Handbook for Actors-The Audition

Introduction

$1000 Contest

Well, you’ve jumped through all the hoops, and finally, an audition! Your big chance to finally show the world what a star can do! But a word of caution: never audition before you (or your child) is ready.

Be sure to always have extra photos/resumes with you. Sometimes, you may be asked to do a monologue; but that doesnt usually happen. Scripts don’t necessarily need to be memorized for first auditions.

Your (or child’s) behavior is a big deal! Professionals do not wish to work with "brats", "know it alls", etc. If you or your child is the only well-behaved one among a group of ill-mannered, rude auditioners, casting directors will remember you.

Do not get so excited that you or your child becomes distracted from the task at hand. More importantly, keep auditions in the right perspective. Do not put "do-or-die pressure" on yourself or child and do not make success in the business or failure your personal success or failure.

Failure is an "event" not a "person".
You have not truly failed the event until you give up!

Remember Parents, that we decided early on that this whole process is your child’s. And you, as the parent, need to remain mindful of the support that is required from you when your child has to deal with rejection – and he will. Continue to acknowledge all his hard work and let him know that you are proud of him and love him regardless of the outcome. Don’t be afraid to explain all the variables that might be involved in the selection process.

If You are looking to Act/Model. Encourage yourself! Hang around people who support and encourage you. Don't let other's negative attitude bring you down.

Make auditions "standard operating procedure", the same as going to work, school or to church.

Discuss before and after with your agent/manager. Get constructive criticism and work on your weak areas for the next audition. There is ALWAYS a future audition to look forward to. Do not be discouraged if you don't get called back, especially when first starting. Persistence pays!

For kids: don’t make a big deal of them, and don’t give last minute tips/advice. After the audition is over, maintain this environment of normalcy although you can calmly discuss areas that went extremely well. You can later discuss areas that might need some improvement although I would leave both those issues to his Personal Manager.

And now, you or your child has received a callback. Do not run out and hire a coach, but parents give him some help working on the audition scene. Memorization is not usually required for a callback. Have him dress the same way he did for the audition. You want him to be confident but you do not want him to display too much regimentation, too much polish. You want him to portray the same natural charm that won him the callback in the first place!