A Simple Checklist Before Your Audition

An audition for a school production, a class exercise or a filmed role may ask for very different things. Use this as a practical starting point, then follow the instructions from your teacher, director or casting team.

Check what has been requested

Confirm the scene or speech, deadline or arrival time, and whether you need to be off-book. For a self-tape, check framing, slate, reader requirements and file format. Ask about anything unclear while there is still time for an answer.

Read around your part

Read the full script if it is available, or the complete sides you have been given. Work out who you are speaking to, what has just happened and what your character wants. Keep track of questions the extract cannot answer rather than treating guesses as facts.

Prepare the words and an approach

Work on short exchanges, including the other character's cues. Check the exact wording against the script and try more than one way into the scene. Leave room to respond differently when you work with another actor or receive direction.

Oteria can read the other roles while you practise. It does not assess whether your acting choices are right or predict an audition result. Your teacher or director is the person to discuss those choices with.

Sort out the practical details

For an in-person audition, check the location, journey and anything you need to bring. For a self-tape, test your camera, reader and sound before the final recording. Leave time for a break and for uploading or sending the right file.

Stay open to direction

Listen to any note, ask for clarification if you need it and try the adjustment. A redirect is something to work with, not a reliable signal of the casting decision. Afterwards, note one thing you would keep or change in your preparation next time.