The Audition
‘In today’s world, everything seems like some sort of long audition.’ – Bob Fosse
We meet 3 up and coming actors to discuss the terrifying process known as ‘The Audition’ hopefully picking up some tips on how to survive (and perhaps win) this most archaic of job interviews.
Interview Philip Goodfellow
Photography Perry Curties
Hair & Makeup Rachael Thomas
Joanna Vanderham
‘I do genuinely love auditions. I want to hear what the director thinks of a role; I really appreciate getting notes and the challenge of actioning them. Self-tapes are trickier because you’re not getting any feedback, but if you tell me you want something done differently, I can do that.
This is super embarrassing... I was auditioning for a comedy film (which shall remain nameless) and in the scene, my character *ahem* makes herself feel good using her chair... and so, we read the scene and I do this scripted action, only to look up and see all these wide-eyed faces staring at me. The casting director squeaks out “Oh... you didn’t need to read that far.”
Can you imagine? I wanted the ground to swallow me up!
The day before an audition, I’ll be finishing work on the character, rereading the script and researching the people I’m meeting the next day. The night before, I put together what I’m going to wear and check the lines one last time (lesson learned). The hour before, I debate whether to have a coffee or do a meditation, depending on how adrenalised I am. I’ve learned a few things from bad auditions – always double-check your phone is off, don’t try to use eyeliner to turn a pimple into a beauty spot and learn the lines!’
Ényì Okoronkwo
‘It’s a mixed bag, but generally when you get enough time and enough information about the character and the world, it’s a lot easier to approach auditions with the commitment and creativity needed for the growth that comes, regardless of whether or not you get the job.
The only auditions I’ve almost hated are the ones where you aren’t given any time (less so information). When you respect the craft so much, it’s difficult to produce when you feel you aren’t being respected as a worker or an artist.I found myself in a group recall for a very dance-heavy West End show and I can’t follow steps for my life. It was my first professional audition and I’d got through the singing and acting round just fine, but... I decided to stay and it was humiliating or humbling or hilarious, depending on which mood I am in when I look back on it. Honestly, I attempted a double pirouette and saw God. I often think that if I could survive the hour I was in that room, I can pretty much survive it all when it comes to auditions.I once auditioned for a project where I knew that I would be much better in a different part and luckily had time enough to learn both the part I was given and the part I thought I’d be good for. First thing I said when I came in was that I have learned this other part that I felt more connected to and the director laughed... but let me do my thing. I got the part. I know this isn’t an audition method that is always repeatable but it made me realise a principle; with the time and the resources, we have to first do auditions for ourselves and in the way we connect to the work, as opposed to getting caught up in guessing what is wanted from us.’
Mecia Simson
‘I love getting auditions because for me, I see them as opportunities to be able to further myself in a career that I really love. We audition for so many different things and the competition is very high, so the reality is we’re going to have more noes than yeses. The decision is completely out of our control, but what you can control is how you approach your auditions and how much work you put into them. The best advice I’ve heard and kept with me is “What is meant for you will not pass you by”. I strongly believe that. As long as I’m putting auditions/work out there that I feel great about, then the rest will follow.
Auditioning for The Witcher made a huge impact on my life and career because of the doors it opened up for me. Sophie Holland and Faye Timby were so supportive during the whole audition process that I felt like I was able to let go and create in the space. It opened my eyes to see that the audition process and coming face-to-face with a casting director isn’t a scary thing, because they are always rooting for you and also want to do the best job they can and cast the right people for their projects. I feel like it helped me to drop any kind of mental barrier that I may have had and allowed me to focus on the job at hand rather than focusing on anxieties.
Usually if I get sent the script, I will have a good read through to get a sense of the character and story. If I have enough time, I’ll do a bit of research on the character based on the information I’ve found in the script. I will usually go down a rabbit hole of researching real people on YouTube and get a sense of the type of person that is coming up for me; the research is one of my favourite parts. I usually find if I learn my lines before bed, they stick to me like glue the
Photography Perry Curties
Interview Philip Goodfellow
Hair & Makeup Rachael Thomas