With the global pandemic, COVID-19, wreaking havoc all over the world and overturning many industries, one thing has become clear: it is changing our daily life habits and work processes and we must learn to adapt or fall behind. Even after all this is over and things go back to normal, we might have to rethink going back to the way we used to do things. What used to work before might not be enough anymore.
wistiaWith that said, one of the things that might become more popular in the near future, particularly in the entertainment industry, is the concept of a home-based audition.
In previous times, it used to be that actors and aspiring newbies who were after a part went to an audition hall in a specific location; it meant a lot of traveling to and from places for an opportunity that was mostly 50-50. In recent years and especially since the onslaught of the current pandemic, an increasingly large number of casting directors and talents are seeing the value of home-based auditions. From whatever you might be in the world, you can audition for a part you’re interested in without leaving the safe confines of your home. With the help of modern recording technology, you can easily record your audition, edit your clip, and send it to casting directors and agents thousands of miles away.
Here are some tips that can help you ace a home-based audition:
Tips for Acing a Home-Based Audition
1. Make sure you include a full-body shot of yourself.
Start your video with a shot that’s showing yourself in full frame. This way, casting directors will instantly have a good idea about your height and built, which can come in handy especially if the role you’re auditioning for has certain physical characteristics that are integral to the character.
2. As the camera zooms in on your face, don’t forget to state basic information about yourself.
This includes your name, age, your place of origin or residence, and your acting representation. In the entertainment world, this is called slating. Providing them with these basic information will help them to remember you as well as have instant access to your contact details should they be impressed with your audition and decide to call you back afterward.
shutterstock3. Read with a person.
If you’re delivering a piece of dialogue, having a person there to read the other characters’ lines with you will help in bringing out a more natural and spontaneous performance from you. While reading with them, you should make sure you’re looking at them and not at the camera.
4. Memorize your lines.
This is not the time to be sloppy or lazy, and you can’t just wing it either. You can’t also cover up for forgotten lines by making sharp cuts or edits. As a professional, you should have your lines fully memorized and read through them in one go without any long, uncalled for pauses. You can have the script in your hand and refer to it every once in a while, but you shouldn’t read from it all throughout.
wistia5. Don’t rush through your audition.
As this is an online or taped audition, you won’t have to deal with the added pressure of being in front of your casting agent or director and dealing with their intimidating stares. You will have all the time in the world to prepare for your recorded audition and even more time to perform your piece. In short, a home-based audition can benefit your performance, as you’ll no longer have to deal with nervousness or rush your audition. Because you’ll be more relaxed about things, you will be better able to show that you’re the best actor for the role.
6. Watch your audition clip before you send it out.
There might be mistakes that you weren’t able to catch the first time. For instance, you might have said the wrong word and not noticed it at the time or there might have been something off with your facial expression.
Aside from reviewing it yourself, you might also want to rope in the services of another person who can provide another critical eye as to what’s still lacking in your performance. If you feel that you can improve on your performance, try filming it once again.
All your efforts will prove worth it if you’re able to impress your casting directors and agents. You might not only get the role you’re auditioning for, but you might also gain some other great job opportunities.
bluelandmarketing7. Show your real personality.
While it’s crucial that you show professionalism even if it’s just a taped audition, another thing you must not forget is to show a part of your personality. Casting agents and directors appreciate actors with a sense of self-awareness and genuine personality. In short, don’t be afraid to show off who you really are while still remaining professional all the time.
8. Choosing the right audition piece is key.
When you’re able to choose a piece that fits you and your acting style well, you’re already halfway done with the job. Most experts state that when choosing such, you should make sure that it is age-appropriate, shows off the real you, and highlights all your particular strengths as an actor. Also, you should choose a piece that’s active or in the moment, as opposed to something that’s just telling or recalling a story.
Wistia9. This isn’t the time to do something non-experimental or nonlinear.
Save that for the actual production, when you’re already hired for the role. For the audition process, choose something that’s more simple and linear, one that can easily be understood by both the judges and the participants. Furthermore, you should avoid audition pieces that you know are already common.
10. Just have fun recording your audition and be open to any outcome.
You might or might not be accepted for the job. What’s important is that you did your best. And don’t forget to be positive. Even if you end up not getting the job, there might be better opportunities for you in the future.
