Audition Etiquette

Auditions mess with your brain, regardless of which side of the table you are on. Judging a person's entire ability and talent within a short period of time is unfair to everyone involved, BUT necessary evils remain and we must persevere!

I am currently holding auditions for the play I am directing this Summer, but as an actor, I know the baggage that auditions come with...and the nerves. The awkwardness and stress can make people behave curiously, on either side. For those behind the table, a certain monotony and attitude can develop, thus the sense we actors get of feeling like cattle, and our favorite degrading phrase: Cattle Call. On the other hand, those auditioning push boundaries and patience through unprofessional behavior and unpreparedness. 

Things to NOT do:

AUDITIONER

• Look down at your phone or notes for long periods of time; take a call
• Rustle papers after the audition has begun
• Talk to your peers-try to wait until the auditionee leaves the room
• Allow awkward silences-you are in charge and must lead the conversation

AUDITIONEE

• Arrive late or improperly dressed
• Forget lines or copies of your sides-both make you look unprepared
• Say you are SICK- just DON'T
• Talk over or more than those behind the table
• Lie-you will more than likely get caught right then and there 

Audition etiquette is essential and under-appreciated. If we all took the extra time and courtesy, auditions could be more than just a means to an end - it is the secret networking tool of many good auditionees and casting directors. Don't let manners get in the way of your paycheck.

You know that thing when you walk into a room,
and everyone looks just like you?