The Audition

So, you got that call you've been waiting for, for God knows how long. Your agent finally calls you with an audition. (or the casting director themselves, if you don't have an agent) You're so delighted. You tell everyone about it, you tweet about it, post it on facebook, maybe you even go out for a celebratory drink, aaannnnddd then you don't even prepare for it properly. Sound familiar? Or are you wondering, "what are you on about 'I don't prepare properly'. Of course I prepare properly"

The question is, do you actually know how to prepare properly? This is a common stumbling block when I speak to a lot of actors, and it's very evident, when auditioning actors, or watching back audition tapes, that there was very little preparation, or at least, no where near enough preparation done.

The problem is, having attended drama school, where they really teach you pretty much nothing about what the real world is like, actors come out thinking they're professionals. Well, here is a wake up call, YOU'RE NOT! You've been moulded, and maybe a couple bricks of a foundation have been laid out, but you are certainly nowhere near a finished article. I mean seriously, do you think Usain Bolt doesn't train everyday? do you think he doesn't practice constantly and really know the ins and out of everything. Do you think he is 100% prepared before he competes? Of course he is. Well, actors, so should you.

Training with an acting coach is essential. Go through the sides with them. Break down your script. Establish your moments, beats, subtext, and create your character. Their backstory, where they've just come from preceding the scene you're about to read. Make sure you're off book. Yes, you can hold your audition sides in your hand whilst reading, to refer to just in case you forget a line, but make sure you've memorised what you're about to read. Lastly, be confident. Make your choices and stick to them. Nothing looks worse than a nervous actor not sure what they're doing. Casting directors can tell if you're nervous, or haven't prepared properly. It's very obvious to them. A lot of the time you're reading for the house, not the role, so make sure you give them a good impression of yourself to get called in by them again.

Remember, you're a brand, and you have to market that brand in the right way. The object is to leave a casting office knowing you've done your best and knowing there shouldn't be a reason why that office doesn't call you in again. Make sure your headshot looks like you and that your reel is as up to date as possible.

Take control of your career. No one else is responsible but you. Is this your life? If it is, treat every aspect of your career in the same way you would value your life. It's step one to a long and successful career.

Till next time. Have a wonderful week ahead.

An Actor's Mentality

Most people would be able to tell you that actors are crazy, and in some part, yes, this is true..We are a little strange..definitely don't have the 9-5 type mentality and are a little discombobulated at times. It's amazing how those outside our industry just can't get their head around who we are and what we do. There are amazing questions that are asked, and yes, whilst I admire their wish to remove their ignorance, sometimes it's just a case of wondering whether it's actually them that are crazy.

We've all had it, those absolutely ridiculous questions. "How's the acting going?". "Go on then, what have you been in?". "Is it working?". I mean seriously, what on earth does that mean? "Is it working?" Is what working exactly? I wouldn't even know how to begin to answer that question. I don't even know if it's a legitimate, or uneducated question. I mean, my PROFESSION, is an actor. That's my job. It's how I make a living. You don't see me going up to a teacher or a banker and asking them, "Is it working?" They'd probably look at me and wonder if I need to see a psychotherapist. Or better yet, wonder if I am actually in therapy at the moment.

I would definitely much rather hear, if it's necessary to ask a question anyway, "How's work?". I'm sure most actors would agree. Actors are much more likely to be less defensive and less closed off when asked this question.

But here's the funny thing..And something that amuses me the most..Those people who call themselves an actor that don't even train. I think this may be the funniest, most common occurrence within the entertainment business. Notice how I use the word, 'business'? That's exactly what it is, A BUSINESS. One can't run a business without having the knowledge and constantly learning, or at least looking to learn from those that are most successful. When it comes to acting, the most successful ones are those that fine tune their craft. They know what's going on out there and who's doing what.

I'm sorry to say, but 3 years in a drama school does not make you an actor. The sooner you realize this, the sooner you will not be stuck in the situation you're in. You need to continue to train all the time. Unless of course you're working and your schedule doesn't allow it. If you keep doing the same thing again and again, don't expect to get different results. You'll get the same outcome every time. Why do we see less and less new faces in movies, TV etc. Quite simply, it's because the new are not doing what the old do. Do your research. Know everything there is to know about the person that inspires you the most. Find out what they did to separate themselves from the rest..and yes, there are cases where your inspiration happened to be in the right place at the right time, but don't rest on that and think it will happen to you. Most likely, it wont. Ask yourself why the actors that won Oscars this past weekend, did win.

What are YOU going to do TODAY in order to get a DIFFERENT result tomorrow?
Think about it... :)