“Auditionology” Class with Head Casting Director

Harriet Greenspan

Learning to Prepare for An Audition 

 

I teach Audition Technique. Getting ready for "The Audition" is the key to getting the role!  We work on preparation and how to actually audition. I cover every step needed, from the moment the actors get their audition material (sides) to the minute they walk into that audition, whether it's in an actual casting office or taping for "The Audition." How can they best be prepared for this moment. I work with  the young actor’s intelligence, who they are individually, exploring within, and empowering them with the tools, techniques, and discipline they need to succeed as professional actors.

During this workshop, I will engage the actors in fun and age appropriate activities that relate to the audition. 

Preparation: Through these activities, I will become more familiar with the actors, their personalities, sense of humor, energy and skill, to give out appropriate material. Then, I begin with the steps they need to prepare, including how to make clear, strong choices that they can own, through these activities and discussions. Material is given out. We incorporate everything we've learned so far, in preparing their material. In some workshops, depending on the group or location of workshops, material is given out a day earlier. Either way, I work on strengthening the audition. 

Audition Technique: I cover all the ways they should prepare and feel comfortable with the scene in an audition situation both in the room with a Casting Director or for self tape situations which today is very common.  We focus on character analysis within the scene, with the emphasis on how to find the funny! We work on finding the funny because there is funny in EVERYTHING!  How to incorporate who YOU are in the character you are playing. We work on how to memorize your lines easily and how your character works within the scene. I also work on behavior in the casting arena before you get into that casting office. I also discuss what do you do after the audition. 

Parents: 

I also spend time with the parents before or after the workshop answering questions and enlightening them on what we cover in the workshop.  If we do parent time after the workshop, the kids discuss what they learned. Parents play a huge part in the career of the young actor.