10 Theatre Audition Tips for Actors from a Casting Director
Seasoned theatre Casting Director Lucy Jenkins from Jenkins McShane (The Play That Goes Wrong, West End) gives you 10 tips to take onboard for your next theatre audition for plays or comedy.
Trust the process
Remember we’ll only bring you in to meet if we think you’ve got a really good chance of getting the job. Trust the process and know that we’re on your side!
Don’t always learn the lines
Don’t worry about learning the lines for the audition, we’d much rather you spent the time reading the play a few times to understand your character’s arc. Be familiar enough so that you’re not bound to the script, but it’s more than fine to have the script in your hand. We might ask you to learn them for any recalls.
Don’t paraphrase
Don’t be late. We always appreciate there are extenuating circumstances. Trains get cancelled, the babysitter doesn’t show up… but where possible, be on time. Leave more time than you need to arrive so you can grab a coffee, take a moment to relax and settle your nerves. If you go into an audition late (and apologising), you’ll feel flustered and we’re then already off to not a great start. If you’re going to be late, call your agent to communicate this to us. That way, we can see someone else before you and give you more time to arrive and settle.
Play the truth, not the comedy
Don’t try to be funny! Play the truth of the situation and the comedy will happen naturally. The rhythm of comedy is really important, so let it take you there.
Prepare for direction
Be prepared to take direction, so when you’re prepping try a few different ways of playing the scene. Don’t get stuck in your initial choices and be prepared to be playful.
Read the play (if applicable)
Don’t tell us you’ve read the play if you haven’t. We can always tell!!
Be respectful
Try and remember that we all want the same thing – a happy and playful rehearsal room and great company members.
After the audition, it’s out of your hands
If it doesn’t go your way, please try not to take it too much to heart. There are so many elements of casting that are out of your control. Just focus on doing a great audition and we’ll bring you back in the room again when the time is right.
Ask for feedback
Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from your audition. We want to help you do your best, so if there’s anything we think you could be doing differently it makes sense for us to let you know so that you can smash it next time.
There is no competition
Don’t waste any time worrying what other people do in their auditions. You are unique and we want to see your version of the character!
