If all actors were as good at auditioning as they were at acting, there would be many more great careers.  Unfortunately, many actors aren’t aware of the specific audition skills they need to have a better chance of landing a role.

Continue reading if you’ve ever felt like auditions are the only thing between you and your career as a professional actor.

1)   Know Yourself 

One of an actors’ most essential skills is knowing themselves. You are your instrument, after all. When auditioning, you must understand what essence you are bringing into the room and what unique qualities you can bring to the part. Many actors can bring the same obvious interpretation of the sides, but only you can bring yourself to the role.

2)   Do Your Homework.

What has your character been through up to this point? What is your relationship to the other characters in the scene? What do you hope to gain from the other characters? What difference has your character made by the end of the scene? If you can answer these questions, it will help you make strong acting choices.

If you know nothing about the character or their motivation before your audition, you’re doing a disservice to everyone in the room, including yourself.  

3)   Make Sure You Know Your Lines Cold

It may seem obvious, but all too often, actors believe they know their lines and then let the pressure of the acting audition environment get in the way. There’s a difference between memorizing and learning something by heart. Aim for the latter.

Make sure you understand them completely. Knowing the lines gives you one less thing to worry about when you walk into that room.

4)   Set an Intention 

Set an intention before walking into an audition. Let your intention be actionable such as staying grounded or playing your scene to win. When you enter the room, keep your focus on your chosen direction. Let the rest go.

5)   Be Yourself 

Stop worrying about what you think the casting team wants you to be. Casting Directors are looking for an authentic person who brings the essence of the character they are casting. They can only see if you’re that person if you relax and just be you. You know how to talk, listen, and be kind. Chill, breathe, and speak.

6)   Remember That the Panel Is as Invested in Your Success as You Are.

Actors need to understand casting directors are rooting for them. They want you to be great. It’s often a good sign if they give you direction or write something down while you’re performing. They aren’t judging or disapproving of your performance. They want to see how you can adapt, take direction, and use your imagination to connect with the script and character in new ways.

Are you looking to nail your next film and Broadway audition? Then look no further than New York City’s The Danny Greenberg Studio! Our experts will guide and assist you every step until you book the part of your dreams.

Learn More About DGS:

Are you looking to take your singing or acting to the next level? Contact us now for your first complimentary assessment lesson.

The Danny Greenberg Studio is a professional performing arts studio for children aged 5 to 18 in New York (Brooklyn and Manhattan!) and online, focusing on vocal and acting training.

 Our students star annually in numerous Broadway shows, national tours, and feature films. Our studio welcomes students of all levels between 6 and 18 to foster their love of performing. Once they’re ready, we also help connect students to top agents and casting directors.

Since our debut, we have focused on three values: children, crafts, and community. Our students develop professional techniques and valuable skills they use inside and outside the studio. We help prepare our students for professional success and make personal impacts through charity cabarets and fundraisers.

We provide private lessons in-person and online in singing, acting, audition coaching, industry professional workshops, showcases, musical theater classes, and admissions prep with curriculums tailored to each child’s needs so they can build their self-confidence. Each year, we coach students for DOE High School auditions, and they consistently get into Laguirdia, Frank Sinatra, and PPAS. We teach acting, singing, and dancing lessons in midtown Manhattan, Greenpoint, and Park Slope Brooklyn. Zoom lessons are also available. Contact us for more information on the admissions process.