How to Audition 101
Always Come Prepared
Your dream is to be a working actor. You’ve always been told you “have it,” but the phone doesn’t ring for callbacks.
What separates professionals from wannabe talent show prodigies isn't inspiration. It’s preparation and execution. Take control of your audition with these ten helpful tips to improve your skills.
1. Confidence
It sounds simple but it takes practice. Walk in the door with your held head high. Be wary of shuffling feet. You don’t get sympathy points if you’re nervous, not feeling well, or having a bad day. Leave it outside the door. You are being sized up the minute you walk in so practice good posture and body language before you arrive. And don’t forget to smile—that’s the lasting impression you want to leave.
2. Personality
Let it shine through. Don’t give one-word answers when having a conversation with the casting director. Ask questions! The industry is looking for smart, curious actors.
3. Connection
Make one with the reader. Memorize the material or be familiar enough with it to maintain eye contact. Knowing the dialogue is important, but making a connection with the reader is what will make the scene natural and believable.
4. Character.
Know the character. Read the entire script beforehand to pick-up as many clues as possible. We know about a character by the following:
- What he/she says about himself/herself
- What other characters say about him/her
- What the playwright or screenwriter says about him/her
5. Objective
Go underneath the dialogue. What does he/she want from the other characters? What is the character’s purpose in the scene/story?
6. Obstacle
What’s in the way of the character getting what he/she wants? Acting is what happens to you as you try to get your objective met, in spite of the obstacle.
7. Opposites
Yelling isn’t the only way to show hatred or anger. Sometimes being quiet as you make your point is a powerful display of emotion. Playing opposites is a much more interesting choice than the obvious.
8. Love
Find the love in the scene; even nasty characters should be likable on some level. Find a moment in the scene where the love can show through.
9. Act
Acting means to do, not to talk. Find your actions and play them! (A wonderful resource is the book “Actions: The Actor’s Thesaurus” by Marina Caldarone and Maggie Lloyd-Williams.)
10. Variety
Feel the levels and dynamic in the scene. Don’t play one emotion. If the character is angry or tough, when might he/she show some vulnerability?
Wannabe? Not you! Interesting, memorable auditions will start to happen for you when you dig into scripts with these thoughts in mind before and during your auditions.
FOR MUSICALS:
Interested actors should prepare 16 bars from a musical and bring a headshot. May use instrumental tracks or acapella. No original songs and often is best to audition with musical numbers from similar shows for which you are auditioning.
For the dance call of a musical, you should come warmed up, with the appropriate dance attire and shoes. No bare feet or flip-flops, no baggy clothing.
FOR PLAYS:
Interested actors will be asked to prepare a one minute monologue and may be asked to do some cold reading.
FOR ALL STAGE CREW:
Interested crew members will have opportunities in the areas of Sound, Lighting, Props, Costumes, and Stage. Closed toe shoes are required. No flip flops or sandals allowed.
FOR ALL CAST/CREW:
All cast & crew will be required to download 'REMIND 101" app and crew will also need "Voxer" App for all communications & reminders.
Presented By IncludEDUcation
GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME
AGES 14+
SHOW SYNOPSIS
It's the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes find their cliques, recount their vacations and look forward to the new year. Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. They cause an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical that is being led by Ms. Darbus. Although many students resent the threat posed to the "status quo," Troy and Gabriella's alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well.
WHAT TO PREPARE:
- VOCAL: Prepare one musical theatre song (16-32 bars) that showcases your range and personality. Bring backing track (no vocals on track).
- ACTING: Be prepared for cold readings from provided sides OR present a short, prepared monologue (30–60 seconds).
- DANCE: You will learn a short, high-energy combination taught at the audition 7pm-8pm
- ATTIRE: Wear athletic clothes and sneakers/dance shoes you can easily move, jump, and stunt in. No jeans!
Information
Harada Center
13099 65th St. Eastvale, CA 92880
Auditions: January 13th-15th 5:30pm-8pm
(Please attend only ONE of the three dates whichever date works best for you!)
Callbacks: January 16th
Rehearsals: Monday-Wednesday 5:30pm-8:30pm
Presented By: Taylion High Desert Academy
Audition Information
Step Into the Wizarding World — Audition Today!
AGES 8-18
SHOW SYNOPSIS
Nineteen years after Harry, Ron, and Hermione saved the wizarding world, they’re back on a most extraordinary new adventure–this time, joined by a brave new generation that has only just arrived at the legendary Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. When Harry Potter’s head-strong son Albus befriends the son of his fiercest rival, Draco Malfoy, it sparks an unbelievable new journey for them all—with the power to change the past and future forever. Prepare for spectacular spells, a mind-blowing race through time, and an epic battle to stop mysterious forces, all while the future hangs in the balance. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (High School Edition) is a special adaptation of the beloved worldwide hit. Tailored for high school theatre productions, it provides young actors the opportunity to play Harry, Hermione, Ron, and all of their favorite characters on their very own stage and bring the wizarding world to life for their communities. Your students will be empowered to conjure the magic through their own creativity, making it a truly exciting and engaging experience for students and audiences alike.
