In my last article I covered waiting room preparation for scripted commercial scene auditions. Here I am dealing with what happens at these auditions inside the casting room. On-camera auditions with minimal rehearsal and a partner that you hardly know is challenging even for the accomplished professional, There is a whole new set of auditioning pit-falls that you must be prepared for and techniques at which you should be adept. Seamlessly incorporating the following tips and techniques will help you to do your best work with your scripted scene audition both theatrically and commercially.
While the casting assistant takes care of the paperwork, get settled and acquainted with the cue cards.
Listen carefully to any additional direction and if necessary, ask questions.
Ask for a rehearsal to get feedback as well as practice.
If you are asked to improvise leading into the script, do it full voice. Don't whisper the improvised lines (unless directed to do so).
When possible, find a way to motivate actions and dialogue towards the camera to maximize your exposure.
Most actors at scene auditions look at their partner(s), which keeps them in profile. If your partner is "motivating out" and you are always looking at them, you are upstaging yourself and giving them the focus. Those watching your audition videos are more compelled to watch the person whose eyes they can see. Professionals understand the value and know how to "motivate out". Notice, I did not say, "cheat out" because that is obvious and doesn't look natural. "Motivating out" is a way of playing for the camera that uses natural behavior and actions and thus looks believable. Besides being good camera technique, it enables actors to hold the viewer's attention. Study actors in commercials, theater, sit-coms and soap opera. They all play to the fourth wall (which is the audience or camera). Unless you practice in classes and during rehearsals, "motivating out" can feel awkward because actors tend to work off their partners. It takes awareness and practice. It needs to be "in your body". If you have to think about it, it distracts from your performance.
Don't depend on what was rehearsed.
Too often the actor(s) with whom you are auditioning will do something other than what was directed or rehearsed. Sometimes they drop a line or say yours. You must not: get locked into choices; be stubborn or insist on doing what was planned; or become frustrated with your partner. If you do, you will usually look bad. Then there are times when you are the culprit who inadvertently makes these errors. Intend to do what was rehearsed and directed. DON'T try to make mistakes, improvise or deviate from what was planned or expected and when mistakes or variations happen (and they usually do) trust that they are gifts. It is crucial to remain flexible, go with whatever happens and make it work.
Keep your "life" going while the other person(s) speaks during the audition.
React with truthful physical behavior and even some sounds. This helps you to stay motivated and hold focus. Plus, if you are paired with experienced actor, your reactions will give them more with which to work. If your partner is an amateur, keeping your "life" going will help you to hold the viewer's focus. The danger comes when actors indicate or perform behavior in an attempt to be interesting. Reactions must be organically motivated in order to make a positive contribution to your audition. If they are not authentic, actors look unprofessional.
Pick-up the cues.
Closing up the pauses without speeding up the dialogue will keep the appropriate energy necessary for most scenes.
If you believe that your partner was an obvious detriment to your audition, discreetly ask to work with another actor.
Let your partner exit and, if appropriate, politely tell the session director that you would appreciate waiting and working with another actor. Often, if your partner was a problem, they will allow you to audition again.
It is best when all these camera and acting techniques are organic (not skills that need focus). Practice in classes or at home before applying them. If you own these techniques, they can increase your scripted scene commercial callbacks and bookings.
These commercial auditions tips and techniques are also applicable and helpful for theater as well as film and television auditions. For more detailed theater, film and television audition preparation and techniques, I suggest you research the many books written by reputable authors on these subjects.
