Starting an acting career from scratch can be so tedious and intimidating that you could probably make an Oscar-worthy movie about the overwhelming process alone.
Preparing for auditions can feel extremely hectic, and you can get demotivated and give up at any point. It's common knowledge that the acting industry is insanely competitive and overwhelming, and your journey to success is bound to have a bunch of plot twists that you'll have to be ready for.
So, we're here to give you a preview of everything you need to know about your first audition preparation so you can get on the stage with no fright. Stay tuned as we reveal a secret tip to boost your acting lessons with an expert by your side.
What Qualifications Do You Need for an Audition?
In most professions, a formal education in a suitable field is needed to show that you hold immense knowledge and understanding of that career path and are a fit candidate to pursue it. In the case of acting, experience is usually more valuable than any certificates or qualifications. Casting directors and judges are more likely to focus on what you've done on camera so far and what you do in the audition. Your educational background will probably come second.
Of course, that doesn't mean you can sign up for auditions with zero education or training. Any acting lessons you take can help your resume get noticed, especially if you're fresh in the industry, and at the end of the day, they'll help you feel more confident and prepared when you're onstage.
Depending on where you live, various theater programs could introduce you to the first steps of stage acting. Even if you've simply worked on student films or been a part of someone's project, you can also use that as solid experience.
If you're wondering what most actors qualify for, it usually depends on the actor's background, so there's no definitive answer, but nearly 32% of actors have a Bachelor's degree or higher certification. So, if nothing else, you should at least have a degree or diploma in theater acting, arts, or other related subjects, just so the directors have a reason to give you a chance.
How to Find Acting Auditions?
Now that you know what you need and what to expect, it's time for the main event. Putting yourself out there and finding acting gigs is often the most overwhelming part of being a beginner, but unfortunately, there's no easy way out. You have different options to find your next audition, but you'll have to hustle for each.
Remember that most celebrities faced rejection dozens of times before getting their big break. So, things will be the same for you. But instead of taking failure as a final answer, you have to learn from rejection and grow to improve for the next audition. With that out of the way, let's look at some common ways actors look for their first-time auditions.
Hire an Agent or a Manager
Hiring a reputable agent is the most traditional way to land auditions for acting and getting cast. These agents have the connections and industry knowledge that you don't. They can help you find and apply for the auditions you're looking for, so you don't have to bother with all the tedious work.
Finding a reliable agent does take a lot of legwork, but it's much easier than looking for casting agencies since a casting agent or manager's entire job revolves around helping you find your next gig in the industry. Plus, it gives you a professional look and shows you're serious about your career.
Join a Professional Network or Workshop
Do you go to watch movies at their opening premiers frequently? Do you attend filmmaking workshops often? Do you engage in any social networks or communities related to the movie industry? Well, if you do any of these, you've likely got connections that can help you get a head-start on your acting career.
You never know if you will run into casting agents or other actors who can lead you to opportunities you didn't know about. You might even get to give some acting auditions before anyone else. If not, you might be invited to new places and industry-related events that take you further.
Leverage Your Website and Social Media Accounts
Your resume may not be enough to showcase your talents. Some producers might not even look at your resume and jump straight to checking your social media profile, and if you don't have anything worth noting, they'll move on to the next applicant. So, you have to captivate them as quickly as possible with a presentable website or a professional social media presence.
Post videos of your unique take on monologues or talk about some personal film project you've been working on. For this, choosing the right monologue for your acting audition is crucial.
An online presence will prove particularly useful when a casting director contacts you and asks to see your photos or acting samples. You can simply share your link with them so they can view all your work online.
How to Prepare for an Audition?
So, you got the audition? Now, you'll be celebrating with the impending stress of waiting for the big day. You probably already know there's a lot to learn and prepare to nail this part. So, stay calm and stay confident as we break down the fundamental steps for what to do before an audition.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Get All Your Queries Cleared | Read the job post and the invitation email thoroughly to know what to expect. If there are any unclear details that you're concerned about, address them immediately by asking your manager the necessary questions. If you have two auditions scheduled and don't have the audition prep time for both, ask them to reschedule as soon as possible. |
| Research Your Role | If you're playing a character on a new season of a show, you can watch the previous seasons to get a good idea of what the show is about. If the movie is under the name of an established director, study their previous works to understand their vision. |
| Rehearse Your Lines Regularly | Learn your lines by heart. You can do this by writing them down or other memorization techniques you're good with. Record your performances so you can pick up any speech cues and nuances from the audio and work on them. Practice in front of a mirror to pick up on any visual areas of improvement, like facial expressions and body language. |
If you’re struggling with the script and can’t seem to memorize the lines properly, you’re going to need some special techniques. This video covers 7 of them to help you get more comfortable with your lines.
Moreover, learning to self-tape for auditions can also help.
Whether it's research, memorization, or practice, you're bound to get stuck somewhere, which is perfectly natural as a beginner. But if you have no access to professionals in the industry, you'll need some extra help to put you in the right direction.
Superprof can help you keep the show running with its massive collection of thousands of acting tutors ready to show you how to get acting auditions and how to prepare for an audition, from headshots to resumes and reels. Our tutors will ensure you're prepared to give your best at your next audition. Sign up for Superprof's acting classes nyc today so you can stand out for your close-up tomorrow.
What to Do After the Audition?
There's a lot to unpack after the audition. Part of you will be freaking out about whether or not you'll be selected, while the other part will be relieved that the most stressful phase has finally passed. After you've relaxed and taken a breather, you can reflect on your performance to determine what you did right and what you could've done differently.
Passionate actors like to keep audition journals to note what happened in each of their tryouts and what they learned from each. Tracking key points on where you need to improve is crucial for your progress, so you've got a higher chance of success for your next audition.
In the end, if you don't get selected, don't beat yourself up for it. As mentioned earlier, most actors fail a dozen auditions before they land a big break. Sometimes, you're just not the right fit for the role, and there's nothing you can do about that. What you can do is not give up, continue finding more auditions, and grow your acting profile.
The more you put yourself out there in the community, the more you'll learn where you're falling behind, so never lose touch with other industry professionals, especially if they've got something to teach you. Superprof is a prime example of such a community. Their library of experienced acting classes and tutors has many acting tips for auditions that you'll be able to pass every casting call with flying colors. So, get ready to bring your favorite characters to life with the help of Superprof.
Learn How to Audition From Superprof
There you have it. That was a sneak peek of your incredible career as an actor and what you can expect from it. There's a lot of hard work involved, and you'll have to put your faith in second chances quite a few times, but if you're passionate about seeing yourself on the big screen, you've surely got what it takes.
If you still think otherwise or need a change of mindset, Superprof is happy to set your picture in motion. They give you access to acting classes los angeles and coaches who can help you win every script by showing you the best acting audition tips for beginners. So, learn how to prepare for a casting call with Superprof and kill box office records everywhere.
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