Navigating Auditions: Essential Dos and Don’ts for Making a Lasting Impression

Auditions—no matter how experienced you are—can feel like a high-pressure moment. You’ve prepared, rehearsed, and now it’s your time to shine. But with so much riding on those few minutes, it’s easy to let nerves or small mistakes get in the way of making the best impression. The truth is, navigating an audition is more than just delivering a good performance. It’s about showing up prepared, professional, and present.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential dos and don’ts of auditions. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and give you the tools to make a lasting impression, no matter how nerve-wracking the audition process may be.

Dos: What You Should Do to Nail Your Audition

When it comes to auditions, preparation and professionalism are your best friends. Here’s how to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward from the moment you walk in until the moment you leave.

1. Do Your Homework

Before you even step foot in the audition room, make sure you’ve done your research. Know exactly what you’re auditioning for—whether it’s a play, film, TV series, or commercial. Familiarize yourself with the project, the character, and, if possible, the casting team.

• Study the Material: If you’ve been given sides or a monologue, spend plenty of time rehearsing. Understand the context, the character’s motivations, and emotional beats.

• Research the Role: Know the character inside and out. What are their key traits? What are they trying to achieve? How do they fit into the larger story? Even if it’s a small role, understanding your character’s purpose can set you apart.

• Understand the Tone: Make sure you get the tone of the project. Is it a dark drama or a light-hearted comedy? This will influence your approach to the character and the way you deliver the performance.

Example:

If you’re auditioning for a Shakespearean play, make sure to familiarize yourself with the language, the themes of the play, and your character’s arc. For a TV drama, study the show’s tone and style so your performance fits the world they’ve built.

2. Do Arrive Early and Be Prepared

Arriving late to an audition is one of the easiest ways to make a bad first impression. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the location, find parking, and check in. Auditions can often run ahead of schedule, so being early shows you’re reliable and ready.

• Bring Necessary Materials: Always bring multiple copies of your headshot and résumé, even if you've already submitted them digitally. Have your sides or monologue printed and with you, even if you’ve memorized it.

• Dress the Part: You don’t need a full costume, but wearing something that subtly reflects the character or fits the tone of the project can help casting directors envision you in the role. For example, if you’re auditioning for a business professional, wear something sharp and put-together.

Example:

If you’re auditioning for a period drama, you don’t need to show up in full Victorian garb, but wearing something classic and understated might help create the right mood for your performance.

3. Do Make Bold Choices

Casting directors often see hundreds of actors in a single day, so it’s crucial to make bold choices that stand out. While staying true to the character and the material, find a unique way to interpret the scene or lines. Whether it’s through a specific emotional choice, pacing, or character mannerism, making strong, creative decisions can make you more memorable.

• Commit Fully: Once you’ve made a choice, commit to it 100%. Casting directors want to see confident, decisive actors who aren’t afraid to take risks.

• Show Your Range: If appropriate, try to showcase some of your range within the scene. Does the character experience different emotions throughout the monologue? Can you add complexity to your interpretation of the lines? Demonstrating depth can make a significant difference.

Example:

Instead of playing a villain as purely evil, you might bring out an underlying vulnerability or twisted logic that makes the character more complex and intriguing.

4. Do Be Open to Direction

Many auditions include a “redirect,” where the casting director will ask you to try the scene differently. This is your opportunity to show that you’re directable and versatile. Take the direction to heart, even if it feels completely different from how you initially prepared.

• Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to what the casting director is asking of you and do your best to adapt your performance. This shows that you’re collaborative and willing to take notes.

• Don’t Overthink It: You might feel thrown off by a sudden change in direction, but try not to overanalyze. Trust your instincts and roll with it.

Example:

If the casting director asks you to deliver your lines with a more aggressive tone, even if you initially played it as soft and introspective, don’t hesitate. Embrace the new approach and show your range.

5. Do Thank the Casting Team

Before you leave the room, make sure to thank the casting directors and any other team members present. A simple “thank you for your time” shows professionalism and leaves a positive impression. It also reinforces that you’re courteous and appreciative of the opportunity.

Don’ts: What to Avoid in an Audition

Now that we’ve covered the must-dos, let’s talk about what you should avoid. Even talented actors can sabotage their auditions by making simple mistakes that undermine their performance.

1. Don’t Apologize or Explain Yourself

One of the most common audition faux pas is apologizing for your performance or explaining what you meant to do. If something goes wrong—a line flub, a stumble—just keep going. Apologizing only draws attention to the mistake.

• Avoid Over-Explaining: Don’t go into an audition and start explaining your choices or what you would have done differently. The casting team wants to see what you bring to the table, not hear an analysis.

• Stay Confident: Even if you feel like you bombed a line or didn’t nail the emotion, stay confident and finish strong. Often, the casting team won’t notice the small mistake if you remain composed.

Example:

If you forget a line, take a quick breath and jump back in. Don’t say, “Sorry, I messed that up.” Instead, focus on delivering the rest of the scene with confidence.

2. Don’t Overstay Your Welcome

Once your audition is done, it’s important to leave promptly and professionally. Hanging around too long, asking too many questions, or trying to chat up the casting team can come across as unprofessional or overly eager.

• Exit Gracefully: When your audition ends, smile, thank the casting team, and leave the room with confidence. This leaves a strong, positive impression.

• Don’t Beg for Feedback: If the casting directors don’t offer feedback, don’t press them for it. Most of the time, they’re running a tight schedule and don’t have time to give notes on every audition.

Example:

After you finish your audition, avoid lingering and asking, “How did I do?” or “Can I try that again?” Trust that the casting directors saw what they needed to see.

3. Don’t Be Overly Dramatic or Fake

Trying too hard to impress by being overly dramatic or theatrical can backfire. Authenticity is key, and casting directors are looking for real, grounded performances.

• Avoid Overacting: Don’t confuse “bold choices” with “overacting.” Making your performance too exaggerated can come across as fake or forced. Find the balance between being memorable and staying authentic.

• Be Yourself: When chatting with the casting team or introducing yourself, don’t try to act like someone you think they want. Be professional, but also let your natural personality shine through.

Example:

If you’re delivering a dramatic scene, avoid pushing the emotion to the point of melodrama. Instead, focus on delivering an authentic performance that feels real and grounded.

4. Don’t Ignore the Directions Given

Some actors make the mistake of going into an audition with such a rigid plan that they ignore the directions given by the casting team. If the casting director asks you to try something different, failing to adapt can make you appear inflexible and unwilling to collaborate.

• Be Flexible: No matter how much you’ve rehearsed, be open to adjusting your performance. This will show that you’re directable and a team player.

• Don’t Stick to a Scripted Delivery: While it’s great to have a clear idea of how you want to perform, avoid locking yourself into a rigid interpretation. Stay open to the moment.

Example:

If the director asks you to slow down your delivery or try a different emotion, don’t revert to your initial plan. Show them you can be flexible and adjust to their vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How should I prepare for a cold read audition?
For cold reads, focus on being present and understanding the text as best you can. Don’t worry about being perfect—focus on showing your instincts and your ability to bring the character to life, even without much preparation.

2. What should I wear to an audition?
Dress in a way that suggests the character, but don’t go full costume. Opt for clean, simple attire that doesn’t distract from your performance