The Acting Blog

Don’t Be Desperate in Auditions

Nothing is more repulsive to another as the sounds of desperation.  Please… please please cast me, please cast me, please give me a place on the course, please let me come to drama school, please like me… yuk.  If you want something, do not transmit your desperation because it will repulse people, it will put people off you.  You might not realise it, but it isn’t pleasant at all.

Instead, you must transmit to the director or the auditors that you are an exceptionally professional person, with a good character and most or all of the following qualities:

You’re Well Trained - You’ve had the best training you could get and it has served you well, you demonstrate this by being a professional and knowing the ropes so to speak.

Prepared - Probably the most important element, are you prepared or do you request the indulgence of your audience? Please forgive my lack of preparation and see how wonderful I am.  Imagine the door slamming in your face whenever you even consider failing to prepare.  Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

Energetic - Does anyone want to work with a tired, dour, docile actor? Bring your energy, but don’t be a lunatic.

Maturity - Regardless of your age, you should be mature.

Team Player – You’re not in this just for yourself, you’re an ensemble player, it’s not just about you.

Enthusiastic – Demonstrate that you’re excited and enthusiastic about the project, combine this with research and preparation, so you’re ‘in the know’.

Reliable & Committed – They can count on you. (Often demonstrated by arriving on time, being prepared and ready to go with the flow)

Fun to Be With - You’re not difficult, nor desperately fawning, you’re fun to be around, you make work feel like play.

Did you see anything in these qualities?  Are they just the qualities of being a good actor? Yes! But they’re also the quality of being a good human being.  The most important character to play well, is YOU.  Your character is essential.

To You, The Best!

Looking for Acting Classes in Glasgow? Mark Westbrook is a Professional Acting Coach and runs Acting Coach Scotland, a private acting studio offering acting classes in Glasgow, masterclasses, workshops and audition coaching for actors at all levels. His acting studio is based in Glasgow, Scotland, although he teaches all across the United Kingdom. All Blog Posts © Mark Westbrook 2010

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Tags: Auditioning, Desperate in Auditions