Auditioning
I would gather that about 90% of the people that visit this site have never went on an audition before, so I thought I'd take a few minutes and try to describe what the process is like.
It's a lot like a job interview, only worse.
There are a lot of factors that go into an audition such as talent, look and just a general sense of "is this guy/girl and ass". They all matter and sometimes none of them do.
Unlike a normal job interview, the best person doesn't always get the gig. You may rock in the audition but also are a foot taller than the insecure star you would be supporting. Or maybe the cast already has 5 blonde people and they want to go with a redhead or brunette to even out the look. You might be too fat, too thin, look a little too young or old...there are many reasons why you may or may not book gig. This is why you really just have to control the things you can control, go in prepared and kick ass and then just forget about it. After that, it's out of your hands.
And really, that's the ultimate secret of auditioning...that you're not there to book THAT part. I know it sounds weird and contradictory, but it's true. When you go in to read for a casting director, you're job as it stands isn't necessarily to book that part you're going in for. If you do, hey that's fantastic, God bless, but there is another goal that should be first and foremost for you...to get brought back.
Your main job when you audition is to go in prepared, do a kick ass job and make an impression on the casting director so that you get put on their short list of people that they will call in regularly. Booking that particular job doesn't matter so much because if they like your work they will either have you read for something else on that project or just keep calling you in until they get something that is perfect for you and get you work. The vast majority of CDs I've read for have been very supportive and genuinely want to see you do really well. The few that take a liking to you will fight for you with producers and directors. You just have to go in and do the job.
The job itself, though, is a weird, awkward animal in it's own right. You want to be "off book" (have the lines memorized) but at the same time not be too rehearsed. Even if you know the scene backwards and forward you still bring in the sides to hold as it sets everyone in the room at ease (in case you forget due to nerves you can just glance down). You don't want to have too finished a performance because people want to know you can be redirected and shaped into their vision of the part but at the same time you want to have a definite direction and stake for your character so it doesn't come off flat and as if you haven't made any choices.
You go in and read with the CD or a reader and it can be a mixed bag. There are some who really get into it and are great to read and play and connect with. There are others that have their face down in the page and never make eye contact during the entire scene...but that's not their job. It's not their job to connect and give you stuff during the read. It's your job to connect with them, to create a world and create moments and show your stuff.
It's exciting, exhilarating, terrifying, nerve-wracking, awful and wonderful all at the same time. Those times when you really nail it and have fun and play...those are worth all of the bad times put together.
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