We have all been there—in the sitting area, waiting to go in for the big audition, mind racing, hands sweating, obsessively reading over our sides, hoping and praying that we don’t totally mess up, pass out, get bad feedback, get dropped by our agents, and give up on the business. No? Just me?
Here’s the thing. Everyone gets nervous. Even experienced actors get nervous. But it’s all about how you handle nerves that allows you to deliver a good audition. Here are some techniques I use for myself and with my students to get rid of nerves before an audition.
1. Make an audition playlist
Put 20 songs on your phone that make you feel calm and relaxed. Listen to them from the moment you step out the door until the moment they call your name. Stay focused—avoid email, Instagram, and Facebook. Allow the music to simply quiet the mind.
2. Take 10 deep breaths
It’s not weird. Just close your eyes, for four seconds each: inhale, hold, and exhale. With every inhale, repeat “relax” to yourself in your mind (or out loud, if you want to be weird). When you exhale, imagine all the stress leaving your body. If people think you are crazy, good. Let them be intimidated.
3. Be prepared
Memorize the lines so well, in so many different ways, that they become second nature to you. It’s muscle memory, just like practicing a routine in dance. Practice with a friend or with an app (my favorite is “Rehearsal 2”). You don’t want the audition to be the first time you hear the words out loud.
4. Visualize the audition
This one works wonders for people. After rehearsing the scene many times, close your eyes and visualize the audition from start to finish. Imagine walking in the door, fully prepared, slating your name, and then disappearing into the scene, completely forgetting about the fact that it’s an audition. Then imagine walking away and feeling great about it. This can be a powerful tool if used effectively.
5. Walk in with confidence
You are an actor, right? Act like a confident person. It’s all about body language. Hold your head high, make eye contact, bring your shoulders back, and act like you already have the job. Even if you are nervous, you will make the casting director feel comfortable, and your nerves will dissolve.
6. Simply listen
A lot of actors forget this. In the audition room it’s your job to fully immerse yourself in the scene and really listen as if you are hearing the words for the first time. In your mind, you should be thinking “What did that character just say to me? How do I feel about that?” instead of “God, I hope I don’t mess up. Did I put enough pomade in my hair?”
Looking for remote work? Backstage has got you covered! Click here for auditions you can do from home!
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.
