First audition coming up

[u/thefudge77]

Hey friends! I’ve been lurking for a long time and now I’m finally ready to actually start doing the thing and I have my first audition with a local theater at the end of this month and I was just looking for advice, what to expect, anything this lovely community has to offer.

More specifically, the audition is going to be cold readings from the script and I was wondering if I should prepare a monologue just in case even though the website says I won’t need one? It also says that there will be someone there to take photos of us if we don’t have headshots, but should I try to get some done before then to better my chances of getting a role? I don’t have a resume because this is my first ever audition, and I’m not able to get into any classes before the audition but I’ve been studying at home and researching and running lines with my husband and I’ve been doing acting exercises since I was a kid, so I feel fairly confident going into this, but any tips or anything to better my chances are greatly appreciated!

[u/MelodiousFunk]

No need to prepare a monologue if said don't do one. Don't worry about photos.

Be very professional. Be polite, be kind, and listen well.

Try something different each time. Think about what your character was doing before the scene, and what you will do after.

If someone does a read and gets a really good response from their choices, don't copy them. Make it your own!

Most importantly, have fun and go for it. Good luck!

[u/WarlikeAppointment]

It’s going to be great! As an actor, the job is to perform so this audition is your opening performance. I also mention this because actors sometimes feel unfulfilled if they don’t get called back.

As for the photos, resume and monologue, it sounds like the theatre company understands that actors might not have credits or photos and are willing to help do don’t worry about that. The one thing you can do to prepare for the audition is read the play.

If the play has been produced, there is a script. Sometimes, the theatre will allow you to read a copy but, if you can, you should purchase a copy or borrow from your library. Then read that play a lot.

You will get a pretty good idea about which part fits for you so, after you have read the play, many times, look at scenes for that character. The scene is always going to be about relationships, wants/needs, and what you do to get what you want.

When reading, keep your thumb on your next line. This way you can establish your relationship by looking at your scene partner instead of the script. Then have fun because you’re doing what you love. I wish you the best, break a leg, and keep us posted. If you have more specific questions, feel free free to ask.

[u/AutoModerator]

You are required to have read the FAQ and Rules for all posts (click those links to view). Most questions have already been answered either in our FAQ or in previous posts, especially questions for beginners. Use the SEARCH bar for relevant information.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/gasstation-no-pumps]

If this is a community theater, it is very common for even long-time actors not to have a resume or headshot—especially in a small community where most of the long-time actors and directors already know one another. It doesn't hurt to bring a resume and headshot (I always do), but if they are offering to take pictures, they are clearly not expecting all actors to bring their own.

Even if you have done nothing (not even grade-school theater), you can still have a resume that gives your contact information and any special skills you have. You can keep it from looking too bare by including a headshot on the resume.

It doesn't hurt to have a monologue or two available at need, but it is very unlikely that they will give you time for one if their audition announcement says that you don't need one—they'll give you sides or ask for improv or do movement exercises (or possibly all of those).

Bottom line: the theater is not expecting any prep from you—just go in and be yourself (or whatever character they ask you to be). If you can get a copy of the script, reading it in advance is good prep for an audition. If you happen to have a headshot or resume you like, you can bring them, but don't create one just for this audition.