The Third Interview (College Student)

*Ms. Aulbaugh is a college student, and currently studying for a theatre major.*

Have you noticed any constants with college auditions, which don’t vary from director to director?

College auditions are always the same. 2 contrasting monologues in a 3 minute time slate. You audition for every show that semester in one audition in front of the directors, department head, costume designer, set designer, etc.

Have you ever made any blunders (or seen blunders) that you regret (or assume the other person regrets) during an audition?

I cannot watch other's auditions, but I have seen people mess up in audition classes where they stop in the middle of their performance and run out of the room. It's embarrassing to watch.

Have you ever done something particularly impressive, which gained the attention of the director?

I think I impress directors with my improv skills. Some of my professors have told me I specifically excel in improv and should go to an improv school.

What general audition tips have you received from others in theatre, or else learned from your life experience?

Audition tips off the top of my head, I would say to be prepared and be extra prepared. Be early and don't waste their time because they want you to be what they are looking for.

The Second Interview (Theatre Veteran)

*Forrest Attaway has been acting since he started in high school nearly 25 years ago, and has directed and written shows for over 15 years.*

Have you noticed any constants with college auditions, which don’t vary from director to director?

The only constant is usually the time you have to audition. It traditionally is about 5 minutes, They either want two contrasting pieces or one piece and a song (16 measures)

Have you ever made any blunders (or seen blunders) that you regret (or assume the other person regrets) during an audition?

Working professionally for the past twenty years I have not had to audition. I am usually approached by theatres while they are deciding on their seasons, so I'm traditionally precast. So the last time I auditioned I made a huge blunder- I FORGOT MY HEADSHOT AND RESUME! - because it had been over a decade since any one had asked me for one.

Have you ever done something particularly impressive, which gained the attention of the director?

I crashed an audition in New York I wasn't invited to. I happened to be in the lobby of a building waiting on a rehearsal to start when the SM for a casting call came out and called for someone (who was in the bathroom). I pretended I was them, went in and read for the role, won it on the spot, then had to explain to the casting director why I wasn't on their list.

What general audition tips have you received from others in theatre, or else learned from your life experience?

You should never think of it as an audition, traditionally casting directors have a certain type in mind. They may love your audition and you just don't fit their ideal. The term audition has a negative connotation it. Like you're competing against yourself or something. You should look at it as a job interview, and keep in mind you are auditioning them as much as they are auditioning you. So just be yourself, never be nervous, it's a very small part of what we do.

The First Interview (College Director)

   *This interview was conducted with Ms. LaDona Davis, a retired director for the Trinity Valley Community College theatre department.*

What do you consider the “musts” of a student who attends an audition (whether it’s attire, paperwork, behavioral patterns, or something else)?

If the auditions are "cold", meaning no scripts ahead of time, what I would consider a must would be to come dressed comfortably but nice. IF you know the play and have a particular "character" in mind, dressing somewhat like that character "may" give one an edge. Be professional.

Do you have any audition horror stories, where someone who auditioned did something which ruined their chances of getting a part, or at least greatly hurt their acting reputation?

Other than acting foolish or being rude, my answer would be no. Most who have auditioned for me have been very considerate of each other and eager to read any part asked.

Conversely, do you have any examples of auditions which were executed flawlessly, and made the student stick in your mind (in a positive way)?

 Yes. No specifics in mind but when you "see and hear" that ONE special performer, you know "that's the one I want".

Is there preparation that you generally expect from students other than the usual memorized monologue and printed resume?

Not generally.

For a new-to-acting student at any college who wishes to audition for a play, what tips would you give them to facilitate a good audition?

      Talk with the director or theatre person if possible. Find out as much about the play and the character you may want to audition for and have a positive attitude.