How can I make a good impression at try-outs?

Question:I'm auditioning for my school's spring musical. The scene that I have to read for the audition isn't very fair, because it involves lots of people and every person in the scene has 1 to 2 lines. I really want to get the director's attention, but I'm afraid that will be hard with a scene like that. How should I make a good impression and steal the spotlight?

Oh, and another question. One of the character's in the scene has a thick irish accent. I've tried and tried, but I can't fake an irish accent! So if I just talk normally, will that turn off the director?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I'm auditioning for my school's spring musical. The scene that I have to read for the audition isn't very fair, because it involves lots of people and every person in the scene has 1 to 2 lines. I really want to get the director's attention, but I'm afraid that will be hard with a scene like that. How should I make a good impression and steal the spotlight?

Oh, and another question. One of the character's in the scene has a thick irish accent. I've tried and tried, but I can't fake an irish accent! So if I just talk normally, will that turn off the director?

Unless you're good at the accent, don't do it unless specifically asked. Just speak with your normal voice.

In the audition one of the things the director will watch for is for people trying to stand out, and if you do that it will turn her off and flag you as someone who might be difficult to direct.

But most of all, the director will be watching to see who is LISTENING to everyone else. Even if you're not speaking, you're still on stage and as long as you're on stage, you're acting and when you're not speaking, you should be LISTENING to the actor that is speaking and paying attention to everything else and what everyone else is doing.

Do you know specifically what lines you'll have? If so, memorize your lines and its cue (the other actor's line right before yours) and practice listening.

You don't need to do anything else. This audition is to see who can listen and pay attention. If you pass this audition, you'll be called back to show what else you can do.

You don't want to overdue it, but you certainly don't want to look boring and untalented. Don't upstage everyone because your anxious to do well because that will turn off the director. Basically just do you best but don't try to hard and overdue it. The director will see what he/she needs to see so don't worry about it.

Also have you tried having someone who can do an Irish accent coach you? Also listen to people do and Irish accent on YouTube or somewhere. I bet you can pick it up!

If the director is using an audition scene with lots of characters in it, he or she probably wants to see how well the actors work together as members of an ensemble. So you should drop the it's-not-fair attitude and the I-wanna-steal-the-spotlight ambition. Stay focused on each actor as that person is talking. That way, when it comes your turn to say a line, your words will come out as a natural response to the situation in the scene, not as a diva's showoff moment. Good actors don't drop out of a scene between their lines; they stay alive and engaged every moment that they're on stage, even when they aren't speaking. Good directors notice that kind of stage presence.

If you can't do a dialect, don't do it. If you're right for the role in other ways, the director will work with you on the accent after you get cast.

if you want the directors attention...
give it your all and dont hold back..
dont hold back any piece of emotion!!!
if you can channel your emotions and show them then that will grab the directors attention.
u dont need a thick irish accent if you dont have one.
but it just means your gunna need too work your hardest and focous.
again DONT HOLD BACK!
good luck!!
-Stormi

You will probably only have to do the accent if it is really important to the character or if something is mentioned about it. Maybe you could watch some videos with Irish people in them if tht doesn't work just make up a CRAZY ACCENT or tell the director about your problem.The best way to get attention at auditions is to have a great personality! and be fun and creative. Just have fun with it!!! I auditioned for my school play, and one of the parts I read for was a guy! I had to say " she's ,she's..." in a worried tone!!!! Everyone laughed! So don't worry just show them you can have fun with it!!!!!

The best advice that I can give you is connection. More than once, I've seen someone get a role when everyone was equally qualified because they reached out and touched the other actors. Of course, that might not be appropriate for you scene. But say, for example, that your character is talking to a sibling. Putting your hand on their shoulder will get noticed by the director and show your confidence.

Also, have energy! You don't have to jump around like a cheerleader or be super perky, but be as energetic as you possibly can. No energy = boring. Lotsa enery = you getting the role. :]]

Good luck!

The way that you can be involved in a scene like that and still be noticed is to listen and react to what people are saying. Make bold and storng choices when you are on stage. A lot of people are going to just stand in a line and say their line and that is it. DON'T do that. Be involved. As far as the accent I wouldn't worry about it too much. Because if you don't do a good job that could turn the director off. You can later get a dialect tape to help you if you get that part.