Never done live theatre before on stage? Not a problem, you are going to fall in love with it! There’s nothing else like being a part of a cast and crew that work together to present a finished production to the public. Memories and friendships are made that last. The following are some things to expect at an audition, and some tips on how best to prepare.

Some words to know: Script (actor’s lines and stage directions), Cast (people involved in the production), Leads (the main characters in a play), Ensemble (secondary characters and non-speaking roles), Blocking (planning out movement on stage), Cheat Out (when an actor slightly turns their body toward the audience while addressing other actors), Dress Rehearsal (the final run through on stage in makeup and costumes with sound and lights before presenting to an audience.)

What to expect on audition day:

Plan to show up 15 minutes before your audition time to give yourself a chance to settle in and feel comfortable. You will have a short time to show your abilities in front of the director/auditioners, approximately 10-15 minutes. If you like, you can indicate the role you are interested in playing on your audition form. This lets the auditioners know your preference, however the final decision is up to the director on who to cast in which role.

Tips on preparing for your audition:

• Read through any script samples and/or synopsis that is provided for you ahead of time. Try to imagine the scene and what kind of mood your character is in. 

• Practice saying the lines slowly and loudly so that your voice will carry over the whole theatre. Not every actor gets a microphone. Remember, you may know the story and the lines cold, but the audience is hearing it for the first time, so be clear and don’t rush. 

• Be on time for your audition (and rehearsals too!)

• Face the audience when speaking always. Emotion is conveyed not only by vocal expression but by the look on your face as well. If you are turned to the side, the audience loses that expression.

• Use lots of energy in your acting, more than you think is normal.  

• Don’t be afraid to take a risk and act outside of your comfort zone. Remember you are portraying how your character would react, not your own personality, 

• Try reading lines out for several roles. It gives your director an idea about your ability and range of emotion.

• Memorization is not necessary… but is impressive. If reading lines from a page, try to look up as much as possible and make eye contact with the audience. 

• For a singing audition (if auditioning for a musical), pick a song to sing that you are comfortable with. It doesn’t have to be long or even the entire song, just enough so the auditioner can hear your range and vocal timbre. Many people in the past productions have auditioned with Happy Birthday or O Canada!

• Enjoy yourself up on stage; chances are if you are having fun the audience will as well.