Straight Play Audition
In an audition for a straight play you will want to find a one-minute monologue from a published play. You are
welcome to search internet sites but published plays are the way to go! Your monologue should reflect the character
and style of play you are auditioning for. That means--READ THE PLAY BEFORE YOU AUDITION! I know it is time-consuming
but it will pay off in the cold reading.
What to do prior to the audition
*plan your movement/blocking. Do not over do the acting, but make sure that you react to the feeling and environment
that you are playing in. Also, remember age and characterization. Not all people pace and I want to see control
and decisiveness.
*practice at home. Do not just show up. Come with the selection memorized. If you get scared or nervous,
carry it in your pocket. Just try not to use it. I would rather see you get through the audition versus freak
out due to memorization.
*dress comfortable for movement but also professional. Jeans, shorts, revealing tops and short skirts/dresses are
not professional. Mrs. Morgan also hates flip-flop type shoes. She does not want to hear your feet. She
wants to be able to focus on your facial expression and body movement.
On the day of the audition
*show up early (about 15-20 minutes) and check in with the stage manager. You will hand in all paperwork to the
stage manager at this time. If you do not have it with you, you will be asked to fill out a form for the director,
so be prepared.
*when you are called to go into the audition room, do so with confidence. Remember that everyone is nervous even
if they do not show it and that Mrs. Morgan wants you to succeed.
*first place the chair where you want it. If you do not use it, please move it out of your way. When the
director signals you (typically with a nod or smile), you should state your name and the title of the piece. You do
not need to give tons of detail. We only need the basics.
*take a breath or beat after you finish the intro and then begin.
*when you finish say "thank you" and NOT "scene" to indicate you are completed.
*if you are asked to read a cold reading you will gather the material and read over it. Most of the time the selections
will be posted outside...so take the time and read over all of them while waiting. You should be familiar with the piece
already so just skim over it and make sure that you are able to look up as you read. When you are ready, you might look
at the director and ask if you may begin...sometimes they tell you to begin when you are ready...so do so.
*after you finish reading, the director will possibly say thank you again and you can reply or just walk out of the room
with a nod. YOUR CHOICE. Remember to have confidence and not to belittle yourself as you exit, you are still in
the audition and can be heard outside of the room too.
*the stage manager will either verbally give you additional information or point you where additional information will
be posted. Feel free to exit the building until you are needed again. Refrain from loitering, especially outside
the audition space. Mrs. Morgan can hear things...it is really amazing how good her hearing can be.
After the audition
*students are always welcome to make an appointment to talk about the audition. This year we hope to provide students
with a critique sheet for additional feedback.
*remember to feel good about your work. Not everyone will get a part and you had the courage to audition and
many students never make it that far.
*never tell someone else what is posted. That is NOT COOL! Everyone should have the opportunity to read/see
for themself what is posted. BELIEVE ME...you might have misread something.
*take time to process. You can be disappointed or elated but everyone has a different reaction and they are still
people that you will be working with...think before you act.
