Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 9/1/2009

Question
I have an audition coming up for the musical "Animal Crackers". Our director asked us to watch the film, which starred the Marx Brothers in the leading roles as they are looking for leads with strong comedic skills. I consider myself a funny actor, but I tend to often get anxiety and huge nerves. I wonder how I should go about auditioning for roles that are so infamous (Marx Brothers) and what I should I do when I audition.

Answer
Hi there, Connor...Thanks for writing.

A great question.  Let's see if I can help you with this in a way that leads you through the process.  And congrats on the audition!

First of all, do you know anything about the background of the Marx Brothers?  What did they do in their careers?  What was their experience?  How did they get to be as successful as they were?  Would you say that it is fair for you to compare yourself to these men?  Are you equal in your experience and life span as well as careers?

Next, when you watch the film, what do you like or think is strong about their performances?  What are they doing to make the roles work?  And what does comedy require of an actor?  Do you really know what comedy is?

And finally, forgetting the Marx Brothers and forgetting that you are auditioning, what do YOU think is the story?  What are the things that you identify with in the piece that you are auditioning with?  Why is it funny?  What makes it funny?  Is it timing?  Is it funny associations?  Is it opposites?  Is it fantasy or exaggeration?  

Then do that.

Does that help you?

Wanda