An Actor's Guide to Phrase Reading at Casting Auditions

As an actor, every second is important. Especially while in the audition room. The more seconds that you spend with your eyes buried inside of your script, rather than connecting with the Casting Director or other Actor, are seconds that are literally taking away from your performance. Because spoken words only go so far, acting also has a facial and visual aspect attached to it. A performance can become incredibly touching and powerful by simply using your eyes. It was once said that the eyes are the windows to ones soul. And if that is true, than you absolutely want to use them for your advantage while acting.

While one is in the audition room, it is very common to have your eyes completely buried inside of your script when doing a cold reading. Well, this is an absolute mistake, especially since there is absolutely no need for this to happen. In the acting world there are several hints and tips that will make your life in the audition room slightly more bearable, and powerful.

So what is the secret that will help keep your eyes off of your script, and keep you more into your performance? Well, it's quite simple. It's called Phrase Reading. So what is phrase reading one might ask? It's exactly what it sounds like, reading in phrases. The basic premise for this type of performing, is holding your eyes down for only a moment, grabbing a sentence or two, and then returning your eyes to your reader to deliver the lines, and then repeating. It is an actual art form in all of its simplicity.

Okay, so one might be asking themselves how to develop the phrase reading technique. Well, it is extremely simple. When reading, every phrase has a beginning and an end. Sometimes the phrase ends in mid-sentence, but yet, it always ends. The key is recognizing the phrases, and grabbing them quickly from the paper.