TIPPING THE AUDITION
Here’s the harsh truth. For the most part, it really doesn’t matter what you do in the audition. I’d say about 80% of the audition is entirely down to how they feel about you, but only 20% is within your control.
I call this ‘TIPPING’.
So, in other words, they like you for the role – not because of your piece, but because they think you suit it, but they like that other actor too, again – they think it’s possible they would be ‘right’ for the role.
So you’re both equally right. What makes the difference? What as Malcolm Gladwell has called it – is the TIPPING point? Here’s how to TIP IT in your favour
Show Up Early
Do What They Ask
Treat Them Like Colleagues You Like
Do WHAT THEY ASK!
Don’t be a DICK, don’t be difficult or ask for ANY kind of special treatment – even to ‘go last because…’
Do a monologue that suits what you are auditioning for – NOT because it will wow them with your monologue choice, but because if you pick a piece about child murder and its Theatre in Education (TIE) tour, they’re going to think you’re unhinged.
Don’t fawn, be desperate or obsequious – no prizes for being a sycophant.
Smile when you come in to greet them and smile when you leave.
Don’t be weird. Yes, sure you’re unique, you’re an artist, you’re creative – don’t be weird. Reduce the make up, take out the piercings, be normal but professional. (unless you any of these would help)
Don’t set your heart on any role – then you won’t be desperate when you get there.
Don’t see it as them judging you – see it as your chance to show them what you can do, and leave happily – head held high!
Prepare. Wow – if only you could see it from my side of the table – unprepared – crappy headshot, handwritten CV, lines loose.
If you know there’s going to be a sight-read – practise it on books or newspapers at home.
Don’t be a dick.
LASTLY – Do the audition piece well – it won’t get you the part, but it will separate you from those that deliver one note, patch-work monologues, with no structure, the same all the way through, which you have only half-learned and entirely misunderstood.
20% – the tipping point between getting it and not getting it. You can’t afford to get it wrong.