University Theatre
Auditioning Tips

Auditions at University Theatre are open to all NC State students. You don’t have to be a theatre major, or even be taking a class to give it a shot. We are always looking for enthusiastic new talent for the shows. Student may also volunteer to learn the backstage and behind-the-scenes theater crafts: lighting and sound, scenery construction, costume construction, stage management and house manager.

 

Auditions for fall semester shows are usually held the first week of school in the fall. Auditions for the spring semester shows are held sometime in December or January. See the audition schedule

 

 

I Want To Audition, What Should I Do?

In Preparation
DO:

  1. Read the whole play
  2. Think about the world of the play
  3. Consider all possible parts you could play
  4. Read your scene or sides out loud at least five times – all the characters
  5. Make sure you understand what all the references mean, where the humor is, what the tone is, and what happens in the scene
  6. Ask yourself two basic acting questions about the scene:
    1. Who am I talking to?
    2. What do I want? - (Hint: You don’t need to BE something, you need to DO something.)
  7. Highlight your lines
  8. Get enough sleep
  9. Get enough water and healthy food
  10. Warm up your body and your voice

DO NOT:

  1. Do not memorize your lines
  2. Do not block the scene
  3. Do not attempt to imitate a famous performance
  4. Do not schedule anything else for the rest of the evening
  5. Do not drink alcohol or extra caffeine
  6. Do not eat garlic or onions
  7. Do not forget to shower

At the Audition 
DO:

  1. Wear good clothes but nothing distracting
  2. Wear or bring appropriate shoes
  3. Remove your jewelry
  4. Bring water in a bottle, and some breath mints
  5. Bring your script, sides, or scene and a pencil
  6. Show up early
  7. Sign in
  8. Read the rehearsal schedule very carefully
  9. Fill out the information card legibly and completely
  10. Turn off your cell phone in the lobby and keep it off
  11. Prepare to stay until you are dismissed
  12. Be willing and ready to read for other roles
  13. Have a positive, upbeat, courteous and courageous attitude
  14. During the scene: stand in ¾ position, speak clearly, listen closely, breathe fully, make eye contact with your scene partner, allow yourself to be nervous
  15. Take direction if it is given
  16. Show everyone you are a team player and easy work with

DO NOT:

  1. Do not talk, sleep or distract anyone during someone else’s audition
  2. Do not use any media devices of any kind in the audition room
  3. Do not bring food except an energy bar if you need it
  4. Do not chew gum
  5. Do not apologize for your performance
  6. Do not criticize your performance
  7. Do not look at anyone but your scene partner during the scene
  8. Do not ask the director too many questions
  9. Do not be difficult or expect special treatment

After the Audition
DO:

  1. Thank everyone who facilitated your audition
  2. Leave the building
  3. Relax

DO NOT:

  1. Do not leave anything in the audition room – including trash
  2. Do not hang around in the lobby talking
  3. Do not beat yourself up about your audition
  4. Do not criticize anybody else’s audition
  5. Do not make any assumption about the casting
  6. Do not give it another thought until the cast list is posted
  7. Do not forget that it’s only a play

 

More on auditioning: Here are more readings on auditioning tips:

 

How to audition (click to download), by Terri Janney, Senior Associate Director, Emeritus, NC State University Theatre.

 

From "The Audition Process: A Guide For Actors" by Bob Funk, Heinemann, 1996

 

"The audition begins when you walk in the door of the theatre or into the office of the agency. From the moment you arrive you are being watched."

 

Bob Funk, actor and associate professor as the University of Alabama at Birmingham served as a state adjudicator for the Southeastern Theatre Conference on several occasions. He watched college students audition at the state level for a chance to attend the Southeastern Theatre Conference auditions. Four areas the adjudicators considered were: Stage presence, movement, communication skills and acting ability, same as at any audition.

 

One of the courses offered to more advanced theatre students is Audition and Interpretation Technique. One of the books used in the class is a little book called "Auditions: Everything an Actor Needs to Know to get the Part," written by Michael Shurtleff and published in the late seventies when “Everything you need to know” books were popular.      

 

12 Steps to Remember (page 27-28)

1: Enter the Space with confidence and a smile.

2: Show support for others while waiting for your turn to audition.

3: If singing, politely review your music with the accompanist.

4: If using a piece of furniture, set it quickly in a businesslike manner.

5: Move with confidence to your starting position.

6: Come to a full stop. Look at your audience with a smile, take a deep breath, then five your introduction (name and number).

7: Transition.

8. Perform your piece.

9. Transition.

10. With great exuberance and a smile, come to a full stop, look at your audience, take a deep breath, and repeat your name and number. Strike your chair if you used one.

11. Walk off the stage as if you have given the best performance of your life. If you sang, collect your music and thank the accompanist. Exit back to your chair or to wherever the stage manager directs you.

12. When you leave the space, walk with confidence and a smile.