The actual audition can be a daunting experience, but here are some tips to help you navigate it:
To the person reading this who has an audition tomorrow and feels like they are going to throw up: Stop trying to look like a pro.
If you try to mimic a seasoned actor’s calm, you will look wooden. But if you walk into that room and let the nervousness sit in your chest? If you let your voice crack on the emotional line? If you forget your blocking and just react honestly?
You will beat the trained actors every single time. casting desperate amateurs nervous first time m free
Casting directors are not looking for robots. We are looking for pulses. And nothing has a louder pulse than a terrified heart trying its best.
So go be desperate. Go be nervous. Go be an amateur.
Just don't be boring.
Have you ever bombed an audition because you were trying too hard to look calm? Or succeeded because you let your nerves show? Drop your horror stories in the comments.
I recently cast a short film about a young adult entering a BDSM club for the first time. I saw 20 trained actors who did a great job of "looking scared." They furrowed their brows and dropped their jaws on cue.
Then a nervous amateur walked in. He had no headshot. He had no monologue prepared. He just said, "I don't know why I'm here. I think I made a mistake." The actual audition can be a daunting experience,
His hands were shaking so hard the paper rattled.
He wasn't acting. He was actually terrified of me. That authenticity translated directly into the character. We hired him on the spot.
Pro Tip for Amateurs: Do not try to hide the shake in your voice. Do not lock your knees to stop the tremble. That tremble is your resume. Use it. Have you ever bombed an audition because you