KCACTF: The Audition Before the Audition

"Auditioning is about showing your best self, how far you can go, your depth."  In this workshop, we learned what it is we should do to properly prepare ourselves for auditions so that we can go in confidently and focused on our performance.  We were told to not save picking out an outfit til the last minute and advised to actually have a specific audition outfit that is worn only for auditions.  It should be neutral and comfortable, modest, clean, flatter body, fit properly, quiet shoes, no pants that will need to be hiked up, and no shirt that will cause you to adjust it.  You want the casting director to focus on what you are doing, not distracted by your attire.

The function of a cattle call is to stand out and get a callback.  At a callback is when you worry about getting the role.
Everybody talks in theatre, so it is important to be polite and friendly.  "Don't be brilliant in your audition but a jerk to the Stage Manager or door checker."  When you are called up, your walk-on gives you ten seconds to show you are confident by how you carry yourself.  "Walk tall, fast, proud, smile.  You have a destination, get to it."  Haha, she said to think this, "I'm not an ass and your welcome for my talent."  Speak clearly and calmly during your intro.  Give your name, audition number, and piece.  Pick your focal point and do it.  When selecting your audition material, choose a piece that you would be cast for-in your age range.  Do not use dialect, except possibly for callbacks.  "MAKE BOLD CHOICES."

For musical auditions, get a 3-ring binder (for extra stability).  No plastic sleeves, they cause a glare.  Bracket where your 16 or 32 bars begins and end and highlight.  To tell your accompanist the tempo, sing it.  Be careful the music is not too tough for accompanist.  Be kind, smile, and thank your accompanist.

Headshots should be 8x10sof your shoulders up.  They can be in color and vertical or horizontal is fine.  You should look like yourself on your best day.  It is suggested to have three different looks, five if you can afford it.  Your resume goes on the back.  Content:  name, phone, address, height, weight, age, hair color, eye color, vocal range, experience-previous roles (most recent to least recent), education, special skills, teachers.  If you have worked with a good actor or director, this should also be listed.