With the upcoming “Legally Blonde’ auditions, as well as many community theatres opening up to do plays outside of school, there are many opportunities for theatre veterans and newcomers to try for auditions. Though for someone who has never done any type of theatre program before auditions may seem like a nightmare. There are many ways to prepare- some that work and some that do not- but in order to skip the trial-and-error section of practice this is the best way from personal experience to prepare for such an event.
First and foremost, one of the most important parts of memorization is repetition. Re-reading, acting and singing are all very important to memorize a script or a song. Repetition is most beneficial if it is on a schedule. It is recommended to practice every time you eat a big meal. Before breakfast, lunch and dinner do a light read over the script and, if it is preferred, sing the audition song and practice the monologue.
When practice is repeated over and over in parts of the day considered as milestones, it is more memorable and beneficial. It is also recommended to rehearse before bed. Based on research from the National institution of Health and personal experience it is more likely to memorize lines, songs, and blocking if one is to practice before going to sleep.
When practicing the bulk of the piece it should be before bed and in costume in order for the best results. This makes your body adapt to the type of clothes you are wearing and will make you feel more comfortable during the audition. When rehearsing before bed the brain will remember more often than not because it was the last thing that happened before sleep.
Next a big part of people either giving up on auditions or messing up when they do them are the nerves, the stage fright and the “butterflies”. This issue never goes away, rather it is your first audition or your tenth. They will never be entirely gone but it is possible to make them die down. In order to make the nerves die down the first thing to do is be ready.
- Follow the steps to get ready for the audition and practice them hard, the goal is to make it easy for yourself.
- Remember it is all just to have fun and to do the best you can.
- Always shoot for the highest. Go for the lead role even if it seems impossible to get it. Having high hopes boosts your confidence and improves your performance.
- Do not acknowledge the people in the room, just focus on the performance.
- Listen to the auditioners and do what they ask, they may ask you to read for or even play a character you do not want to.
In the next audition, rather it be “Legally Blonde” or something far down the road, Théâtre will always be there and is always a good opportunity to meet new people, have fun performing, and show off a little bit.
