Expert: John T. Aney - 9/15/2007

Question
Hello,
   My name is Elizabeth and I am 16 years old.  I really want to be on Broadway, and I have the singing and dancing skills, but what I lack are specific acting audition skills.  When it comes to cold readings, I stutter over all of the words and often lose my place, taking away from the scene.  I also tend to play very young (people think i'm 12) because I have a young look and a high voice.  how can i act or appear older?  and mostly, what are some tips that can help me improve on cold readings?  

thanks in advance!  

-- elizabeth

Answer
Elizabeth,

You said at the start of your message that you "really want to be on Broadway."  I would urge you to consider that statement.  It is great to have goals and dreams - without them we would all be walking dead.  But you should be aware of your realistic chances and the costs involved.

The fact of the matter is, very few people ever end up "on Broadway."  Getting to the Great White Way takes a tremendous amount of talent, hard work, sacrifice and, ultimately, sheer luck.  Along the way, you will suffer - ruined relationships, no money, very little stability, and not very much "art" in your life.

If you love the theatre, great - I can guarantee that you will be able to work in the theatre for the rest of your life, quite happily.  If you are just seeking fame on Broadway, I can 99% guarantee you that you will not achieve your dreams, and you will have a very hard life, and will ultimately face disappointment.

OK - moral lesson over.

Your best bet to succeeding in cold readings is to read the play beforehand as much as you can so that you can read the script easily.  When a director gives you something to read, take time to read it out loud before you "go on" - work with another actor on the scene, do it over and over again until you are comfortable with it.  And if you are stumbling over words, and losing your place, then you may just need more practice reading.  Read out loud to your self - books, magazines, the newspaper, even this message on the Internet.  Get in the practice of reading things out loud.

Regarding acting or appearing older - at 16 I wouldn't worry about that.  When you audition, feel free to ask the director for some advice or assistance - some directors don't really care about appearing older.

Good luck!

jta