Tuesday, August 21, 2012

The Problem With Being Over Rehearsed - Common Audition Mistakes

By Maggie Flanigan


Auditioning is just another skill on the roster, but a skill that is just as critical as scene study, emotional preparation or any other acting skill you might pick up in acting classes in NYC or elsewhere. Working actors know that gaining experience is critical, and that won't happen if you tend not to audition well. Developing auditioning skills may be up to you as some acting classes NYC don't cover this thoroughly. Landing the right role, is part luck, part good timing but, above all you must be prepared when the opportunity comes to audition. Acting classes in NYC that specialize in Meisner acting, offer one of the most respected acting disciplines in the business. Meisner acting techniques are suitable for improving your auditioning ability also.

One or two ways actors tend to crash and burn during auditions are common. The first is to be overconfident. The second is if you are overly insecure or nervous. 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. Being nervous or confident projects a sense of "self awareness" which can kill a great acting performance.

An overconfident or overly nervous auditioned is usually closed off to far more important emotions, those of the character they are creating in the moment. Too nervous, and it's too distracting to you and the auditors and you run the risk of not being open to the performance and the emerging character. Many layers of human traits must be there, along with the one or two that are at the core of the characters being in the story.

The slate, as it is called, may not seem important at first. Remember this will be the first impression you make. It seems like a throwaway moment, just a way for the people conducting the audition to keep track. This is the bad news. Not all casting directors, producers or directors watch all the tapes past the slate. For any given part there are likely hundreds of folks auditioning. If a slate is poor, or overdone they may not even get past it. So, a quick dismissal of someone who doesn't slate well gets them closer to their goal.

This is challenging for the actor, but challenging is what spurs growth. Fair or not, this is the way it is more often than not. While some acting classes deal with auditioning, many don't. Acting classes in NYC may be able to help you practice your slate. Slating on an audition tape is sometimes required to enroll in acting classes in NYC. This skill can be practiced much like any other. Have a friend set up a camera, some lights and give it a go. Here are some things to consider when practicing slates. True communication is connecting with someone even if through a device, like a camera. By recording several versions and playing them back you can begin to get a feel for you how you are presenting yourself. Feedback from people you trust is also important, the slate should communicate who you are.

Keeping it simple is the best route, let you personality be upfront, and be quick. This is their first impression of you as an actor but the real deal should be saved for the audition. When auditioning for commercials a hint of character might be okay. It could fall short and send the auditors to hit eject before you get a chance to show your work. Mainly, the aim is to give a slate that represents you as a person and as an actor. Then, give them what they want and deserve, a brilliant, fresh take on the part you are aiming to get. if you want to know more, look into Meisner acting NYC, for tips on how to create character, emotional preparation and scene study for auditioning.




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