Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 12/1/2007

Question
Hi!!
When performing in an audition in fromt of a audition panel, and normally you
would address a second character - wher do you look? I normally perform to the
wall just behind the panel's head, but I have a piece that directly concerns
another character. I know I shouldn't involve the jury panel, but I have to direct
the piece somewhere...help please!!!!!

Answer
Hi Sally,

What you are describing could either look like a problem to you, OR you can look at it as an opportunity.

Your options?

Asking them where they want you to deliver your lines to,
or even bolder, telling them what you plan to do.

Its like this: asking them shows you aren't timid, and that makes you look like a confident artist -a professional who makes decisions and doesn't depend on someone else to spoon feed you. Telling them is a bit ballsier of a move, but shows you are assertive.

Either of these approaches are good, as long as you don't act cocky. No one wants to work with an actor that can't take suggestions/direction.

Where to look? Depends on your nerves.
You can scan the panel and pick someone...then say: "I'm going to read to you, if that's alright." -which would be assertive and confident, but polite, or you could just read them to whichever one you pick, which leaves things open to uneasiness for that person (and you, if you start reacting to their discomfort).

Or you could read to an inanimate object, which is hard because there isn't much to focus on. In most of my movie auditions, I have read to a "reader" who recites the other persons lines, often times the casting director, and often in a monotone, drab fashion. (I have always marveled at how casting directors can be so gruff and unfriendly at times to talent, yet are so bad at acting themselves!

A friend of mine went in for a reading once for a movie with Tommy Lee Jones. He was waiting and waiting and the casting assistant explained the reader needed a break and it would be a little longer. My friend got up and went to get a coke and when he returned, the assistant said: "Oh there you are! Hurry up, they are waiting!" My friend was confused as to why the break was so short, but stepped into the casting office, only to see Tommy Lee himself sitting in the reader's chair, ready to go! He had graciously offered to fill in for the reader as he was very involved with the film, beyond just acting in it. My friend was able to recover from the shock and press on, luckily.

Anyway, you can choose the person on the panel who: looks the most sensitive and warm, the person who meets your gaze with a challenging look, the person who looks most neutral, or look for the leader, the person who has the most power.
Each one has it's advantage or disadvantage.
The "nice" one isn't likely the "decider", but will not make you feel uncomfortable, and may give you support.
The "neutral" one will just be "there" -not giving energy back, and not giving non-verbal feedback...just flat.
The strong person on the panel will love it if you "push back" and meet their challenge with strength, but if you are unsure of yourself as an actor, could knock your confidence and hurt your performance. On the other hand, she or he will be the one who most needs impressed, and if you can knock this person off-balance, you win!

Best to you, Taylor