How do I start preparing for an audition?

Question

What tips would you give for a person who has never performed onstage before, vs someone who already has a couple shows under their belt?

Answer 1

The first thing you want to do when preparing an audition is read the instructions carefully. Are they asking for a monologue? A song? Or will they provide a scene for you? Do they want you to label your audition a specific way? Casting directors see hundreds of people daily, and not following their instructions is a sure way for them to dismiss you and move on to the next face.

Second, do some research. What kind of project are you applying to? What's the style? If it's a play, read it. Look up more work done by the director, the playwright, even the casting director. That way you can get a sense of what they like and look for.

Now, for the actual audition piece. Read it, and see what information it gives you. Who is your character? What are your relationships like with the people around you? Identify what you want, and what is standing in your way.

Extra points if you memorize it fully and can do it without holding a piece of paper. And to really wrap it all up, you'll want to find a nice button at the beginning and end. Start acting before you say your first line, and don't stop acting as soon as you say your last line. What is the moment before? What happens right after? Let them see you live in those moment for a bit. Do something that isn't in the script. Something that's your own.

Answer 2

The first thing I tell actors is that audition preparation begins before you ever walk into the room or turn on the camera. The more prepared you are, the more freedom you have to actually listen, respond, and be present in the scene.

I’ve worked professionally in film, television, and theater for more than 25 years, and I still begin with the same fundamental questions: Who am I? Who am I speaking to? What do I want from this person? What is standing in my way? And what am I doing to get what I want?

Read the entire scene carefully...not just your lines. Pay attention to what is being said about your character, what happened immediately before the scene begins, the relationships, circumstances, and any clues the writer has given you. Make specific choices, but don’t become so attached to those choices that you can’t take direction and adjust.

Know the material extremely well. You don’t want to be concentrating on remembering your next line when you should be listening to the other actor. The words should become familiar enough that your attention can be on the person in front of you and on what is actually happening in the moment.

For an on-camera audition or self-tape, remember that the camera sees everything. You don’t need to manufacture emotion or “show” us what your character is feeling. Keep your focus on your scene partner, pursue what you want, and allow the camera to capture what happens.

And finally, don’t try to guess what casting wants. That can take you completely out of your work. Your job is to prepare thoroughly, make strong and truthful choices, and bring your own interpretation to the material.

Whether you are preparing for your very first audition or your hundredth, preparation gives you something incredibly valuable: the confidence to let go and actually act.

Answer 3

Preparing for an audition starts long before you step into the room. The first thing I tell all my students is to understand what the audition is truly asking for—whether it's a monologue, song, scene, or on-camera read. Once you know the material, spend time breaking it down: who you are as the character, what you want, and the emotional journey you’re taking the audience on. Rehearse out loud, not just in your head, and practice in small sections so you can focus on clarity, intention, and connection. And remember: auditions aren’t about being perfect—they’re about showing your unique voice, curiosity, and willingness to take direction.

For students who have never performed onstage before, my advice is to focus on comfort and confidence first. You don’t need to be a master actor to give a strong audition—you just need to be grounded, prepared, and present. Work on simple breathing techniques, practice saying your lines as yourself before acting them, and get used to hearing your own voice out loud. Your goal is to walk into the room knowing you did your work and trusting that the team wants you to succeed.

For students who have a few shows under their belt, the next step is elevating your technique. This is where we refine your choices, deepen your character work, and bring nuance to your performance. You should explore multiple interpretations, make clear objectives for each moment, and be ready with adjustments on the spot. It’s also important at this level to develop your professionalism—knowing how to prep a headshot and résumé, slate confidently, take redirection, and treat auditions as opportunities to grow rather than tests to pass.

Answer 4

Getting ready for an audition is an exhilarating process. You can do it by yourself, but having a coach is really helpful. You will want to have your audition piece from a play or movie script. Read the whole script to put your interpretation of the audition monologue in context. Your coach can help you choose the monologue. Your coach will help you to define the intention, motivation, and obstacles in your character's thought process as they say the words of their monologue. Analyze how the feelings of your character's words change. You will want to analyze the piece for its structure, not necessarily its literary structure but how it is put together for the actor. Listen for the musicality of the piece-rhythms and sounds- and use them to help rinse the piece of every emotion and meaning that is in it. A coach sees all of this from the outside of you and guides you to make intelligent choices. A coach pushes you to create by getting out of your head and into action.

Answer 5

The best way to start getting ready for an audition is by reading the play or listening to the music for the show you're auditioning for. Avoid watching videos of the show online, as this can greatly change how you first approach the material. You want to make choices that come natural to you - not belt a note a specific way because "that's how Sutton Foster did it".

Next you should select an audition piece that is age appropriate and similar to the show. Usually the casting director will specify if you need to come prepared with your own monologue or a piece from the play. Sometimes they will provide specific selections from the show for you to read/sing from. These are called cold reads. It is crucial that you are familiar with the show before walking in, in case you are randomly asked to read for a specific character. You don't want to end up making an ill-fitting acting choice in a scene, such as grinning through the eulogy of a deceased relative.

If you have never auditioned for a show before, practice in front of friends and relatives. Have them "peer review" your performance. Ask them what they think the mood of the piece is, what kind of vibe you give off, etc. This will help you get an idea of what others perceive you to be while acting, so you know if there are any changes you need to make with your voice/stature to make your acting choices more believable.