Student Blog: Audition Season

Audition season as an actor can be overwhelming. There is so much that goes into researching, preparing, and commuting, and if you’re a non-union actor attending EPAs and ECCs, who knows if you’ll even get seen after all that hard work. Even in open calls and appointment slots, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be kept the entire day. Sometimes they’ll give you a packet of materials, and you won’t get to do everything you learned. It’s a tough world out there, so navigating auditions with a positive mindset can be tricky.

That being said, there are tools to make audition season easier for actors. There are a ton of sites that provide details about upcoming auditions, open calls, and self-tape submissions. My personal favorites include The Hustle, Backstage, Actors Access, Industry Auditions, and Playbill. The Hustle is a calendar subscription service that organizes upcoming EPAs, ECCs, and open calls in New York City, and it is a lifesaver. The Hustle is also an incredible source if you’re new to auditioning in NYC, as they have Zoom sessions that explain Actor’s Equity regulations and the protocol at each of the main audition buildings. Backstage, Actors Access, and Playbill are incredible resources that organize auditions, and you can filter the search to cater to your location, and what roles you’re right for. Industry Auditions is a site that I just started using, and it’s especially helpful for performers interested in cruises and theme parks. These services are vital to actors, particularly if you don’t have an agent to advocate for you, and they’ll help you organize what you want to audition for. 

Once you figure out how to find auditions, you need to make sure you’re prepared when you get there. It will take so much pressure off of you if you’re proud of the materials you present in the room. This means having a balanced book of songs that are diverse in range, style, genre, and composer. For instance, songs that are right to sing for Shucked are the opposite of what you would sing for the Music Man, so be prepared for anything. It is also helpful to already be aware of popular shows that you’re right for. It’s smart to learn the songs for roles you’re currently right for so that if an opportunity comes your way, you’re ready. Being prepared for auditions also means being proud of your headshot and resume. Make sure they look professional and neat, and print and staple multiple copies to have on hand so you don’t have to worry about having them ready as often.

The audition process can be unforgiving, so focus on the things that you can control. Consistently look through casting breakdown sites, learn new songs that suit you, and figure out what materials you’ll need for auditions coming up soon. Be proud of the work that you put in because even if you get cut or don’t get the role, that work doesn’t go unnoticed. Practicing diligence day after day by just showing up is beneficial in and of itself. I know it’s so easy to get frustrated when things don’t go your way, but know that you can always lean on friends who are also auditioning. It has been so beneficial for me to go to auditions with friends, scroll through Playbill together, and even just talk with them about audition experiences. It reminds me that I’m not alone, and it makes the process enjoyable, no matter the outcome.