About acting and auditioning?

Question:Im just wondering...:
What is more important at an audition, actually knowing how to act and use your voice, even if it's not so great. And if you're a good actor, but your not the hottest person around. Which is more important, which do judges look at more?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Im just wondering...:
What is more important at an audition, actually knowing how to act and use your voice, even if it's not so great. And if you're a good actor, but your not the hottest person around. Which is more important, which do judges look at more?

Yes, take all these people's advices, but most important, NEVER give up!

This depends on what is being asked of you at the audition. If you're asked to memorize and do a monologue pof your won, then the director is looking at how well you act, how well you've prepared, how well committed to memory everything is. If you're asked to do a "cold readng," then you are being judged more on how you interact with others and how well you can make sense out of a script that you've never seen before. Listen to the director and do what he or she says. This is where they judge you on your ability to be directed and follow instructions. After I performed a monologue once, I was asked to do my monologue again but this time like a 6-yr old who was in trouble and then like a very oversexed movie star just to see if I could come up with different readings.

at the local theatre here, they look at effort and ability to take direction. and a voice if you audition for a part in a musical

I re-read your question several times, and if I'm not mistaken (and feel free to correct me if I am), you're asking whether it's more important to have a modicum of talent but be ultra-committed, or be naturally talented regardless of your looks...

Going on that assumption, I'd say that it really depends on what you're pursuing. If you're going out for the part of a Rockette, then it will very likely be important that you be their definition of "hot." They'll probably care more about that than your acting or other talents. Likewise, if you're going for the role of Celie in The Color Purple (for instance) your talent/acting/level of commitment will be 99% of it, and your looks only 1%. if you're going for something in the middle -- let's say Wicked, for instance -- I'd imagine that it's something like 75% talent, 20% looks and 5% luck. No one wants an ugly Galinda, but it's more important that whoever gets that part knocks your socks off with personality and vocal prowess. Likewise, Elphaba needs to be a vocal powerhouse, and her looks come second.

I think you have to take it on a case by case scenario, based on the part you're pursuing. Yes, it helps to be better looking than your competition, but at the end of the day, no one of repute is going to cast a pretty girl who can't act and has no commitment to her role and the project over someone who has natural talent and has been well-trained (but may not be as good looking).

Good luck!

They look at the whole and see if it can work with what they see in their heads.

Often the most important thing is whether or not you can take direction. For example, if you do an angry monologue, like you're yelling at your husband about something, and then the director says, "Could you do it again, as if you are talking to this problem to a friend late at night after the fight has blown over?" The important thing in a case like this is to do your best to change to their directed version of the monologue.

Another important thing in scene readings is to make sure that you really listen to your scene partner. The way he or she changes inflection could help you to have a beautiful moment in an audition and if you miss it, it could fall really flat.

Also, most directors now want an actor who can sing and dance a bit, rather than a singer who can act a bit.

Frankly, most directors know if they want you or not within 15-30 seconds of you walking into the room and starting your audition. Nowadays, much more is placed on whether or not you look the part rather than talent. Of course talent is still important, but there are so many talented people out there who want to make it, directors and producers can decide if they want the amazing blonde belter who is 5'4'' or the amazing blonde belter who is 5'6''. It does sometimes get down to the simple fact that the leading man is only 5'10'', so you have to go with the slightly shorter actress.

It's a tough business.

And they're called 'auditors,' not judges. :)

Your director/auditioner will look to see if you are right for the role.

End Of Story.