Pembroke Players Guide

So you wanna act...

Auditioning

If you want to be in a play, it will almost certainly involve an audition. The idea of auditioning often puts a lot of people off getting involved in acting. But there’s really nothing to be scared about, most auditions are fairly informal, and some have even been known to be fun! You are unlikely to be asked to do something you are uncomfortable with, if you are you can always say no. Initial auditions should not require you to act in front of anyone other than the one/two/three people auditioning you. The audition will usually consist of reading one or two speeches that you have time to prepare outside the audition room, and often you will be given some direction and be asked to read them again, responding to that direction. You may be asked to do an exercise without preparation, for example tell a joke or a story, or improvise something. If it is a musical audition, you may have been asked to bring something to sing, or will be given something in the audition.

Recalls

In the next couple of days you will hear via email if you have been recalled for a further audition. If you are feeling keen, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the play you’re auditioning for, recalls can be quite competitive so a knowledge of the play can only be to your advantage. The recall will be with other actors, and it is a chance for the auditioners to see how groups and pairs of actors work together. It will usually involve some group warm up activities, and then looking at parts of the play. Again, if it is a musical, more singing will be involved and probably dancing as well. After the recalls you will hear whether you have been offered a part or whether you have been unsuccessful this time.

Competition

It is also a facet of Cambridge drama that there is a lot more competition for female roles than for male roles. Basically this means if you’re a bloke, you should just go for it as you have a high chance of success, often there will be auditions looking for male actors only. And if you’re a girl and don’t get immediate success, do not be discouraged. Some people are lucky and are given parts straight away, but for many people it can take up to a term to land your first role, then after that initial break, things tend to get easier. As with the professional world of acting, it’s often as much a case of who you know as well as what you know.

If you weren’t recalled, or were recalled but not offered a part, don’t take it personally or be disheartened. It is not a reflection of your ability and doesn’t mean you will not be successful elsewhere, you cannot be suitable for every part or play you audition for. And if at first you don’t succeed…