Audition Tips

If you are planning to audition for a production with KCI Drama, the following Audition Tips will be invaluable to you for your audition (or for any audition). 

• Be On Time

"On time" does not mean running in at your audition slot time.  "On time" means at least 10 minutes early for your scheduled time.   Auditioners see a lot of people and their schedule can be very tight, which means that you need to be ready to go when they call you in.  You will often need to fill out an information sheet about yourself and your performance experience before you audition as well.  Be early and give yourself enough time to get warmed up and prepared to audition.

• Be Prepared

When you are asked to prepare a memorized monologue, this task is one of the first tests that the auditioners are putting you through.  What does it tell them about your commitment or what they can expect from you during the rehearsal period if you do not at least put your best effort into your audition?  Ensure that you give yourself enough time to fully understand and memorize your monologue.  If you struggle with memorizing lines, here are some excellent memorization techniques.  It is also valuable for you to understand not only your monologue, but the play for which you are auditioning.  Reading the full play (or an excerpt), as well as doing some research into the play, characters, source material, etc. will give you a huge advantage.  
Note: If you are not memorized but still wish to audition, you should at least be very comfortable with the monologue (i.e. it does not look like you are reading it for the first time on the spot).  ACT! Don't simply read!

• Be Yourself

Believe it or not, auditioning is not always entirely about talent!  Auditioners are looking at you as a person.  Auditioners are trying to find performers who are passionate, dedicated, flexible, and hard-working that they can picture spending the next few months working very closely with.  Coming into your audition with a huge ego or a bad attitude can guarantee that you will not be considered for a part, regardless of how talented you may be.  When you first do your monologue, try to show yourself as a performer!  Auditioners, if they want or need to see more, will then ask you to try it in different ways.  If you are given a direction, make some strong decisions that show your range.  They want to see you go as far away from your first performance as possible, taking in their direction as completely as possible.  Go big!

If you wish to see some more tips, enjoy the following resources!

• 10 Audition Tips for Actors (The Producer's Perspective)
• 10 Tips for a Great Audition (Dynamics Theater)