Auditions are probably one of the most nerve-wracking things you will ever do. But, you can make yourself feel a little more confident by being prepared.

How do you find out about auditions?

Usually you'll find out through your agent, although some auditions will be advertised on TV, on the radio, in the newspaper, on the internet, or on bulletin boards at schools and other places.

What happens at an audition?

You'll usually find out that you have the audition a few days before, at which time you'll also be given "sides", which are scenes from the script that you'll perform for the audition.

You'll arrive at the audition - which will probably either be held at the casting director's office or a studio - and, if it's a union audition, you'll be asked to sign in and give the assistant your picture and resume. They may also take a polaroid picture of you and get you to fill in a form that asks for things like your measurements and availability, depending on the part (this is common for commercials especially). If the audition is non-union, you may only have to sit and wait.

Once you're called into the room, you'll likely find a camera and anywhere from 1 to 50 people waiting for you, depending on what the part is, and whether this is your first audition or a call-back.

The casting director will let you know where you're to stand (or sit - you'll probably be able to choose unless they tell you specifically) and may chat with you. Most likely, though, you'll go right into the reading.

You'll probably have to "slate" first, which is simply stating your name and agency. They may also ask you to state a contact number, your age, or another detail. Then you'll go into the reading. Either the casting director themselves or a hired reader will be playing the other character(s) for you.

They may ask you to do it again a different way, or you may do it only once and that's it. When the audition is finished, you'll thank them for seeing you and leave.

How early should you arrive?

About 15 minutes early is sufficient. NEVER be late - that is the most important thing. There are no excuses. Get up a bit early if you have to or rearrange your schedule, but just DON'T BE LATE! If you are going to be late and there's nothing you can do, make sure you call. Otherwise, that casting director may never call you in again.

Should you memorize the script?

Yes, but still bring your script in with you. You should rehearse the sides so much that you automatically know them - you can't work on *how* you can read the lines if you're still hung up on *if* you can read the lines. However, even the best actors can get nervous and forget their lines at the audition, so you should still bring the script in, just for peace of mind.

If you don't have enough time to properly memorize the piece, just try and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible so you can look up at the reader often. Also memorize the first and last lines so you can look up at the end especially, and have their final impression of you be a good one.

How should you dress?

For film and TV auditions, dress to suggest the character. Don't go overboard, but if you're playing a rich snob, you don't want to go in wearing tattered jeans and a T-shirt. Make sure that whatever you wear is professional and clean.

How should you prepare for the audition?

First and foremost, know your lines as well as humanly possible. As my acting coach, Michael David Simms, puts it, "Do it 30 times or until you want to puke, then do it 10 or 15 more times." To get the most out of the sides as possible, ask yourself these questions about the character:
1. Who am I?
2. Where am I?
3. What's going on?
4. What do I want?

An excellent book to read for more tips on doing a great audition is Audition by Michael Shurtleff.

Do as much research as possible. Find out all you can from your agent about your character and the storyline. If you know who'll be producing and directing it, find out what else they've done and what type of actors they hire. If it's for a TV series, try and watch an episode to get a feel for the show. The more you know, the more prepared you'll be.

What might the casting director chat about?

Likely they'll ask about your day or what other acting you've done, that sort of thing. Make sure you have one or two interesting and short stories up your sleeve to tell them - you don't just want to list off everything you've done today or in your career.

What does it mean if they ask you to read the script again a different way?

It doesn't mean they hated the way you read it the first time. In fact, it's probably a very good sign! A lot of casting directors and directors will ask people to read a scene over again just to see if they can follow directions. Also, if they cut you off, it's probably not a bad sign, either. most likely, it means they like you and they don't need to hear any more. (However, in theater, in often means you didn't get the part)