We often wish aspiring actors good luck when they go for an audition, but luck is often really just a matter of preparation meets opportunity. This is never more true than when auditioning for a play, television show, or radio drama. The process is about more than being able to put in a good performance: it’s a whole skillset. Here’s what to know.
Cold reading and script work
“Cold reading” means performing from a section of script that you’ve had a limited time to prepare, maybe even just a few minutes. You may be asked to do this in an audition, perhaps just for a line or two, or maybe more.
It is not just a case of reading the lines out loud; it requires you to show that you can interpret and bring to life a character, even when the pressure is on. The ability to be spontaneous is highly prized in acting, because it demonstrates the actor can think on their feet and adapt to the unexpected.
It’s a way for the casting director to see if the actor has an innate ability to embody the character, and to assess their potential to grow into a role. This might sound daunting if you are an inexperienced actor, but it’s one of the skills you will learn at our acting classes in Liverpool.
As you gain experience and confidence in your acting skills, you’ll learn how to trust your instincts and be spontaneous. There are also practical points to remember, such as taking the time to understand the narrative and character motivations, even if you only have a few minutes for a read through.
If the scene involves other characters, you need to show you can react to their performance as well as delivering your own. When you are speaking, stay composed and use voice modulation and articulation techniques to ensure that you are clearly understood and convey the appropriate meaning and emotion in your voice.
Taking direction
The audition team will also be looking for someone who can collaborate with others and take direction well. This means being able to apply a direction note correctly and without undue hesitation, while maintaining an authentic performance. For example, it might be a subtle shift of tone or intention, or trying a completely different angle on a scene.
Self-tape techniques
Self-tapes are now the industry standard, whether as a preliminary requirement for a second audition stage, or to replace an in-person audition. However, putting together a good self-tape requires some skill and experience. You’ll need to have an understanding of the technical aspects such as framing, lighting, and sound, and to be aware of eye lines.
You’ll also need to be able to create that sense of immediacy and intimacy without another actor or reader to respond to, and to recognise when you’ve got the final cut and when to do a re-tape.
Casting professionals are looking for someone who can read the room, demonstrate spontaneity and work well with others, alongside all those traditional techniques such as voice modulation. These are skills that you will learn at acting school.
