Auditioning is a critical skill you can develop, much like scene study or emotional prep, and it's an acting skill you can learn in acting classes in NYC. Working actors know that gaining experience is critical, and that won't happen if you tend not to audition well. If you are considering acting classes in NYC, look for an institution that helps its students build auditioning skills. Getting the right kind of auditions that play to your strengths is key, but even that won't help if you are not prepared when the opportunity comes. Acting classes in NYC that teach Meisner acting offer foundational skills that can be developed over time. Meisner acting techniques are suitable for improving your auditioning ability also.
There is no such thing as "failing" an audition unless you have fallen into one of these traps. One way to be discounted is to appear overconfident. At the same time you cannot allow yourself to be overly nervous or insecure, unless the role calls for it. Producers and directors, casting agents see overconfidence and extreme nervousness all the time and this is not what will work against you in the end. Nervousness, overconfidence or any other type of emotional reaction to an audition is an unwanted block to the emotional presentation of the character you are auditioning for.
An overconfident actor may come across as being too rehearsed, without enough room for spontaneity to emerge during the audition. If you are over thinking it, you jeopardize the chance for something unexpected or thrilling to happen in the moment. It is the character, with all his or her flaws, energy, sorrow, tension, humor, really a balance of all of these human traits, that must be present.
The slate, as it is called, may not seem important at first. Remember this will be the first impression you make. What may seem like a tiny practical thing, can have huge consequences if they don't like what they see. The harsh reality is this. Not all casting directors, producers or directors watch all the tapes past the slate. With hundreds, perhaps thousands to see for a role, it's an overwhelming process. They are on the lookout for the best of the best and a so-so slate will indicate that your tape is not worth their while. A slate needs to take those few seconds, and let them know you are someone worth watching.
This may seem tough, but no one said auditioning was easy. The fact remains that learning to slate well increases your chances of being seen. While some acting classes deal with auditioning, many don't. When researching acting classes in NYC, research those that teach about slates and other auditioning skills. Acting classes in NYC in some institutions, may ask for a slate and audition tape for entry into their program. This skill can be practiced much like any other. Set up a camera, a good mic and then give it a try. If you do practice slates here is more to consider. Communicating to a "presence" or person rather than the camera is important. By recording several versions and playing them back you can begin to get a feel for you how you are presenting yourself. Get honest feedback from people you trust, and make sure that the slate presents who you are.
As for the information they want, it's most often limited to your name and the agency that represents you. First impressions should be short and sweet. When auditioning for commercials a hint of character might be okay. If you fall short of their expectations they may hit the eject button before the actual tape. The real purpose of the slate is for them to keep track of your tape, so just let them know if a few short seconds who you are. Slate and then, give them a brilliantly original, fresh fascinating character that will make their project soar. Creating character, building spontaneity into a performance and other essential auditioning skills can be learned by studying Meisner acting NYC.
There is no such thing as "failing" an audition unless you have fallen into one of these traps. One way to be discounted is to appear overconfident. At the same time you cannot allow yourself to be overly nervous or insecure, unless the role calls for it. Producers and directors, casting agents see overconfidence and extreme nervousness all the time and this is not what will work against you in the end. Nervousness, overconfidence or any other type of emotional reaction to an audition is an unwanted block to the emotional presentation of the character you are auditioning for.
An overconfident actor may come across as being too rehearsed, without enough room for spontaneity to emerge during the audition. If you are over thinking it, you jeopardize the chance for something unexpected or thrilling to happen in the moment. It is the character, with all his or her flaws, energy, sorrow, tension, humor, really a balance of all of these human traits, that must be present.
The slate, as it is called, may not seem important at first. Remember this will be the first impression you make. What may seem like a tiny practical thing, can have huge consequences if they don't like what they see. The harsh reality is this. Not all casting directors, producers or directors watch all the tapes past the slate. With hundreds, perhaps thousands to see for a role, it's an overwhelming process. They are on the lookout for the best of the best and a so-so slate will indicate that your tape is not worth their while. A slate needs to take those few seconds, and let them know you are someone worth watching.
This may seem tough, but no one said auditioning was easy. The fact remains that learning to slate well increases your chances of being seen. While some acting classes deal with auditioning, many don't. When researching acting classes in NYC, research those that teach about slates and other auditioning skills. Acting classes in NYC in some institutions, may ask for a slate and audition tape for entry into their program. This skill can be practiced much like any other. Set up a camera, a good mic and then give it a try. If you do practice slates here is more to consider. Communicating to a "presence" or person rather than the camera is important. By recording several versions and playing them back you can begin to get a feel for you how you are presenting yourself. Get honest feedback from people you trust, and make sure that the slate presents who you are.
As for the information they want, it's most often limited to your name and the agency that represents you. First impressions should be short and sweet. When auditioning for commercials a hint of character might be okay. If you fall short of their expectations they may hit the eject button before the actual tape. The real purpose of the slate is for them to keep track of your tape, so just let them know if a few short seconds who you are. Slate and then, give them a brilliantly original, fresh fascinating character that will make their project soar. Creating character, building spontaneity into a performance and other essential auditioning skills can be learned by studying Meisner acting NYC.
About the Author:
The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides meisner acting training in New York City. For more information about audition techniques visit the studio website where you can get specific answers to any question you have.
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