Acting Audition Room
We have come to the conclusion that auditioning is a technique that must be learned, which is part of the reason why we created this website! It is our goal to help you find the workshops and classes you need to become a better performer. Now granted there are those actors/actresses who appear to have that “natural charm,” but you better believe that they have learned the game! In order for you to be competitive you need to learn the mechanics…because an audition is more than just reciting a monologue; however it is about being relaxed and prepared.
To achieve that sense of ease and efficiency you need to create an audition bag. Dancers are often told “You need to be prepared for anything,” and that explains why you see them hauling massive dance bags around. The contents within that bag hold their future! And guess what? The same applies to actors…you must be prepared for anything. Below you will find a list of essentials you need for your actor audition bag.
Actor Audition Bag Essentials:
1. Extra Headshots and Resumes- These are the most important items in your audition bag! They represent who you are and what you are trying to sell. Make sure you always have multiple copies and that they are not bent or crinkled. There is nothing worse than submitting a crinkled piece of paper.
2. Your Schedule- You always want to have your schedule handy. Most auditions have callback dates and it is imperative that you know what dates you are/aren’t available that way you can list it on your audition sheet.
3. Snack- If your living in the city that means you’re running from one audition to the next and having a growling stomach in the middle of an audition just isn’t a good look. So be sure to have a granola or energy bar handy. It can hold you over until you have time to pickup something a little more filling. Oh yes, having water is a given! You must stay hydrated.
4. Reading Material- It is not uncommon to have downtime upon arriving to an audition. Pass the time by in reading your lines, a book or a magazine. Try to detach yourself from technology…it can be more harmful than you think. You need to be focusing on what’s about to take place and not what’s going on with Facebook friends and Twitter followers.
5. Personal Hygiene Items- Somewhere in your audition bag you should have a separate bag that contains deodorant, cologne/perfume, makeup and a toothbrush (or breath fresheners). As we know first impressions are lasting impressions, so upon arriving to the audition location take a quick moment to check yourself out in the restroom to ensure you are looking and smelling your best! Sounds kind of corny, but no know wants to work with someone who appears slightly disheveled.
While these things may appear small they are vital to your success and peace of mind in an audition. You never know can happen so it’s just best to play it safe and be prepared
Tags: actors audition bag, classes, headshots, workshops