ACE THE AUDITION!Audition Techniques

Presented by Raven Lawes

WELCOMERaven Lawes, Thomas Jefferson High School (Dallas, TX)

* MA in Acting: The British Tradition, Birmingham City University (England)

* BFA in Acting & Directing, Sam Houston State University (Huntsville, TX)

* Educator, Director, Professional Stage & Film Actor

Introductions!*Name

*School

*Teacher - What grades

*Student - What grade are you in

* Something you love

Tips and tricks to apply at an audition

Audition Techniques01 An opportunity for you to

audition

Mock Auditions03

How to introduce yourself & your piece at an audition

Slate02 Receive positive/constructive

feedback on your audition

Feedback04

What we will be learning & doing in this workshop...

Audition TechniquesTips & Tricks that you can use at your audition

There is no special perfect formula that will ensure your audition is

perfect every time BUT there are some things you can do….

Audition TechniquePREPARE01

● What did they ask for?

● Avoid cold readings

● Explore multiple characters

● Show your best work

PREPARE - Read the Script & Audition Guidelines

● How you see yourself vs. how others perceive you

● Ask trusted friends/family

● Follow your heart

PREPARE - Be Realistic Choosing Characters

● Make decisions ahead of time of how you can bring the script/sides to life

● Where am I going to move? Do I need a chair? What do I need from a potential partner?

PREPARE - Come in CHOICES

○● Highlight your lines● Mark acting beats● Memorize/ Be very

familiar with the text (Need to be able to look up and connect with your partner/imaginary partner)

PREPARE - Come in with sides ready

● Warm up your voice (articulation & projection)

● Stretch out your body - relax

PREPARE - Actor Tools - Voice/Movement

Audition TechniquesSTORYTELLING02

● What is the playwright trying to communicate to the audience?

● Why do people go to see a play again and again?

TELL THE STORY- Playwright Communicating?

They love the story Different Interpretation Feel/Learn/Entertained

Why do audiences see a play again and again...

● Wherever the story lives: Comedy, Drama, Farcical, Realism (Your character has to come from a place of grounded truth)

TELL THE STORY- Be Truthful

● Does it feel right to you?

● Texture vs perfection● If it doesn’t feel good

to you, make another choice until it does!

● Vulnerability (let yourself be seen)

TELL THE STORY- Fake Vs. The Real Deal

Audition TechniqueEMBRACE YOUR UNIQUENESS03

● Appreciating your uniqueness

● Recognizing your presence and energy doesn’t compare to anyone else

● Your presence is powerful

EMBRACE UNIQUENESS - “My power is my presence”

● First Impressions● Smile ● Show them a bit of your

personality ● “Hi, my name is [ ]

and I’ll be performing Side # 3 as Marci.” - STANDARD

● Read the room - did they ask you what your piece is? Don’t repeat!

EMBRACE UNIQUENESS - Introductions/Slate

● Tribe - we are all there to get cast

● Make friends ● Uplift each other● Let the positive

energy flow

EMBRACE UNIQUENESS - Connect Instead of Compete

Audition TechniqueBE COACHABLE04

● Allow yourself a moment to fully process what is being asked

● If you have a question, get asked

● Don’t get stuck in rut (the way your practiced it)

BE COACHABLE - ListenWhat is the director trying to tell you?

● Make a noticeable change (be clear and concise)

● Be flexible and ready to try new things

● Accept the challenge

BE COACHABLE - AdjustMake Changes Requested

● You cannot give a director what they are asking for if you are confused

● Magic happens when you connect/collaborate

BE COACHABLE - DialogueDon’t be afraid to ask questions for clarity

● Leave your ego at the door

● Work well with others

● Have a great attitude

BE COACHABLE - Easy PeasyShow them you are an easy person to work with!

Audition TechniqueHAVE FUN! & LET IT GO!05

● If you aren’t having fun, why are you doing it?

● Your joy and passion SHOWS!

HAVE FUN! - Enjoy yourself

● Let go of the results ● React with grace ● Give your 100% in the

process● Your reputation will

follow you - let it be something amazing!

LET IT GO! - ReputationHow you react/Attitude during the process

Introductions & Slate

MOCK AUDITIONS

Trish and Georgeanne“Five Women Wearing the Same Dress”

Side #1 - 2 Women

Pete and Ginette“Almost Maine”

Side #2 - 1 Man/1 Woman

Marci and Phil“Almost Maine”

Side #3 - 1 Man/1 Woman

SIDES

Marci and Phil“Almost Maine”

Side #4 - 1 Man/1 Woman

Woman“Almost Maine”

Side #5 - F Monologue

Man“Almost Maine”

Side #6 - M Monologue

AUDITION TIME!

CREDITS: This presentation template was created by Slidesgo, including icons by Flaticon, infographics & images by Freepik.

THANK YOUDoes anyone have

any questions?Email: RavGarcia@dallasisd.org