A Few Tips on Preparing For Your First Theatre Audition

If you have finally mustered up the courage to audition for a play, your mind is probably an excited mess and you do not quite know how to begin preparing for the task.

The first step is actually quite simple - research on the play. If it is a popular one, then look for a script in your local library or on the Internet. Read the whole script at least two times to make sure that you are familiar with the plot and the characters. It is not necessary to memorise lines for an audition. Memorising can sometimes even be a disadvantage. The important thing really is to just get comfortable with reading the lines so you can easily adapt to any adjustments the director might ask of you on audition day. If there is a particular character that resonates with you and you believe it is the perfect role then study that character. Put yourself in the character's shoes and try to understand or even make theories as to why this character behaves a certain way. Remember that, in acting, you must put your own personality in the background and let the character's personality shine through.

In the event that the play is something new and there is no way to get hold of a script, you will usually be asked to prepare two contrasting monologues. Again, study the pieces and the characters. Get comfortable with the different nuances and ways that you can deliver lines. Finally, the volume of your voice is crucial so take time to research on proper breathing techniques and vocal exercises to help amplify your speaking voice.