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How To Guides

by Ian Flintoff

Ian Flintoff has done classical theatre with the RSC and the National, the West End and fringe, regional theatre, television, radio and film - and has both auditioned others (as director) and been auditioned times without number.

1) Potential and performance

Don't confuse your audition with a first night performance.
Many people do.
Remember that auditions are, or should be, about your potential.
It is what you have to offer that the audition is all about - not what you've already polished up.

So before you do anything else:
• make sure you know what the audition is for
• what the "whole picture" is (and not just your part)
• what exactly is expected of you personally
• when and where the job is taking place (this seems obvious but some people turn up even though they won't be free at that time or place)
• be sure you want to do the job (if you really don't, or couldn't care less, that'll show through and you're wasting everybody's time).

2) On camera auditions

In some auditions you'll be mainly judged on what type you are.
This is particularly the case for commercials, corporate or other videos, and to a lesser extent for film and TV acting roles. Clearly if you're just out of drama school and thoroughly athletic you're unlikely to be right for an aged High Court Judge.

Neverthelless we can all modify our appearances somewhat to fit different roles. If you're up for Tarzan don't go in a pinstripe suit (or a leopard skin) but something outdoorish and appropriate. Don't wear hotpants if they're casting Mother Teresa.

In this category of audition they're likely to give you a short piece of script before you do your test. Be early. Give yourself more time. Half an hour to settle down and familiarise yourself with the text is time well spent.

Most commercials are now auditioned on camera. Sometimes a casting director is in the room. Sometimes only a cameraman. Either way, you'll be asked what to do and where to stand. It can help nerves if you remember that, as a general rule, you'll be allowed a retake if you ask for it. If you get flustered just stop, say "sorry, can I do that again?", and take your time. Generally you'll find people helpful and sympathetic. They expect nervousness - especially from those who haven't had a lot of experience.

Try, if it's appropriate, to look into and speak to the camera lens. This means when they run your tape you'll seem to be talking straight to them.

Sometimes you'll be asked to play a short scene with someone else who's auditioning with you. Don't be shy of running it through with them a few times before you're ready for a take. The more you politely ask for help, and for time to get it right (within reason), the more they'll judge you as a professional who knows what you're doing.

If you've done your homework: look right, speak right, dress right, use the camera, take your time. If you "fail" the audition, don't despair. It's most likely to be because they know fairly exactly the type of person they're looking for. And this time you're not quite that type.

3) Audition pieces

This is mainly for theatre auditions and it's important that you should be a hundred percent confident on the text, or texts, you've learned.

Make sure, by asking in advance, that your piece is appropriate - not Lady Macbeth for a role in Chicago. By all means rehearse with a friend - to get fluent and for advice. But don't become too inflexible. Be ready to make changes and to take direction while you're doing the audition - in some ways that's more important than being word perfect.

You'll almost certainly be asked to read a piece "cold". Again, take your time, ask as many questions as you like, don't be afraid to suggest you stand up (or sit) to do the piece.

Nine times out of ten (unless you're sure you were brilliant), ask if you can do it again - and if there is anything you should try to bring into it.

Always bear in mind that what the person watching you is probably looking for are two things:
• what you are
• how far you can "travel" in rehearsal, direction etc. in terms of the play and character.

For stage auditions it doesn't usually matter how you dress - though in extreme cases it may look as if you're making a statement: "I couldn't care less about this", "don't you just love my jewellery!"
Something simple, plain and understated is usually the best.

Wise advice given by a well-known actor some years ago:
Be ready for an audition at any time, at a moment's notice. Keep yourself fit, prepared, and have two or three pieces always up to scratch. Avoid hangovers.

A final reminder: know exactly what's wanted of you, take your time, be willing to accept direction and advice.

For more information on auditions try Margot Annett's 'An Actor's Guide to Auditions and Interviews', or Simon Dunmore's 'An Actor's Guide To Getting Work', both published by A&C Black.

UKPerformingArts also have a number of articles and advice on auditions. http://www.ukperformingarts.co.uk/

For information about courses in and around London visit the Floodlight site: http://www.floodlight.co.uk/
For a more nation-wide site try Hotcourses: http://www.hotcourses.com

City Lit also hold a number of courses which may help you pass auditions. Contact them for more information: 020 7831 7831 http://www.citylit.ac.uk/

Equity: http://www.equity.org.uk/

The Musicians Union: http://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/