Tips for an Audition

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

A COUPLE OF 'TIPS' FOR YOUR NEXT AUDITION;

If it's not a cold reading, do a well- rehearsed monologue or script.  A casting director would much rather see something that's tonally slightly off the mark than something that matches perfectly but that you threw together earlier in the week. Under-rehearsed monologues always, always, always look bad. An under-rehearsed monologue has bland choices, blank spots where you're hunting for lines, unmotivated pauses-- pretty much everything you come to expect from things that are under-rehearsed. Showcase your talent at its best and do something you've had time to develop!
AND..No, you can't "use" the casting director. Don't look at her! Don't EVER look directly at the auditioners. It makes them uncomfortable and that's the last thing you want. An uncomfortable casting director stops thinking about you and your monologue and becomes fully absorbed in the fact that you're staring at her! Place your mark over the auditioners' heads, and face forward so everyone in the room can see you. 
Make bold, interesting, but sane choices. New actors tend to make bland, boring choices in audition monologues, fearing that anything too bold will make them appear limited in type and range. Just the opposite is true! Make bold and interesting choices! Show off your chops! On the flip side, don't make bizarre choices. Lots of screaming, lots of unusual movement (unless you're auditioning specifically for a movement-oriented piece), and lots of unmotivated maniacal laughter are unwelcome. Anyone can scream or talk loudly, that doesn't mean doodly squat.