Audition Workshop
What follows is the running order for my one-day introduction to the art of auditioning to get the job.
10- 10:10 Rules for the Day
- Don’t take it personally.
- What is said in the room, stays in the room.
- Banish negative language – I can’t, don’t know how
Preparation
Every participant must come with one thoroughly prepared speech and be ready to work on it.
10:10 – 10:15 Objectives for the Day
1. Identify objectives with the group (write up on flip chart)
- to allow the natural talent of the participants to shine through, not their issues with auditions
- to give participants a checklist of practical things to do
- to give participants a sense of what “sitting on the other side of the table is like”
2. Ask for their fears and concerns about auditions (write up on flip chart) – draw a large x across them – these are what we are going to conquer today.
3. Why do people audition? What are they looking for (write up on flip chart)
10:15 – 11:45 1st Run Auditions – Film as we go. 2 hours
Divide the group in two, first group is auditioned by second group, who are instructed to take notes – likes dislikes, clothing, body language etc. Andrea tells casting team that they are looking to cast Friel’s The Lovers – looks not important, but freshness and believability are.
Switch.
Discuss: Ask what people remember? What stood out? What did they like or dislike?
How did it feel to be behind the table? What did you notice about the way people behaved? What stays with you?
BREAK
12:00- 12:45 Watch Video
Discuss
LUNCH 12:45-1:30
1:30 – 2:45 Working the Speech
What are we aiming for? Extremes! Give examples using someone’s speech.
- Beats
- Will and Counter Will – make them as extreme as possible
- Actioning verbs with opposite actions
- Tactics
Work one speech to show in front of auditionees.
The importance of taking direction! “Try it this way” – what do you do?
2:45 - Before the Speech
Ask the group to split into two again, and have each group form a line to try this out:
- Walking in the door
- Sitting down
- Breathing and seeing the space
3:15 Once you are sat down
The importance of establishing a connection
- Active listening – summarising what has been said with feeling
- Mirroring what it is and what it isn’t
- What other questions to ask – what not to ask
BREAK
3:30 Mission Statements Brian Tracey style
- Positive
- Present Tense
- Personal
3:50 Practical Details
- Clothing
- CVs
- Crashing
- Props
4:05 NLP Visualising the fear and shrinking it
Any questions? Finish at 4:15