Expert: John T. Aney - 7/9/2009

Question
I'm having an audition for two shows- A Midsummer Nights Dream, and
Equus. I'm really hoping for a role, especially for the Shakespeare play. I was
wondering if you might have any advice on giving the best audition with a
cold reading that you have maybe 5-10 minutes to prepare. I have major
trouble giving the best possible audition with cold readings. I also have a lot
of trouble with nerves and fear. I was wondering if you might have tips on
how to stay calm and focused, and control nervousness at an audition. Also,
any specific tips you might have for auditioning for either one of those plays.
Thank you so much for you time and help.

Answer
Molly - great question.  Thanks!

When you are in the audition, you have one friend.  The text in your hand.  The text you are reading from will always be there for you, and doesn't think anything bad about you.  Trust the text and let everything else go.

This is particularly true with Shakespeare.  If you are trained in speaking Shakespeare, you know how to analyze the text - what to look for, how to handle scansion, find contrasting language, etc.  Remind yourself of what you know.  If a word is important and you don't know what it means, feel free to ask the director.  I have yet to meet a director that doesn't welcome it when an actor asks a question about the text - it shows you care.

If you aren't trained in Shakespeare, that's OK too.  Don't panic, whatever you do.  Read the text through a couple of times, out loud, if possible.  Find a partner to work on a scene with.  Again, ask questions if something isn't clear to you.  Read the text as closely as you can to your normal speaking rhythms - just because its Shakespeare doesn't mean it needs to be loud or sing-songy.

Remember that any time you have a cold reading, the director is looking to see what choices you make with the text.  In your prep time, think of a choice you might make if you were playing the role - even if the choice ends up being wrong, making a strong choice is always the right thing to do.  Directors need to know that you are actor that will bring something to the process, and not expect them to come up with your ideas for you.  Making strong choices is the best way to show them that you are that kind of actor.

Good luck to you.  If you are panicking and want further advice, email me at johnaneyATgmail.com