Audition Tips, Tricks, and Standards
Auditioning shouldn’t be scary. We’re here to help.
Pyre by Tyler Joseph Rossi, Winter 2022.
Indecent by Paula Vogel, Summer 2023
What should my resume look like?
There’s a few different basic industry standard looks that actor resumes can follow, but the example version we’ve put together below is one of our favorites in terms of presentation and cleanliness. Download it and use it as a template to show off your own work.
Isle of Noises by TJ Young, Fall 2022
How should I select audition material?
When searching for audition material, it is encouraged that actors keep the following in mind:
Choose material in the style of the production you are auditioning for in period and genre. For example, if auditioning for a contemporary comedy, It would be in your best interest to select a monologue from a play written in the last 20 years.
Stay away from monologues taken from television and film. If the directors or their artistic team is familiar with the work, they will be comparing you to the original performer. It makes it harder to appreciate your performance in the moment.
Stay away from monologues that require a specific dialect. It might be tempting to perform a monologue which uses a dialect, but in an audition space it runs the risk of coming across as inauthentic. An audition is a space for the casting team to get to know you and your natural voice.
Starkid’s The Trail to Oregon, Summer 2024
What about my headshot?
What’s in a good, professional looking headshot? When considering what to send in keep the following in mind:
Headshots should be in color. This is the current industry standard.
Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Headshots are your first and last impressions you give the casting team. Don’t be afraid to show some character in your headshots.
Use good lighting. Being in a well lit room, or use natural lighting.
Stay away from using selfies. Selfies as headshot, even when well lit, can come across as unprofessional and rushed.
Do not take a headshot in a costume. This can really limit what the production team can see you as when looking back at your headshot after an audition.
Frame your headshot from at least the waist up - but framed from the chest up is usually best. We typically get the most insight into personality in photos from looking at faces. The closer the shot, the more of “you” we get to see.
Ready to put this knowledge to use?
Let Her Eat Cake by Katherine Campbell Rossi, Winter 2024.