Auditioning is an important skill, not just an extension of acting, it's a separate skill that can be developed in many acting classes in NYC. Becoming a working actor is essential to gaining experience, and becoming a working actor can't happen if you don't audition well. If auditioning is not being taught in your acting classes in NYC, it's a skill that you will need to work on developing. Landing the right role, is part luck, part good timing but, above all you must be prepared when the opportunity comes to audition. Acting classes in NYC that teach the Meisner discipline are known for turning out highly professional actors that know how to work. And, Meisner acting techniques can be used to improve your auditions as well.
There are several ways you are guaranteed to fail when auditioning. The first way to fail is to enter the audition with overconfidence. However, being insecure or overly nervous will not count in your favor either unless it suits the character. Directors and producers are used to seeing overly confident or insecure actors and this is not what will count against you. Being nervous or confident projects a sense of "self awareness" which can kill a great acting performance.
An overconfident actor may come across as being too rehearsed, without enough room for spontaneity to emerge during the audition. If you are over thinking it, you jeopardize the chance for something unexpected or thrilling to happen in the moment. It is the character, with all his or her flaws, energy, sorrow, tension, humor, really a balance of all of these human traits, that must be present.
The slate, as it is called, may not seem important at first. But, as you state your name into the camera for the auditors to keep track of your tape, you are already communicating a lot about who you are. What may seem like a tiny practical thing, can have huge consequences if they don't like what they see. The bad news is this. Many times, directors and producers never even get past the slate. Seeing hundreds of actors audition for a role is a daunting task. Anything to speed things up, like a poor or boring slate, is a good excuse to just move on. So, a quick dismissal of someone who doesn't slate well gets them closer to their goal.
This is challenging for the actor, but challenging is what spurs growth. Learning to slate well is one way to get an advantage over some of the actors you go up against. Some acting classes teach excellent auditioning skills knowing how important they are. When researching acting classes in NYC, research those that teach about slates and other auditioning skills. Some institutions that offer acting classes in NYC will even ask for a slated audition tape for entry into their program. This skill can be practiced much like any other. Lights, camera action and give it a go. Here are some things to consider when practicing slates. Communicate to someone, not the camera, which is an art form unto itself. Record and play back several versions of the slate and see how it plays. Feedback from people you trust is also important, the slate should communicate who you are.
As for the information they want, it's most often limited to your name and the agency that represents you. First impressions should be short and sweet. When auditioning for commercials a hint of character might be okay. If you fall short of their expectations they may hit the eject button before the actual tape. The real purpose of the slate is for them to keep track of your tape, so just let them know if a few short seconds who you are. Slate and then, give them a brilliantly original, fresh fascinating character that will make their project soar. Creating character, building spontaneity into a performance and other essential auditioning skills can be learned by studying Meisner acting NYC.
There are several ways you are guaranteed to fail when auditioning. The first way to fail is to enter the audition with overconfidence. However, being insecure or overly nervous will not count in your favor either unless it suits the character. Directors and producers are used to seeing overly confident or insecure actors and this is not what will count against you. Being nervous or confident projects a sense of "self awareness" which can kill a great acting performance.
An overconfident actor may come across as being too rehearsed, without enough room for spontaneity to emerge during the audition. If you are over thinking it, you jeopardize the chance for something unexpected or thrilling to happen in the moment. It is the character, with all his or her flaws, energy, sorrow, tension, humor, really a balance of all of these human traits, that must be present.
The slate, as it is called, may not seem important at first. But, as you state your name into the camera for the auditors to keep track of your tape, you are already communicating a lot about who you are. What may seem like a tiny practical thing, can have huge consequences if they don't like what they see. The bad news is this. Many times, directors and producers never even get past the slate. Seeing hundreds of actors audition for a role is a daunting task. Anything to speed things up, like a poor or boring slate, is a good excuse to just move on. So, a quick dismissal of someone who doesn't slate well gets them closer to their goal.
This is challenging for the actor, but challenging is what spurs growth. Learning to slate well is one way to get an advantage over some of the actors you go up against. Some acting classes teach excellent auditioning skills knowing how important they are. When researching acting classes in NYC, research those that teach about slates and other auditioning skills. Some institutions that offer acting classes in NYC will even ask for a slated audition tape for entry into their program. This skill can be practiced much like any other. Lights, camera action and give it a go. Here are some things to consider when practicing slates. Communicate to someone, not the camera, which is an art form unto itself. Record and play back several versions of the slate and see how it plays. Feedback from people you trust is also important, the slate should communicate who you are.
As for the information they want, it's most often limited to your name and the agency that represents you. First impressions should be short and sweet. When auditioning for commercials a hint of character might be okay. If you fall short of their expectations they may hit the eject button before the actual tape. The real purpose of the slate is for them to keep track of your tape, so just let them know if a few short seconds who you are. Slate and then, give them a brilliantly original, fresh fascinating character that will make their project soar. Creating character, building spontaneity into a performance and other essential auditioning skills can be learned by studying Meisner acting NYC.
About the Author:
The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides meisner acting instruction in New York City. For more information about commercial acting classes visit the studio website where you can get specific answers to any question you have.
