Improv Auditions

The overall message here is to be professional, but it’s clear every round of auditions that some people just don’t know what that means. So here’s what it means:

Look like yours. At the end of a day where auditors have seen 120 people, you don’t want them unable to connect the picture of you to the person who appeared on stage. ( Ladies: this means wearing make up if you have make up on in your headshot.)

When you are asked to say your name and introduce yourself, it is to give the auditors time to write down details that will allow them to remember you. Assist them with this task while not providing something that is memorable in the wrong way.

At the end of the day you want to be remembered as “Tim- the guy who interviewed for the CIA!” Not: “Lisa- the girl who vomited in her purse twice this last month.”

And as a personal favor, stop talking about your eating habits. If they are unusual enough to merit mentioning, we don’t want to know.

Also: Know the show. Don’t say you have never seen it or don’t like it. Why would anyone want to work creatively with someone who wasn’t interested in the actual subject matter they were working on?

Treat this like a show you are doing for some very important people. (That’s what it is.) Pay attention to what you play and try to show your range. Real and relatable will get you further than crazy, off-the-wall.

At the end of the day you are asking these auditors to want you around, to want to work with you; so make sure that the real, best you is on display.

This is even more true for musical improv where the switch between naturalistic and authentic scenework and high energy, sometimes presentational songwork is key. Be yourself and know that seeing you is all the auditors really want. If they never get a glimpse of you, they can’t know if they want to work with you.

At the end of the audition leave the room. We know you want to create rapport, but these people have seen 50 people before you and will see 50 people after and the sooner you leave the sooner they can talk about you and move on.

In summary, make this decision hard for them. Be your self, but be your best self. Comfort, authenticity and confidence go far. If it comes down to you versus one other person, do you want the decision to be made on the basis of how often you do your laundry?

If you don’t make it, don’t despair. Every audition you do exposes you to decision making minds and whether you know it or not, they are seeing your progress and growth.

Know the power of relationships. The best thing in an audition is someone who can vouch for you. Your classmates, coaches and teachers may all someday be on the other side of the table from you. Your conduct and character will open and close doors more forcefully and more permanently than any single audition ever will.