Let’s face it – auditions can be downright nerve-wracking. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been acting for years, that jittery feeling before stepping in front of the casting director is pretty much universal. But here’s the thing: those nerves don’t have to control you. With the right mindset and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can turn that nervous energy into pure confidence.
So, how do you turn those audition jitters into a performance that shines? Let’s dive into some powerful tips to help you walk into your next audition with confidence and leave a lasting impression.
EMBRACE THE NERVES
Before we get into the tips, let’s talk about the nerves themselves. It’s totally normal to feel anxious before an audition. In fact, a little bit of nervousness is a sign that you care about your craft. You want to do well, and that’s a good thing! Instead of trying to push those nerves away, try to accept them. Acknowledge that feeling nervous is part of the process. The more you accept it, the less power it will have over you.
Now, let’s focus on ways to use that nervous energy to your advantage.
PREPARATION IS KEY
One of the best ways to calm your nerves is through preparation. It might seem obvious, but it’s easy to underestimate how much preparation can help. When you’ve spent the time getting to know your character, your lines, and the scene, you’ll feel more in control and ready to handle any situation that comes your way.
Start by reading the sides over and over. Break the scene down, and make bold choices. Really get into the character’s mindset and understand their motivations. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel walking into the room.
Another great way to prepare is by practicing in front of a mirror or with friends. This can help you work out any kinks in your performance and build your confidence by seeing yourself in action.
BREATHE AND GROUND YOURSELF
When you’re nervous, your breathing tends to become shallow. This can leave you feeling even more anxious and out of control. So, what’s the solution? Breathe deeply. Before you walk into that audition room, take a few deep breaths to calm your mind and body. Inhale through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, and then exhale through your mouth for four.
By focusing on your breath, you help calm your nerves, ground yourself, and reconnect with the present moment. This can make a huge difference in how you feel before and during your audition.
VISUALIZE YOUR SUCCESS
If you’re nervous, it’s easy to start imagining all the things that could go wrong. You might think about tripping over your lines or forgetting your cues. Instead of focusing on worst-case scenarios, try visualization.
Take a few moments to close your eyes and imagine yourself walking into the audition room, nailing the performance, and leaving with a smile. Picture the casting director nodding along, impressed by your choices and delivery. This simple technique can help shift your mindset from fear to confidence.
FOCUS ON THE PROCESS, NOT THE OUTCOME
It’s tempting to walk into an audition thinking, “I need this job. I have to get this part.” But focusing too much on the outcome can make you even more anxious. Instead, try to focus on the process itself. Remember, you’re there to perform, to show off your talent, and to connect with the material. You’re not auditioning for a specific part — you’re simply giving your best performance, and the right role will find its way to you.
In Vancouver, the acting scene is competitive, but also full of opportunity. Every audition is a chance to grow, learn, and improve. So, rather than putting all your energy into worrying about the result, put your focus on giving your best performance.
WARM UP YOUR BODY AND VOICE
Nerves can often make us stiffen up, which doesn’t help with confidence. To counteract this, you need to warm up both your body and voice before walking into the audition. A physical warm-up can help you release tension and get your blood flowing, while a vocal warm-up will ensure your voice is clear and strong.
Do some gentle stretches to loosen up your shoulders, neck, and back. Then, practice some basic vocal exercises to get your voice ready for the role. Whether you’re performing a dramatic monologue or a comedic scene, you’ll feel more confident and prepared when your body and voice are fully engaged.
SHIFT YOUR FOCUS TO CONNECTION
One of the easiest ways to combat audition nerves is by shifting your focus away from yourself and onto the connection you’re making with the scene and the other actor (or the casting director). When you stop worrying about how you’re being perceived and instead focus on bringing the character to life, your confidence will naturally grow.
Instead of thinking, “Am I doing this right?” think, “What does this character want in this moment?” Dive into the emotional landscape of the scene and connect with it on a deeper level. This approach will help you let go of the nerves and allow you to perform with more authenticity.
GET COMFORTABLE WITH THE UNKNOWN
Auditions are unpredictable. You may walk into a room and have the scene changed on the spot, or you may be asked to try something completely different. This can be unsettling, but learning to embrace the unknown can help reduce your anxiety.
When you walk into the audition room, don’t expect everything to go perfectly. Instead, give yourself permission to be flexible and adaptable. The casting director isn’t looking for perfection — they’re looking for someone who can handle the unexpected and still perform with confidence.
DEVELOP A ROUTINE TO CALM YOUR NERVES
Before every audition, try to establish a calming routine that helps you relax and get into the right mindset. This might include doing some deep breathing exercises, listening to music that pumps you up, or visualizing your success. By having a consistent routine, you’ll feel more in control and less anxious each time you walk into the room.
Acting in Vancouver can sometimes feel like a whirlwind, with multiple auditions in a week and lots of competition. A solid routine can help you maintain a sense of calm and balance, no matter how busy things get.
REMEMBER, CONFIDENCE IS A SKILL
Finally, remember that confidence is something you can practice. Just like any other aspect of acting, it takes time and effort to build. The more auditions you do, the more confident you’ll become. And the more confident you are, the better your auditions will be.
Every time you step into an audition, you’re learning and growing as an actor. Even if you don’t land the role, each audition is a step forward in your journey. So, keep going, keep practicing, and keep believing in yourself.
In the end, acting is all about telling stories, connecting with others, and embracing the experience. If you can shift your focus away from your nerves and towards the craft, your confidence will shine through — and that’s what casting directors are really looking for.
So, take a deep breath, trust in your preparation, and go show them what you’ve got. You’ve got this!