The Audition Checklist

This can be applied to any audition, from professional, to film, to drama school, to school play. But make sure you checking off all of these to give yourself the best possible chance!

1. Question.

Once you have received all of the audition details, it is nice to respond with your appreciation and maybe one question. This not only makes them notice you in the sea of other emails that they may be receiving, but it also shows that you are keen, already planning and preparing for your audition. Remember a healthy attitude is your most valuable asset.

2. Homework.

This may seem obvious, but a lot of young actors focus on line-learning instead of really getting to know their character. If you have limited time, spend the time getting to know your character, who they are, what they are thinking and what they want to achieve.

3. Excuses, excuses!

Never enter an audition room with a list of reasons as to why you were late or why you haven’t learnt the script! Even if your reason is genuine, it will sound amateur and unprofessional.

If something truly dramatic and, out of this world, random happened that made you be late, then mention it, apologise and move on. No one wants to hear it. But really, it would have to be aliens landing on earth for a panel to forgive lateness.

4. Group Auditions.

You may have been told that the group auditions are for you to judge them! Which is somewhat true, however, it is also for the panel to see how you work with others. This is a huge part of attending a class or doing an acting job. Social skills and team building skills are key! Make sure you are outspoken about your ideas and you get involved. Be friendly, open and don’t be scared to be the first one to volunteer for an exercise or a task- it will work in your favour.

5. Don’t Compare.

Comparison of the thief of joy. One of the wisest and most ignored quotes ever written. It is very easy to compare ourselves with our peers in the audition room. Some people may be talking about their agent, or their last ‘big job’ or who they have met. Do not be intimidated. Some people are experienced and some people are experienced in showing off! The most impressive person in the room is someone who is being unapologetically themselves and kind and friendly to others. The last thing you want to do is let someone convince you they are better than you.

6. Enjoy.

It is absolutely normal to not know what you want to do for a career and whether acting is the way to go. But it is very important that you are enjoying yourself. Do you enjoy acting, creating a character, working with an acting coach or a director? If you’re doing it because your parents want you to or because you’ve been told you should, you’re probably in the wrong place and the casting director will detect it. There really is nothing more enjoyable than watching someone really loving their performance or exercise.

7. Personality.

This is a big one, and it is often overlooked. Most of the time people are hired on their personality, likeability, charisma, and the way they work with others. And I’m not just talking about the acting industry, this goes for everyone. If you turn up with a smile on your face, you ask relevant questions, you are friendly and welcoming to everyone, people will want to be around you and that is a quick way to a successful audition.

8. Be Bold.

I know what you’re thinking. Surely it isn’t all charisma and positivity! (It is mostly- but moving on.) There are some key things you can do in the audition and when you’re preparing your speech that will really make you stand out. After you have worked out your characters motivation, their thoughts throughout the speech, their background. It is time to make some bold decisions. Maybe the role could have an accent (only do this if you are very confident in a particular accent), maybe you could play the speech with a lot of energy and use the panel to direct the speech to. Only pick something that suits the character and their motivation, but get creative. Don’t play safe.

Sometimes the director/principal will ask you to change something, or they will ask you do it again in a slightly different way. Make sure you make a big change! It doesn’t have to be incredibly natural the second time round, they just want to see that you can take direction.