Sunday, July 22, 2012

Here's The Truth About Common Audition Traps and Audition Techniques

By Maggie Flanigan


Auditioning is more than just an different type of acting, it's a unique set of skills that are taught in many acting classes in NYC. Working actors know that gaining experience is critical, and that won't happen if you tend not to audition well. Developing auditioning skills may be up to you as some acting classes NYC don't cover this thoroughly. Landing the right role, is part luck, part good timing but, above all you must be prepared when the opportunity comes to audition. Acting classes in NYC that teach Meisner acting offer foundational skills that can be developed over time. And, Meisner acting techniques can be used to improve your auditions as well.

One or two ways actors tend to crash and burn during auditions are common. The first is to be overconfident. At the same time, being deeply insecure won't help either. Being overly nervous or overconfident is not what will count against you in an audition. Being nervous or confident projects a sense of "self awareness" which can kill a great acting performance.

This is a very bad acting habit, being too closed off and too rehearsed and it's a poor auditioning technique as well. Too nervous, and it's too distracting to you and the auditors and you run the risk of not being open to the performance and the emerging character. The many layers of human traits, communicated in a thousand smalls ways is what must shine through, how you feel personally can't inhibit this.

Many preparing for auditions consider the slate unimportant. As many of you know, the slate is when you state your name into the camera so the auditors can keep track of everyone they've seen. What may seem to have little importance, in fact may be the very thing that keeps you from being seen. The bad news is this. Watching past the slate to see the actual audition is not always the norm. Seeing hundreds of actors audition for a role is a daunting task. Anything to speed things up, like a poor or boring slate, is a good excuse to just move on. A quick dismissal of an actor's tape because of a lackluster slate gets them to their goal more quickly.

This may seem brutal, it does speed up the process. Learning to slate well is one way to get an advantage over some of the actors you go up against. While some acting classes deal with auditioning, many don't. Acting classes in NYC are a great resource for learning about slates. Acting classes in NYC in some institutions, may ask for a slate and audition tape for entry into their program. Like any other skill, practicing slates makes perfect. Lights, camera action and give it a go. Practicing slates isn't easy. Communicate to someone, not the camera, which is an art form unto itself. Record and play back several versions of the slate and see how it plays. Find people you trust to watch the slate and give you feedback.

Keeping it simple is the best route, let you personality be upfront, and be quick. This is their first impression of you as an actor but the real deal should be saved for the audition. For a commercial audition maybe a hint of character is okay but avoid going overboard, it's risky. It could fall short and send the auditors to hit eject before you get a chance to show your work. Mainly, the aim is to give a slate that represents you as a person and as an actor. Slate and then, give them a brilliantly original, fresh fascinating character that will make their project soar. if you want to know more, look into Meisner acting NYC, for tips on how to create character, emotional preparation and scene study for auditioning.




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