Why You Can Give the Best Audition and Not Be Cast

I have been to hundreds of auditions over the last twenty-five years. Sometimes I’m the one auditioning and more often, in recent years, I’m the one casting actors. As an actor, I have been cast because I have blonde hair and I have also not been cast because I have blonde hair. I have cast actors because of the quality of their voice. I have also not cast actors because of the quality of their voice. Maybe you look just like the director’s nephew who they can’t stand. Maybe you remind them of their first love that broke their heart. You might look too much like another actor who has already been cast. The point is, there are a million reasons why you might not be cast and most of them you have absolutely no control over. So don’t try. The only thing that you should concern yourself with is being prepared for the audition, or as my favorite acting teacher, Richard Robichaux says, be profoundly prepared. Do the preparation and then show up on the day and attempt to connect to the material and the other people in the room. What makes this so complicated is that actors often come into an audition with lots of nerves and pressure. They are desperate to be deemed worthy or desperate to be seen as good enough, to be chosen. Did you know that the directors are nervous too? They have a problem. They need people in their play. When you walk into the room, they want you to solve their problem. They want you to be the perfect person for the role. They really do.

Work Ethic Trumps Talent

Often directors will choose the second or third best actor if they know they have a strong work ethic. Many years ago I saw an awesome audition from a local actor who at the time was a sophomore in high school. He looked much older than his age and had far and away the best audition. He seemed perfect for the lead role in the play I was casting. The problem was this: I did not know him. I was not sure if this young actor could handle the lead role in an important production. I was not sure, so I went with the safer choice. I went with my second choice because I knew the second actor was talented, reliable and could carry a show as a lead. I’m happy to report that a few months after that audition I saw my first choice actor in another show and learned that he was able to carry a show. I soon cast him in a lead role in another show and he was admitted to a highly selective college theatre program. So, what is the lesson here? Being reliable and easy to work with is essential, often more important that talent. If you are not cast the first time you audition for a company or a director, audition again.

Can You Take Direction? Are You Teachable?

Have you ever had a director give you an odd piece of direction during as audition? Maybe you were asked to do the monologue again with an animal physicality or with a southern accent (even though the play is set in Boston) or perform without moving your body. Why do directors do this? Often, they just want to see how you respond to something new. They want to see how you respond to the pressure of being asked to do something that you have not had time to polish. I have seen actors who give great auditions, but never grow during the rehearsal process. What you see in the audition is the best you are going to get. Seeing an actor out of their comfort zone can give the director insight to your process and not just the end result of your work.

Someone is Always Watching

How do you treat the stage manager or other actors in the lobby while you are waiting for your audition slot? After an audition, I always make a point to ask the stage manager if anyone was a jerk in the lobby. If they were, it is unlikely I will cast them, even if they have just given the best audition. Nobody wants to work with a jerk, even if they are talented.

Are You Conducting Yourself as a Professional?

I recently spoke to a local actor and asked why he didn’t audition for ECTC’s recent season auditions. The actor told me that he did not really have any monologues ready for the audition and he “remembered the reaction he got the last time he auditioned.” How can you not have monologues ready if you are an actor? This actor has a college degree in theatre. Be prepared. Profoundly prepared! By the way, the “reaction” he was referring to was not being called back or cast the last time he auditioned. So, you’re an actor and you are not getting cast every time? Get used to it. Move on and prepare for the next one.

Are you coming to each and every audition with a current headshot and resume? Are you punctual? Are you dressed professionally? Professional auditions are job interviews. You should conduct yourself in the same way you would for any other job that you want.

It is Possible That You Are Too Good for the Role?

What? That’s not possible, right? This is less common, but when casting, the director is creating an ensemble. The way that the group fits together is often more important than any one actor. Your level of skill might be out of balance with the other available actors, making you not fit with the group. The point is, the only part that is under your control is your preparation and your ability to come into the room and do your best work. You may have given the best audition of your life. You may have even have given the best audition the director has ever seen, but you still might not be a good fit for that particular show.

What’s the Best Way to Get Better at Auditioning?

The best way to learn about auditioning and casting is to sit on the other side of the table. Talk to a director you know and ask if you can sit in on their next set of auditions for a show that you are not auditioning for. If you can attend a large general audition, that’s even better. If you can sit in on a few dozen auditions, it will quickly become obvious what is working and what is not working. You will be able to make up your mind about whether someone is a yes, no or maybe within 30 seconds or less. You also should work with an acting coach that you trust in preparing your own auditions. Find a teacher that will tell you the truth and help you grow your talent. The best actors I know are always learning and growing. Take a class. Attend a workshop. Watch a masterclass online. Also, you should read plays. Most actors don’t read plays. Practice your cold reading. It is a skill that only improves with practice.

Remember, you may not be right for a particular role, but if you are doing good work, directors will remember you when they have a role that you are suited for. ECTC recently cast an actor for a role based on an audition the actor did in January for another play. You never know when you might be needed, so be ready.

Get to work. Auditioning is the work. Learn to love the work and be prepared, profoundly prepared.

Jason Hedden is an Associate Professor of Theatre and Chair of the Division of Visual and Performing Arts at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, FL. He earned an M.F.A. in acting from The Ohio State University and serves as interim board president for Emerald Coast Theatre Company.