Acing the audition -- you can do it!

It's the absolutely inevitable, totally unpredictable, most nerve-wracking part of the business. And it can make or break a theatre artist's entire career.

The audition.

There's no way around it if you're a serious member of the industry. However, there are ways to ensure that you walk off that stage leaving the director with a smile on his face and a clear idea of who YOU are as an actor.

1. Dress appropriately. It is always acceptable to dress for the part, but it is never OK to do it in an unflattering way. The directors are looking for your personal character as an actor or actress above anything else. It's perfectly acceptable to add some edge to your outfit to portray a character trait, but do it tastefully.

2. Make eye contact. Especially during the deliverance of your monologue or song, it is essential to communicate to everyone else in the room that it should be you in this role and no one else.

3. Act professionally. Just as dressing professionally is essential, so is acting like everyone should take you seriously. Charm only goes so far in this business; overconfidence gets you nowhere. Your work and your professional attitude are all that matters.

4. Starting over is OK. We're all human, and therefore we all make mistakes. Losing your place is a natural side effect of your nerves; if you need to, ask to begin again or perform a different piece. The worst that can happen is the casting directors will say no. If so, politely thank them for their time and walk out of the room proudly. There will always be another audition.

5. Don't freak out when the audition is over. You did your best at the time. The directors have the final say, and nothing you do after your performance will change their minds. Do not seek them out or call to ask for an evaluation of your performance; just wait it out. Whatever happens, you'll learn from every audition and improve in all your future ones.

(Compiled from Essortment.com and Actingbiz.com.)

And here's my own little two-cents: Arrive early! Nothing screams that you don't take yourself or the project seriously more than arriving late for your audition. And although you may come prepared with a headshot and resume, there will often be forms for you to fill out before your audition, and if you're doing cold readings, there will be sides (small portions of the script) for you to quickly rehearse. In show business, early is on time, and on time is late.

Happy auditioning. Break a leg and all that jazz (and all that jazz...). I feel a jam session to the Chicago soundtrack coming on.

--DQ