Auditioning for a role can be a really stressful experience for actors. Getting a part is so important, and we know the kind of pressure actors are under to succeed. We want to share with you some of the mistakes we’ve seen over the years during auditions so we can help you avoid as many of them as possible to ensure that you have the best shot at getting the part you’re after!
TAKING OVER THE CONVERSATION
We totally understand that nerves might get the better of actors when they’re standing in front of an audition panel! Talking too much is a very common nervous habit, but try your best not to monopolize the conversation. Asking questions is a good thing, of course, but asking TOO many questions can work against you. Also, staying too long when the audition is over is something that audition panels won’t want you to do. The panel has more actors to audition and a schedule to follow, so try not to stick around too long!
A LACK OF PREPARATION
This might seem like an obvious thing, but it happens more than you think! Not being properly prepared for your audition will translate to a lack of confidence and the inability to show an audition panel what you can really do. You want to be polished and do the best job possible so that the panel knows what you’re capable of and where you shine best.
TOO MUCH PREPARATION
Flexibility in an audition is so important. When an actor arrives and is too rigid in their preparation, a change in plans could very easily throw them off. You don’t want to come across as so overly polished that your audition doesn’t feel natural. Overthinking will rob your audition of its organic qualities, so try to find a happy balance between being prepared enough but also casual and flexible.
TOO MUCH ANXIETY
Not being nervous probably won’t happen, we get that! But if your anxiety is so through the roof that the audition panel can feel it, it could definitely affect your chances of landing that role. If you can get yourself into a more relaxed place where you understand things during the audition are going to be out of your control, you’re going to feel a lot better about the whole thing, and this more relaxed attitude will come across to the audition panel. The reality of the situation is that there are going to be lots of auditions where you don’t succeed and get the part you want, and that’s totally okay! It’ll be disappointing, but there will be more chances. So just relax and try to have a good time with it! The more experience you have, the better you’ll do each time.
The entertainment industry is very competitive, and we know that you want to succeed and be chosen for roles. While we can’t guarantee you’ll land the part every time, we can definitely help you identify mistakes actors make in auditions so that you can avoid them and improve your chances!