WHAT TO PREPARE:
- ACTING: Be prepared for cold readings from provided sides OR present a short, prepared monologue (30–60 seconds).
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
- Albus Potter - Age: 10-14 years old; Description: Albus is the second son of Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley. He struggles with living up to his father’s legacy and feels overshadowed by his family’s fame. Albus is brave, determined, and often misunderstood, which leads him to make some questionable decisions in his quest to prove himself. Lines: 278
- Harry Potter - Age: 15-18 years old; Description: Now an adult, Harry works at the Ministry of Magic and is a father to three children. He grapples with his past and the challenges of parenting, especially his strained relationship with Albus. Harry remains courageous and protective, always striving to do what is right. Lines: 274
- James Potter - Ages: 15-18 Harry and Ginny's oldest son. Model student and charming. Things generally go well for him. Often makes jokes at Albus's expense.
- Ginny Potter - Age: 15-18 years old; Description: Ginny is Harry’s wife and a former professional Quidditch player. She is strong, supportive, and fiercely protective of her family. Ginny often acts as a mediator between Harry and Albus. Lines: 68
- Scorpius Malfoy - Age: 10-14 years old; Description: Scorpius is the son of Draco Malfoy. Unlike his father, he is kind-hearted, intelligent, and loyal. He becomes Albus’s best friend and is often the voice of reason in their adventures. Scorpius deals with rumors about his parentage and the legacy of his family’s dark past. Lines: 257
- Delphi Diggory - Age: 13-18 Description: Delphi initially appears as a friendly and helpful character but is later revealed to have darker intentions. Lines: 71
- Ron Weasley - Age: 15-18 years old; Description: Ron is Harry’s best friend and Hermione’s husband. He brings humor and loyalty to the story, often lightening the mood with his jokes. Ron works at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes and is a loving father. Lines: 55
- Hermione Granger - Age: 15-18 years old; Description: Hermione is now the Minister for Magic. She is intelligent, resourceful, and a strong leader. Hermione balances her demanding career with her responsibilities as a mother and wife. Lines: 62
- Draco Malfoy - Age: 37-40 years old; Description: Draco has matured since his school days and is now a devoted father to Scorpius. He seeks to protect his son from the stigma of their family’s past and forms an unexpected alliance with Harry. Lines: 28
- Rose Granger-Weasley - Age: 10-14 years old; Description: Rose is the daughter of Hermione and Ron. She is confident, ambitious, and talented, much like her mother. Rose initially struggles with her cousin Albus’s choices but remains a supportive family member. Lines: 24
- Amos Diggory - Age: 15-18; Description: Amos is the father of Cedric Diggory. He is grieving and desperate to bring his son back, which makes him susceptible to Delphi’s manipulations. Lines: 12
- Trolley Witch - Age: Appears elderly; Description: The Trolley Witch is a minor character who sells snacks on the Hogwarts Express. She has a surprising and mysterious side revealed in the play. Lines: 3
- Sorting Hat - Age: Ancient; Description: The Sorting Hat is a magical hat at Hogwarts that sorts students into their houses. It has a brief appearance in the play. Lines: 2
- Polly Chapman - Age: 10-15 years old; Description: Polly is a student at Hogwarts. She has a minor role in the story. Lines: 2
- Karl Jenkins - Age: 10-15 years old; Description: Karl is another student at Hogwarts with a minor role. Lines: 2
- Craig Bowker Jr - Age: 10-15 years old; Description: Craig is a student at Hogwarts who has a brief appearance in the play. Lines: 2
- Madam Hooch - Age: 15-18; Description: Madam Hooch is the flying instructor at Hogwarts. She has a small role in the play. Lines: 2
- Yann Fredericks - Age: 10-114 years old; Description: Yann is a minor character and student at Hogwarts. Lines: 1
- Lily Potter - Age: 8-10 years old; Description: Lily is the youngest child of Harry and Ginny Potter. She has a very brief appearance. Lines: 1
- Moaning Myrtle - Age: Appears as a teenager (ghost); Description: Myrtle is a ghost who haunts the Hogwarts bathrooms. She provides some comic relief and assists Albus and Scorpius during their time-traveling adventures. Lines: 10
- Professor McGonagall - Age: 15-18; Description: Now the headmistress of Hogwarts, McGonagall is stern but fair. She cares deeply for her students and the school, often providing guidance to Harry and his children. Lines: 8
- Ludo Bagman - Age: 15-18; Description: Ludo is a former Quidditch player and head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports. He has a minor role in the play. Lines: 10
