So you think you can Act: Tips on going into theatre

Auditions can be frightening at first, and can be the scariest thing throughout the whole production next to performances. My very first audition I didn't make, so don't worry if you don't get in right away. Remember, most of the time there are extra parts that don't require much acting or experience. So if you dont make the main, ask the director if you can be an extra or help out.

Usually what you need to an audition for a play, is a monologue or part of a script (which can range from one minute long to three), a song (if you are auditioning for a musical), a dance number (for musicals as well), and usually a resume (unless they have one for you to fill out at auditions). It is best to contact the director and find out what he/she would like to see.

When the day of auditions come, make sure you wear something nice. Dont over-do it (too much makeup, extreme hair or clothing etc.), or under-do it (looking like you just got out of bed, etc.). Make sure everyone can see your face, pull your hair back if you need to so the director can see your expressions. If you are going to be doing some dancing for your audition, you may want to wear comfortable and nice clothes that you can move around in.

It is also best that you warm up before auditions. warm ups include vocal exersises, warming up and stretching out (if you will be doing any dancing), and staying hydrated. Make sure you bring a water bottle so your voice doesnt crack as a result of being nervous, or refraining from drinking water.

At the auditions, stay calm, and be full of energy. Usually the Director will talk with everyone and tell them what he/she expects. Be in the mindset that no matter what happens, this will be a great experience for you.

Here are some do's and dont's of auditioning:
Do what you are asked to do
Keep your energy level up
Think positive thoughts
Don't beg for parts
Don't bribe people (especially the people in charge)
Don't complain
Be polite to everyone
Stay hydrated

Another tip for Auditioning is to make sure you don't audition for longer than you need to. If the director or other people in charge want you to audition longer, great! Just dont sit and talk, argue, or beg to the director. If they stop you in the middle of your monologue, dance number, or song, let them. They may not have the time to watch or listen to the whole thing. Dont be disappointed though, stay positive. Your first impression to the director is very important.

Auditions dont always go the same way. They may take a few weeks to cast everyone, or they may cast everyone that night. The director will usually announce when and where the cast list will be, or they will contact you if you got a part. If your name isn't on the list, or they dont contact you, dont sweat it! There are always more auditions and chances. If you are on the Cast list, great! Either way it is a great learning experience.

The Read through is not something to be nervous about, you are just reading through your lines so you know the storyline of the play, and what your lines are. You will also get to know your director, and fellow actors/actresses. Some of them may have experience, some of them may not. This is the chance that you will have to get to know who you will be working with. Get permission to highlight your lines in the script, this helps a lot when it comes to memorising lines.

The Practices are very important. Make sure you are always listening to the Director, and be prepared to automatically drop conversations with fellow actors/actresses, it will make you look more professional when you listen intently to the people over you. Do not tell another actor/actress, or anyone above you what to do. The only person you will be able to tell what to do is yourself. You may offer suggestions, but keep them short and simple. Keep a pencil with you and a notebook (if you can't write it in your script) to keep track of your stage direction, you will need to memorise it.

Here are a few words you will hear during rehersals that you need to know:

1. Cheat out

2. Blocking

3. Project

4. Fourth Wall

5. Stage right

6. Stage left

7. Up stage

8. Down stage

9. Stage kiss

10. Curtain Call

11. Act

12. Scene

Definitions:

1. To face the audience

2. Stage Direction (where you move around on the stage)

3. Talk louder so that your voice reaches the audience

4. The Audience ex. "Dont Break the Forth Wall" Dont look at the audience

5. The Audiences' Right side of the stage

6. The Audiences' Left side of the stage

7. Further Away from the Audience

8. Closer to the Audience

9. Putting your hand over the other person and kissing the back of your hand (techniques may be different)

10. Final bows

11. A chapter of a play, ex. Act one

12. A part of a chapter of a play, ex Act two Scene three

You will learn all of these words in due time, but it is best to remember what they mean so that you know what the director is telling you to do.

When you find out who your character is, study their lines. Ask yourself these questions:

What is the role of my character in the play?

What does my character wear?

What is the enviornment that my character grew up in?

What is my character's personality?

Why would my character say this?

What are my characters feelings on (put subject about the play here)?

How would my character react in (put situation from the play here)?

After you answer these questions, you should have an idea of who your character is. Make sure you put your character's reactions in all of the lines you say.

It is also fun to do a certain gesture that would fit your character, and make sure you do it throughout the play. Every one of us does or says something all the time that fits us, shouldn't characters in plays do this too? It makes your character seem natural and more believable. Ask permission from the Director if you can do this, and show the director what you had planned. Don't be offended if the Director does not take this into consideration, or changes what you were planning on doing.

When Memorizing lines, especially Shakespeare, my favorite method is using Iambic Pentameter. Iambic Pentameter is when you stress and unstress syllables.
For example, here is a stressed word (STRESSED), here is an unstressed word (unstressed). The stressed word is pronounced longer than the unstressed word. Read this example in Iambic Pentameter, and experiment a little.

"shall I compare THEE TO a SUMMERS day..."

Some other ways to mark your lines with Iambic Pentameter is to underline the stressed syllables, and put a dot under the unstressed syllables.
Experiment at home what is best for that line. It is a great way to memorize lines, it also helps you remember them in a pattern. Make sure your director is approves of Iambic Pentameter for the play you are in, depending on the time period, you may not want to use this method.

Another way to memorize lines are to put feeling into each line, do a few hand gestures, or movements your character would do. If you have trouble memorizing lines, arrange a practice at home (with permission from the director) with a few of the cast members. It is much easier memorizing lines with more people to help you.

When you perform, the first thing you worry about is how to do hair and makeup. First of all, ask your director how he/she would like it. Make sure you take note on the hair style, and if your director said to come with stage makeup on, then here are a few tips on doing it.

Stage makeup is very over the top, unless your director says otherwise.
Girls need foundation, bright blush, two different colors of eyeshadow, black eyeliner, and red (or pink) lipstick.
Boys need a little bit of foundation, and a little bit of eyeshadow, just to bring out the eyes.
Sometimes play productions have hair stylists and makeup people, just talk to your Director to clairify everything and make sure its what they want to see.

Costumes are usually provided by the Director or Costumer. If they ask you to sew your own, or to find one, ask the director what kind of costume, the time period, colors, and style. If you are planning on sewing it, get approval from your director if the fabric and pattern is the right kind.

Props (or Property) are things or objects that you carry around to enhance the play and make it believable. Usually Props are provided by the Director or another person in charge. Props are fun to use during a play, but don't over emphasize the prop during the play, because it can become a distraction. Only emphasize it when neccecary or when the director tells you to, so that the audience will focus on the people holding the props, other than the prop. In some productions, such as "The Nutcracker" the Nutcracker is emphasized throughout the play or ballet, because its main focus is entirely the Nutcracker. Make sure you balance the prop use so that the other actors will be noticed as well.

Performing can be a bit scary, but fun! Don't worry about a thing and do not break fourth wall. After the first performance, everything gets better. Have a great time performing and support the people you are working with!