Article written by Breanna Smith.
Have you ever wondered how some people got a certain role, and how the director knew that the person would be perfect for that role? How the cast just seems to fit so well, or how one cast member seems to be the best but is not in the lead? Well, today we look behind the curtain at what you have to do before you perform in front of the curtain. We're looking at auditions. What are the different types of auditions, what they look for in an audition, and how even if you're great, you might not get the role you want.
To start with, there are a few different types of audition styles. Not all will be covered here, but this is an overview. To explain each, it is easier to give each one a simple title as each have different names, but I plan to explain them. The main five are: cold read, pre-rehearsed, performance with songs, and performance as the charterer. While many times directors use a combination of more than one, I plan to focus on each at a time as each one is a different style and has a different use.
One of the most common audition types, is a cold read. A cold read is when you show up to the audition and simply read the script they give you on the day. This allows for the director to see what the actor does with whatever they are given on short notice. It lets them see what you've got.
Another type, is pre-rehearsed audition. In these auditions, much like a cold read, a section of the script is read, but it is pre-rehearsed so you are able to prepare for the read. With cold reads, directors are able to switch and change what you are reading for, and see which role fits best. With these types of audition, you know what role you are looking for and where you are aiming towards. Cold reads are where you are open for any role, and you are auditioning for a play. With a pre-rehearsed audition, you are a role. So, you are able to show who you want the character to be and how you want to be that person.
Another type of audition, is a set performance audition. Sometimes with other actors, or on your own, this is when an actor is asked to perform a scene – not just in the tone of voice and facial expressions, but for a whole scene, including action and response to props and the set. This allows the director to see how the actor is seeing the script and their behaviour. This can be combined with the above, two with actors being asked to pre-rehearse for a role, or simply come in, read and find the character as they go.
Some directors and casting directors don't just see the value of actors that can pretend to feel and act like their roles, but are like them. Mostly used when casting children or teens, it allows the directors when casting, used with other methods, to narrow down a large group of actors who are all "able" to do the job. As a large group, actors perform ice breakers, and it lets those casting see how the actor's behaviour as themselves could transfer to the stage or film. As said above, it is most effective when narrowing down a large group, and is known to have been used for the casting of the later Harry Potter films.
Another type of audition, is casting thought talent. While talent is needed to act, this is in regards to other skills. If the performance is requiring a dance or song, you need to be able to perform. So, the above options are what you may be asked; to perform a piece which everyone will, or perform a piece of your choosing. For dance, a choreographer may show you a routine that you have to learn in ten minutes. These reflect the above audition, but are different in topics. Once again, each has benefits and uses for directors so they can learn quickly of your skills, talent and determination.
Now, you may say this is all fine and good, but what do they look for in an actor besides if they can do the job? Well, once again, it depends on the director, but here are a few things they may be looking for.
The first thing most look for, is skill. What experience does this person have, and what have they done to prove they can perform in this production? Directors want to know that the people they cast in the role are able to do it and not have to be helped at every step. If the role needs them to dance, can they dance as needed. It is fine to have a person look perfect for a role, for example look at Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music – but if you can’t sing like her, there are going to be issues.
Another thing that a casting director may look at, is if can they work with the director. This may seem like a clear answer but if you want to work on a film, you will make it work. It has to be planned well if a cast and crew are going to work together, and if two leads don't like each other it makes it harder for them to be best friends. For younger actors, it also helps if they can be modelled into what the director is wanting. With a younger actor, depending on their personality, they may be able to work better alongside a director and not have a style or be typecast yet. It allows for them to become what the director wants the character to become, and allows it to become the director's vision.
Another thing that is considered, is the look of the actor. For theatre, this happens not as much as you think because most are a story from books or new tale, so the look of a character is not regarded as much, and can be changed as a point of difference or overlooked. On stage, wigs can be worn or hair dyed. In a large theatre, details of the face cannot be seen, so body type is more important and skill is more important than look. It is more important to look at how small changes can be made to the script, set and props to hide or make light of these differences, and make the scene work better with the talent of the cast. Scenes might be added or dropped to make light of the talent of actors or hide falls. It is more important that the story, actors and characters complement each other.
Another more modern “skill” that is being looked for in actors, is having a large social media following. This is not just for actors, but also models. Like using celebrities who are known and followed by a large number of people, it is the same for performers. The thought by these organisations, is that having people with a strong following, means followers are more likely to come to the show, allowing for the actor to advertise and for word to get out. While a celebrity will bring viewers, it will cost more to have them in the cast, and this is a way to bring people in without needing to pay a higher price. For some companies, you may need to have a minimal amount of skill to audition, for others it can be the deciding factor between two performers.
While there are many types of auditions, each with their own values and their own issue, there are also many things being looked for by casting directors and directors when casting. It takes a long time to get the hang of auditions, but with a bit of luck and a bit of knowledge, you might just succeed.
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