How to Prepare for an Acting Audition

Acting auditions are often intimidating because you've never met the casting director before and you don't know exactly what they're looking for. If you work hard to prepare for your audition, however, you'll have more confidence, which will show when you get on stage. Actors must be willing to perform in front of numerous people and with little time to prepare. That's why you should sharpen your skills before you get your first audition.

Clothing
Your choice in clothing is one of the major factors that will help you prepare for your acting audition. You shouldn't wear clothes that would suit just any role; instead, choose clothing that accurately represents the character you are hoping to play. For example, if the character is a Wall Street investment banker, you'd probably want to wear an expensive suit and tie. If you're going to play a college student, however, jeans and a nice shirt with sneakers would probably work better for the audition.

Memorization
Before you go to an acting audition, make sure you memorize the lines. Sometimes, you won't get a copy of a script until you arrive at the audition, but take advantage of the situation if you are provided with a script. It is often good to memorize the lines of all characters in a given scene in case you are invited to read for another part. When memorizing lines, pay careful attention not only to the words, but also the way in which they are spoken. Get a feel for how your character talks and use his or her "voice" in your mind while you memorize.

Character
An acting audition isn't just about memorizing lines; it's also about the character you're going to play. Some of the top casting directors in the industry have spoken out about the importance of "getting to know" a character before you read for the part. Sometimes, a decision will be made not on your acting ability, but on your interpretation of the character in the production. For example, if you're going to play a police officer, you might interpret the character as a little harsh with an edge, which should come through in your audition.