If you foresee
scheduling conflicts, its best to make the director aware as
soon as possible.
After the first round of auditions, directors sometimes need
a second or third look at an actor. These opportunities
are called callbacks. They help narrow the selections by
giving the director another chance to see and hear the
actor. They also give the director the opportunity to
combine several actors in scenes to see how they look and
work together.

What a director is looking for

Great Auditions

Bad Auditions

The actor can interpret the

actor vocally and physically.

The actor is unable to fit the

role vocally and physically.

Physical attributes gender,

appearance, height, and size.

The actor is too tall or too thin.

The actor may also be too
young for the role.

Growth potential. The actor

takes direction well and will
progress throughout rehearsals.
The actor is definitely someone
they want to work with. Theyre
respectful & supportive of
others. They meet deadlines
such as being off-book. They
are attentive and prepared.

The actor is defiant toward the

director. They are also afraid to
make choices that would allow
them to grow.
The actor is egotistical. They
are not supportive of their
fellow actors / crewmembers.
They do not abide by deadlines
and are usually unprepared.

A successful audition: What do you

do?
The first thing to know is you are always being watched!!!
A director is attentive to who attends their auditions. They
notice your behavior towards others and your respect to the
audition environment before you even begin auditioning.
This is when the audition actually begins.
Secondly, be prepared. If you received sides, or were told
to prepare a monologue, work on this material as soon as
you find out. Even rehearse your slate. Dont wait until the
last minute. The director will know if youre unprepared.
If youre at a professional audition, have your headshot and
resume ready to hand to the stage manager or director.
Finally, commit 100% to your performance and have fun!
The truth is, the director wants you to succeed. They want
you to be awesome in all aspects because it makes their job
a lot easier.

And now a word from Bryan

Cranston

Really Bad Headshots

Professional Headshots

Professional Headshots
(Teens)

Theatre / Film Resume

Whats your Elevator

Speech?
An elevator pitch, elevator speech, or elevator
statement is a short summary used to quickly and
simply define a person.
At some auditions, directors will ask you to share a
little something about yourself. This is what can set
you apart from the rest of competition. Be careful
though, what you say can make or break your
audition. Overall, the director just wants to know a
little more about you and your personality. Dont go
into too much detail though about your dead cat or
your crazy aunt who keeps giving you smooches
every time you see her. You want the director to like
you, not to be scared of you.

Essential Questions
1. What is the purpose of auditioning and when does the
audition actually begin?
2. According to actor Bryan Cranston, what is your job
as an actor in the audition?
3. What two items must you bring to an audition and
what extra component can set you apart from the
rest of the competition?
4. Complete the Audition Application Form on page 176,
and create and create a mock resume which will be
turned in prior to your audition.