The Reader
I had the lovely pleasure of being a reader at auditions for a new play at a regional theatre recently. This isn’t normally what I write about in my little corner of substack… The market on industry and craft advice is well covered, that’s why I usually stick to stories about the journey. It was such a joy though, seeing actors through the beautiful process of auditioning - the craft, the vulnerability, the play, that thought I’d share a few things I learned in the process.
These were theatre auditions, but I think the following would apply to in person film and tv auditions and some of it to self tapes as well. Take what you will!
Find the humor whenever and wherever possible. This doesn’t apply to every audition of course, but I bet it applies to more than you think. The folks behind the table are listening to the same words over and over, so finding some sparks of humor even in dramatic material always helps you stand out.
Bring the strength of your quirks and perspective. Don’t ask what they want or what they’re looking for. Don’t even allow yourself to entertain the question. Once you’ve taken in the character description and script, allow the rest to come from your imagination.
(I remember going into an audition once when I was young where I just did not have a clear picture on the character. I thought she could go a lot of ways. So I decided to kinda “blank slate” it. I’d worked with the director before, so I went in with a neutralized, bland take thinking “well now he can direct me however he likes. I’ll show how good I am at taking direction!” I didn’t get any direction. I didn’t get a callback. I didn’t get a job. Directors and writers want to see what you bring to the table creatively! Of course they do - you are not a puppet.)
That being said - do what you can to practice taking direction. Whether that’s in a class, with a coach or just on your own. Work the audition scenes, make choices, create the world and then challenge yourself to do it a few totally different ways.
What you really don’t want is to have a perspective that is so inflexible that it won’t shift and glide with other perspectives in the room. I watched a few folks give beautiful reads and then after given direction, change next to nothing. Show your multitudes.
One actor (who had given a stunning read) took the direction given, and the character became much less compelling. The director admitted that it didn’t really work that way but she was curious about what would happen and the actor had shown her. Even though their perspective was strong and probably “right,” they were still able to show their willingness to play within that.
Stuff. Do your best not to bring a lot of stuff in the room with you. Only for your own sake. If you can come in the room with nothing but your sides and your prepared creativity, even better. That way you’re not looking for a spot to put things down while also doing the whole “are we shaking hands or not” thing and “who’s in this room” thing and “what are the vibes” thing and “what did I prepare do I even remember??” thing. Perhaps put keys and phone in a small bag and leave it in the hallway or drop it right by the door as you enter the room. I don’t know why I just kept noticing the stuff. Leave it! Don’t let stuff burden you.
If the script implies a physical action, do it! If another character walks into your scene and asks “why are you jumping up and down?” - you should be jumping up and down. Show that you understand what’s coming in the script and have prepared to play.
Expressing your gratitude for the audition or admiration of the play is wonderful. Keep it simple and short of course, but showing a real excitement about the material is a lovely way to connect. Connection can’t be forced.
The biggest thing I learned I found both freeing and slightly depressing. You can go in, knock your read out of the park, truly connect with everything, hit all the beats you wanted to hit, take direction perfectly, be charming and kind, the creative team could think there’s nothing that actor could do any “better,” and you still might not get the job. You might not even get a callback.
I watched several actors hit home runs with their reads, but who it became clear were between ages for roles, or just didn’t quite match look-wise/vibe-wise/type-wise in some way. I was surprised by some people who did get callbacks and surprised by some who didn’t. Art is so subjective man. We can see the same thing and feel different ways about it.
I heard the casting director say several times “I know we can’t cast them in this, but I reeeeeally want to cast them in something soon. We have got to get them on this stage.” As far as I know, they didn’t get this feedback, they merely heard nothing or will receive a thanks but no thanks email. I hate that! But it reminds me that getting the audition is a win. Getting repeat auditions from the same casting office or director or company is a BIG win. It means they want to keep seeing your perspective, they want you to be the one.
They really do want to cast you! The room wants you to get the job! Always know that when you walk in. They are rooting for you to be the missing puzzle piece.
If you’re not the missing piece this time, it’s often because of something completely out of your control. This bugs me. There are not enough jobs for all the good actors. So yeah, keep going, work with friends to create work specifically for you, focus on the wins, and do your best to let go of things you cannot control (she said… she will keep saying… over and over to her own self…).
This is just my own advice I remember someone giving me years ago that I always try to follow. Don’t let the audition be the most important thing of the day. Whether that’s scheduling an ice cream date with a friend later, or treating yourself to a movie in the theater, or maybe starting to plan a trip you may or may not ever take. Treat yourself, get your mind on something else, let it go.
I truly loved getting to spend so many days in a room with dozens of different actors, watching you do your beautiful thing. It was indeed life giving.