Choosing the right audition piece is the most important moment of any actor's life. If you choose the wrong one you run the risk of doing poorly and not giving your brand the right face. This means that the director will not only not cast you in his or her show, but will also get bored halfway through your audition. Actors feed off of energy and a dead audience is the quickest way to kill the performance. One thing to always remember is that you are representing a brand: you. If you want to be cast and cast often then you have to look your best, act your best, and sell the brand that the director is looking for.
Now, when going into an audition it never hurts to look up a little bit about the show if it is a show you aren't familiar with. In fact, if you don't know the show, you should probably read the script beforehand. Odds are you will either be given sides or you will be called back and prior knowledge could mean the difference between making a strong choice that gets you cast and a poor one that gets your headshot tossed out. Also pay close attention to what they are looking for. They will not tell you directly of course, but there are hints in casting calls and in scripts. If you are auditioning for, let's say, Legally Blonde you will not want to make a blonde joke or read one of Helena's A Midsummer Night's Dream monologue. Things like that mean a lot in the mind of the director because even if you fit the type cast, your attitude might not and that could cost you a role.
The next most important thing to remember are the two E's. Maybe you don't like all the shows you've done, but in your going out and pursuing lots of different roles you gain lots of experience and exposure. That is what means the most in this industry. The more people you know the better: more chances to land a role, more contacts to let you know about casting calls etc.. The more unique characters you pick up the easier your life will be. Not only will you have cool monologues to pluck out of the air, but you will also have key emotions and mentalities to call upon and hold. This helps your skill and your technique, but it also stands out to directors when looking at your resume. We all know those franchise actors who are really good in a particular role that they play for five or six years and then drop off the face of the planet because they can't book another gig. You don't want to do that so try new things and be bold.
Which brings me to my last very important note. Big and Bold. You want to be remembered. You have no idea how many other guys or girls have auditioned that day or how many have been called back. You have to be your best beautiful self and you have to make choices that will stand out and stand tall against the backdrop of other actors. It always helps to make contact with your scene partner if you're reading in a callback. The more connected you are to them the better it will read to your director. You can't be afraid to take that plunge! This is acting! This is art and art has no room to be shy or to be humble on stage. You can save that for meet and greets but not for the spotlights. You should have the mindset that it doesn't matter if they have heard the scene five times or five million times that it will be different when you do it and it will be memorable.
Break a leg my loves!
Until we meet again.
