Many actors are terrified at the very thought of a cold-read. Before I go any further, let me also address the very name: cold-read. That drives me crazy. Please never read me anything as an actor. Act it! And it shouldn't be cold. It should be hot.
It is not a cold-read. It is hot acting! Good. I feel better already. A cold-read is not a reading at all. It’s an audition. Therefore, you need to make it as real and spontaneous as you would a prepared audition. Breathe life and energy into the character and have fun.
First, read over the scene like you would a good book. As soon as you look at the script, begin to use your imagination about where you are and what you are doing. Don't panic. You will usually be given a short time to look at the script for a cold-read. Don't just glance through your own lines in the scene. It won’t make sense. Take a extra few seconds to look at the whole scene and its meaning. You’ll be surprised how much you can understand just by really imagining the scene the first time you read it.
Make a fast character choice. To quickly choose a hook for your character and make him specific and real, try thinking of a famous actor that might play the part.
Map out your shifts and transitions. More important than saying all the right words, is the ability to become the character and to show the shifts and changes of the scene. Quickly look to see where you can shift and why.
Create your reality. Please don’t start by just saying the first line. First, you create your reality. Become the character and be reacting to what just happened right before the scene started. I can tell if you’re a good actor before you ever open your mouth. If I don’t see you create a reality first, you have already lost me.
Stay in the moment and be spontaneous. The most important thing to remember is to connect to the reader and to really play off of him. You are always trying to set yourself up for spontaneous, real reactions. Don’t stick your face down and act to your script. Act to the other actor.
Quick Tips:
1. Memorize the first line and the last. The first line is where you draw them in and the last line is the last thing they will remember of you, so don’t let it be your face buried in a script.
2. As soon as you flip to the next page, go ahead and slip your finger in between the pages to be ready for the next time you need to turn the page. This way, you prevent fumbling at the last second.
3. Note what happens at the top of each page and how it transitions from the previous page.
4. Let your thumb follow down the script as you go through the scene. Your thumb will be near the line and will attract your eyes to that spot.
5. Don’t drop character and look like you are reading when you look at your line!
6. Stay connected to the other person while they are speaking. React to them before you let your eyes go to the script.
7. Keep your reactions going while glancing at the script. Make it look like you are thinking or reacting while you let your eyes glide across the line. Not only will it save you from appearing to stare at a line, it will cause you to break up the lines with interesting tiny reactions.
8. Spend more time looking at the reader and less at the script. Try be quiet and still react while looking at the script and look at the reader to say the line.
9. Treat a cold-read like an improvisation… just with a script.
10. No one ever won a part by just saying the right words. They know it’s a cold-read so if you shift a word or two. No one cares. Make it real. They care about that.
Don’t panic. And remember: In any audition, you are always trying to be real and spontaneous. The improvisational feel of a cold-read can actually help push those buttons. And as always, have fun.
Like this advice? Check out more from our Backstage Experts!
The views expressed in this article are solely that of the individual(s) providing them,
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Backstage or its staff.
