25.7.12

Auditioning - The Critical Skill You Can Develop in Acting Classes

By Maggie Flanigan


There are many acting classes in NYC where actors can study and practice audition techniques. Learning to audition well is an important aspect of the craft as it is key to getting cast, and getting that all important experience in front of the camera or onstage. Developing auditioning skills may be up to you as some acting classes NYC don't cover this thoroughly. Getting the right kind of auditions that play to your strengths is key, but even that won't help if you are not prepared when the opportunity comes. Acting classes in NYC that teach Meisner acting offer foundational skills that can be developed over time. Meisner acting techniques are strongly connected to powerful auditioning skills.

There are several ways you are guaranteed to fail when auditioning. The first way to fail is to enter the audition with overconfidence. At the same time you cannot allow yourself to be overly nervous or insecure, unless the role calls for it. Either one of these can count heavily against you--and not because auditors don't like overly nervous or over confident actors. It's actually the block that these types of feelings cause, which inhibits the emergence of an authentic arresting character.

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.

Many preparing for auditions consider the slate unimportant. Stating your name, your agent, at the beginning of the tape helps them track your audition but, it's also their first impression of you. What may seem like a tiny practical thing, can have huge consequences if they don't like what they see. The harsh reality is this. Not all casting directors, producers or directors watch all the tapes past the slate. With hundreds, perhaps thousands to see for a role, it's an overwhelming process. They are on the lookout for the best of the best and a so-so slate will indicate that your tape is not worth their while. So, a quick dismissal of someone who doesn't slate well gets them closer to their goal.

This may seem tough, but no one said auditioning was easy. 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. Acting classes in NYC are a great resource for learning about slates. In fact, some acting classes in NYC will ask you to slate to enter the class. It's something you can do on your own, and do quite well with a little help from a friend. Have a friend set up a camera, some lights and give it a go. Some things to think about if you do practice slates. Communicating to a "presence" or person rather than the camera is important. This is something you can record, playback and assess. Find people you trust to watch the slate and give you feedback.

Keep the information to a minimum and keep it simple. This is their first impression of you as an actor but the real deal should be saved for the audition. While it might be okay to offer a hint of character for a commercial audition, it's still a risk. You could be wrong in your assumption about what they are looking for, and lose them before they even view your real work. Mainly, the aim is to give a slate that represents you as a person and as an actor. Slate and then, give them a brilliantly original, fresh fascinating character that will make their project soar. Seek out Meisner acting NYC if you want to know more about how to create character with this technique.




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