- Dolores Umbridge - Age: 15-18; Description: Umbridge returns in an alternate timeline where Voldemort rules. She is as cruel and authoritarian as ever, enforcing the dark regime’s policies. Lines: 21
- Station Master - Age: 8-18 Description: The Station Master has a brief role in the play, assisting characters at the train station. Lines: 3
- Bathilda Bagshot - Age: 15-18 Description: Bathilda is a noted magical historian. She has a very brief appearance. Lines: 1
- James Potter Sr - Age: Appears as a young man (ghost); Description: James is Harry’s father. He appears briefly in a vision or memory. Lines: 2
- Lily Potter Sr - Age: Appears as a young woman (ghost); Description: Lily is Harry’s mother. She appears briefly in a vision or memory. Lines: 4
- Voldemort - Age: 15-18 Description: Voldemort appears briefly in the play, representing the dark threat that looms over the wizarding world. Lines: 2
- Professor Snape - Hogwart's Potion Master
- Cedric Diggory - A popular Hufflepuff student who was needlessly killed by Peter Pettigrew on Voldemort's orders during the Triwizard Tournament
- Guard - Employee of the Ministry of Magic and guard to the Minister herself
- Book - Enchanted Books in Hermione's Office
- Commuter at Kings Cross Station
- Hogwarts Student
- Hogwarts Professor
- Resident at St Oswalds
- Ministry of Magic Professional
- Spectator at the Triwizard Tournament
- Dementor
- Death Eater
- Resident of Godrics Hollow
- Young Hermione
- Prof Dumbledore
- Scene Changers
Information
Harada Center
13099 65th St. Eastvale, CA 92880
Auditions: January 12th-14th 4pm-6pm
(Please attend only ONE of the three dates whichever date works best for you!)
Callbacks: January 16th
Rehearsals Begin:
January 19th-June 10th Monday & Wednesday 4pm-6pm
MANDITORY TECH WEEK:
June 15th-18th 4pm-8pm
(6) Shows June 18th-21st
Corona Historic Civic Center
815 W. 6th St. Corona, CA 92882
How to Submit A Video Audition
Save Gas and Time
We are deep in the middle of inflation and holiday season. We have made it more convenient to submit video auditions. This allows casting directors to initially audition you without you having to travel anywhere. Submitting video auditions saves time, money, gas, and the environment. We would like to give you tips on submitting a great video audition to casting directors. Following these rules will save you from looking unprofessional or having casting request that you re-tape.
1. Start out with a long head-to-toe shot. That means that ALL of you should be visible in frame, from your head to your feet. Casting is looking to see your body type in this initial part.
2. Zoom in to your face and slate. Say your name, age, agent, and the city that you live in. Sometimes you may be required to state your height and weight, if requested. Smile while slating. Be friendly and likeable.
3. Have the scenes memorized! Nothing looks less professional when submitting a video audition than relying on the script to read the lines.
4. Do not look straight into the camera! Look at the person who is reading the other lines. This person should be off-camera! Not standing next to you trying to steal the audition from you.
5. Don’t rush through your lines. This is your moment to shine and show how brilliant you are. Take the appropriate beats and be sure to react to what the other person is saying.
6. Whoever is reading the other lines should be the correct gender. If you are reading a scene with a male have a male voice off-camera doing the scenes. If you are reading with a female character have a female read the other lines.
7. Play it back and watch it before you send it to your agent, manager or casting! Have a friend or family member watch it and look for things that you could do better. Unlike when you are in the room and then leave and ten minutes later think off something great that you should have done, you actually have the opportunity to change it and make it as good as possible.
8. Lastly, relax and have fun! Stiff, uptight, deer-in-the-headlights faces do not book video auditions.
Yes, casting directors DO watch these tapes! Yes, I have had client’s book jobs from tapes.
FOR MUSICALS:
Interested actors should prepare 16 bars from a musical and bring a headshot. May use instrumental tracks or acapella. No original songs and often is best to audition with musical numbers from similar shows for which you are auditioning.
FOR ALL STAGE CREW:
Interested crew members will have opportunities in the areas of Sound, Lighting, Props, Costumes, and Stage Managing/Directing. Closed toe shoes are required. No flip flops or sandals allowed.
FOR ALL CAST/CREW:
All cast & crew will be required to download 'REMIND 101" app and crew will also need "Voxer" App for all communications & reminders.
