PREPARING FOR AN AUDITION

Before you even think about auditioning for a role in a production, you need to find out if you are available and put in the right commitment:

• Are you on holiday the week of the show?

• Are you committed to other things?

• Is there an important wedding in another part of the country the day before the dress rehearsal?

• Will work interfere too much?

If you are unsure if you can make the commitment, it is probably best not to audition at all. If you are not available this time round, don't worry about it. Think about a much smaller part or plan your time for the next production.

Think about the script's requirements. This is about making sure you are right for a particular part. Factors might include:

• Physical appearance : Make-up and costume can do much, but do your physical characteristics match the requirement for a part?

• Singing: Can you sing? Does the required vocal range match your own?

• Dancing: Can you dance or do you have two left feet?

• Ability: Taking into account those things above, is the part generally within your ability?

When deciding if you are right for the part, be honest with yourself. You'll save yourself time and disappointment, as well as ensure you give yourself the best chance of being cast in the parts you do go for.

Nobody's saying you can't stretch yourself and take on a challenge; in fact most directors would welcome those seeking to better their performance. Just let your enthusiasm be tempered with realism - after all, no director is going to cast you in the role of a skinny teenager if you’re aged 55 with a size 20 waist and your dentures keep falling out!

OK, so you decided that you are available, you can make the commitment and you are right for the part. Now it's time to find out if the part is right for you. Ultimately, this decision rests with the audition panel, but you can influence the panel by ensuring that you prepare for your audition:

• Read the script thoroughly and get a feel for the whole play. Try to memorise the audition piece so you can truthfully deliver the line rather than untruthfully read it;

• Think about the character you are seeking to portray and how they interact with the other characters. How do they speak, what are their traits – are they quiet, extroverted, married, exuberant etc.

• Read the stage directions;

• If it helps, to have a 'suggestion' of a costume (really, a suggestion is all you need). Perhaps a particular pair of trousers or a hat or blouse that your character might wear. Maybe a simple prop such as a stick or pipe;

• Practice working on your character traits and vocal delivery before the audition.

Finally, enjoy yourself and just go for it!!