PRE-AUDITION CHECKLIST
Everyone gets a little nervous when they’re preparing for an audition. We’ve complied some tips to help you divide and conquer those nerves.
First on the list is making sure you’ve got your resumé in order. Preparing an acting resumé shouldn’t be that difficult, but there are some mistakes people are just sick of seeing. Over at backstage there is a great article that outlines the “don’ts” of acting resumés. Take a look and make sure you’re not making any of the same mistakes!
Make sure you bring the most recent version of your resume with you. A great thing to do is invest in a quality printer to have in your home. Any time you need to take a resumé somewhere, print it out that day so you know you have the most up-to-date version in your hands. Also consider printing your resumé on the back of your headshot. This ensures the two won’t get separated and is also a great option for actors who are trying to be more environmentally conscious. If you also fall into that category, Jeremy Gordon has some good advice for being a ‘green’ actor.
Do your homework! Make sure you’re well prepared before walking into the room. It’s a silly, but common mistake many adult actors make (children tend to be more prepared). Take some advice from Risa Bramon Garcia. She wrote an article listing some of the many reasons why people get cast. Make sure you’re doing as much as you can for each audition!
And while it is necessary to come prepared, don’t forget to bring your own skills forward with the audition. If you’re simply memorizing lines, it’s not going to cut it. Before going into the audition make sure you’ve come to understand the character you’re working with and note what only you can bring to this character. Sara Mornell has some other tips on habits your should avoid when prepping for an audition.
Try to keep all of these things in mind before you rush out the door. Make a checklist or set reminders on your phone so you can stay on top of your game!
