What’s the most likely thing you will have on your mind when you arrive to the audition? Most will say “landing the role!” Booking the role is not something you should be thinking about when you are getting ready to audition. Why?

First, no actor has any control over how decisions are made in casing. There are so many factors that go into the casting decision that may have zero to do with your performance, so why waste your creative energy worrying about it. Second, booking the role is not actually an objective; it’s a goal and every other actor shares this goal. Third and most crucial, you run the risk of becoming overly attached to the outcome of your efforts, which can lead to disappointment, which leads to desperation, which leads to poor choices. 

The only control any actor has going into their audition is over their own behavior, attitude and performance.

Therefore, your main audition objectives should be to:

1. Represent Your self

The late comedian, Bill Hicks, once said, “If you can be yourself on stage, you have the law of supply and demand covered …for no one else knows how to be you.” Bill was speaking about the art of stand-up comedy, but this principle is particularly true in the television and film medium.

Many actors will enter the casting room trying to be somebody they’re not. They might try to “sell” themselves by brown-nosing with anyone in the casting room. Some actors have been instructed to go in as their character, or to prepare some rehearsed joke or phrase, or to do and say something so original and clever in their performance just so they can stand out from the rest. Remember, even though the directors are judging your talent and skill, they also want to know what kind of person they would be working with if they booked the job. Just be your self.

2. Be Remembered

Directors and Casting Directors will always request actors they remember for being professional, skilled and just plain pleasant to work with. Most casting directors will request particular actors for auditions because they listened to direction and did their homework. It didn’t mean these actors were going to get the role, but it helped to increase their chances. Besides, directors will talk you up, so even when you’re not auditioning, your name is out there. It’s good to be remembered.

3. Play

Playing doesn’t mean “goofing off” or to act irresponsibly; it means you can listen to any direction, take it and run with it. They want to know that you understand the role, your scenes and the story so well, you can bring it all to life no matter what is thrown at you. Never get so locked into your preconceived choices that you can’t let go and play with options. Let them know how much you enjoy playing the role.

These objectives will help you to have and maintain a good attitude with every audition no matter the outcome.