The One Thing Every Young Actor Should Do Before Auditioning: Ask What the Words Mean**
As a professional acting coach with years of experience helping students land roles on Broadway and in television, I’ve had the privilege of watching countless aspiring actors step into auditions with excitement, hope, and ambition. They’re full of energy, ready to impress casting directors with their talent and skill. But over the years, there’s one thing I wish every young actor—whether they’re just starting out or already making waves in the industry—would do before walking into any audition: Ask about the words they don’t understand.
Sounds simple, right? Yet, it’s something I’ve noticed many kids shy away from. They feel embarrassed, almost as if asking for clarification is a sign of weakness. The truth is, it’s completely normal not to know the meaning of every word in a script or a scene. But not asking, or worse, *pretending* to know what something means, can have an impact far beyond the vocabulary lesson. It can hurt the actor’s understanding of the material and—ultimately—their audition.
### Why Understanding Every Word Matters
Acting is all about understanding. To truly bring a character to life, you need to understand their needs, motivations, and fears deeply. Words are the building blocks of that understanding. Each word in a script has purpose, weight, and meaning. If you don’t understand the meaning of a single word, it creates a fracture between you and the scene. And, if that happens, the audience (or the casting director) will feel it.
Imagine reading a scene where your character has just heard shocking news. What if a keyword in the scene, let’s say “exacerbate,” completely eludes you? If you don’t understand it, your performance will be affected. You might try to act through it, but without understanding the depth of that word, you won’t be able to infuse the scene with the correct emotional weight. This misinterpretation can lead to a disconnection between the actor and the material, leaving casting directors wondering if you truly “get” the scene.
The Importance of Vocabulary in Acting
When young actors step into the professional world of auditions, they’re often presented with challenging material. Theatre and film scripts are filled with rich language, from Shakespearean dialogue to contemporary, intricate speech patterns. The vocabulary can be complex, and not all of it is easy to decipher. That’s okay.
I always tell my students that the best actors are lifelong learners. They are constantly curious, constantly asking questions, and continually expanding their understanding of language. When you ask for clarification on a word you don’t understand, you open up the door to a richer understanding of the scene, and therefore a more authentic performance.
What’s at Stake?
Not asking for clarification can lead to several problems during an audition:
1. Misinterpretation of the Scene
2. Unnecessary Stress
3. Lack of Confidence
Overcoming the Fear of Asking
The biggest hurdle for young actors is often the fear of looking “dumb” in front of their peers or coaches. They don’t want to be seen as lacking knowledge or falling behind their fellow auditioners. But asking questions isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength and maturity. A strong actor knows their craft and recognizes when they need to seek clarity. It’s that curiosity and drive for mastery that separates the good from the great.
Here are a few ways to approach it:
1. Don’t Assume You Understand
It’s easy to gloss over a word in a script that you don’t recognize, especially in the pressure of an audition. But taking a moment to pause and ask can prevent a lot of issues later on.
2. Make it a Habit
Get into the routine of looking up words that confuse you or seem unfamiliar. Do it for every scene, no matter how small the role. It will only expand your range and vocabulary.
3. Ask Your Coach or Director
Whether it’s during rehearsal or before an audition, feel free to ask your coach or director for clarification. We’re here to help guide you, and no question is too small.
4. Use a Dictionary or App:
With today’s technology, you have easy access to apps and online dictionaries that give you an immediate understanding of unfamiliar words. Use them!
Conclusion: The Art of Understanding
At the end of the day, acting is about truth. To deliver a truthful performance, you need to understand the full weight of the words you’re speaking. And to do that, it’s essential to ask questions when you don’t understand something. Whether it’s a word in a script or a nuance in a scene, the moment you embrace asking for help, you open yourself up to a deeper, more authentic connection to the material. That’s when the magic of acting happens.
So, to all the young actors out there auditioning for their next big role, don’t be afraid to ask about the words you don’t know. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of an actor who is committed to learning, growing, and mastering their craft.
Break a leg!
Remember: you are enough.
Contributed by Danny Greenberg, director of The Danny Greenberg Studio.
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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.
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