Acting Tips: Auditions

Auditions

If You Get The Role

Always make sure to do what is asked for even when optional.
If an audition post says "if possible, let us know that you are coming in advance via email and feel free to include a resume and pictures", then you should send them an email in advance and include a resume and pictures. They will know that you took the time to help them even though it was optional, you know how to follow instructions, and it will give them a chance to look over your resume before they actually see you.

Don't be nervous (or at least try not to appear that way). An audition is a performance and the first rule of performing is that you have to look comfortable. If you look uncomfortable, the audience will be uncomfortable and will want you out of there as soon as possible.
Have the right attitude. Without exception, every actor that I've seen that was really good, walked in with confidence, as if they already had a role and the audition was just a formality.
The audition starts as soon as you walk into the room, not when you start reading your scene. So speak clearly, be polite, etc.
How you appear to think you are doing will affect how other people think you are doing. If you look frustrated, as if you think you are doing a bad job, they will be more likely to think that you aren't doing well, but if you look confident and happy with how you are doing, they will be more likely to think that you are doing well.

If you are enthusiastic and into the project, you'll be more likely to be picked. if you just read a scene and think it was funny, say so.
You don't have to be a kiss ass about it, but these people put a lot of effort into movies and it's nice to hear that people like what they are doing.
Do some research. If the filmmaker has a web site, check out the other projects that they've done. When you mention that you saw one of the shorts posted on their web site and think it's funny, it will show them that you took the initiative to look into their past projects and that you like what they do. Also, it will give you a chance to either confirm that you want to work with them or possibly find that you don't.

Have a friend act as a casting director.
If you are going to be doing a cold reading, find a script that you aren't familiar with to read.
Walk into the room and introduce yourself. Have your friend ask you some you basic questions such as "what is your acting experience" and "are you available for shoots on weeknights." then look over the script for a minute and do a scene from it.
Have your friend give you direction and try to follow it, something like "try the scene again, but be more angry and less sad".
Do this until you are comfortable with it. If you look uncomfortable auditioning for your friend, you're not going to be comfortable auditioning in a room full of strangers.

Directors want the actor that can do the best acting job, not the actor who can guess what the director wants without any direction, so if you have questions on how to do the scene, ask. They're looking for actors, not mindreaders. So ask questions about the scene like "Is my character being sarcastic when he says this?" or "how angry should I be in this point?". You'll be acting the scene out the way they want and it will show that you can take direction (if indeed you do what you're supposed to).
You can also ask questions at the end of the audition. It will show that you are interested.