Most actors think non-scripted commercial auditions are more challenging than those with dialogue. Probably because the audition is not predictable, there is little or no rehearsal and many times what is expected won't be explained until you walk in the room to audition. So, many actors don't feel prepared or confidant when asked to:

Do short personality conversations initiated by a question.

Play out a scenario
React to a person, dialogue or situation

Demonstrate skills or physical activities
Improvise scenes with an actor(s)
Perform any combination of the above

It would seem (to the actor with minimal training) that these auditions are "no brainers". Just get in front of the camera and talk, perform the scenario or do facial expressions. Not so. The agency, director and client are looking for believability and personality (in addition to the right physical appearance). The subtleties of non- scripted auditions are crucial. These auditions necessitate confidence and an understanding of what is really required which comes with training and experience.

I am going to focus on the main types of solo non-scripted auditions and in my next article I will cover those in which you audition with another actor(s).

QUESTIONS

It is much easier to do on-camera question auditions, if you remember:

Most times, the question is only a vehicle to show the actor's personality and essence. The personality is more important than any answer. Often when watching the playback "the powers that be" turn down the sound and just watch those auditioning.

Talk to the camera as if it was a friend. Don't talk fast.

Don't give one or two word answers with personality questions. I.e., if asked, "What is your favorite color", say what it is and why. (Questions that obviously require short specific answers, DON'T elaborate.)

Don't struggle to answer a question. Watching an actor trying to remember is not as interesting as seeing their spontaneity. Let the question or topic ignite a free flowing monologue. Be aware when the session director signals you to wrap it up.

Have fun and trust your instincts and you will be appealing. Don't try to do what you think they want or work to be different. They are looking for believable people not actors trying to be interesting.

You can have topics but don't rehearse how you will say it or memorize specific stories that you want to tell.

Only when you are freed up and spontaneous can your real personality be present.

SCENARIOS

When preparing:

Read the scenario and/or review the assistant's direction several times. If unclear, ask questions.

Create several beginning, middle and end actions or moments. Walk around and verbalize what you are thinking and doing in each version. Don't lock in one way of doing it.

In the audition:

Focus on your motivating ideas not what you should do. Allow (don't force) the thoughts or actions that you worked on to be present. You have prepared, trust where your instincts take you.

REACTIONS

• When preparing, review the direction. If not given, create several beginning, middle and end thought sequences.
• When rehearsing or taping, rather than performing the reactions, focus on your thoughts and let them motivate the reactions. Performed reactions often look indicated. Motivate and have honest reactions. Don't perform.
• Take a moment before you begin to motivate the first move or reaction. When done, keep an "afterlife" going until they cut.

SKILLS / SPORTS

Focus on what you are doing and have fun. Don't concentrate so hard on doing it perfectly that the effort shows. There are lots of actors who can do the skill or sport well. They also want someone who embodies the quality of the person who does it.

If non-scripted commercial auditions are a problem take an Improvisation workshop with a good teacher. It helps develop your freedom and confidence to be your best when auditioning for non-scripted as well as scripted commercials. In the next Commercial Break column, I will focus on the improv auditions when you work with another actor(s).

Return to Table of Contents

Continue To LETTING GO