Auditioning is an important skill, not just an extension of acting, it's a separate skill that can be developed in many acting classes in NYC. Gaining acting experience on stage, film or television is an important way to develop acting skills, but that won't happen if you don't audition well. If you are considering acting classes in NYC, look for an institution that helps its students build auditioning skills. Being prepared, with a deep set of auditioning skills is necessary if you expect to exploit every opportunity to audition that comes your way. Acting classes in NYC that teach Meisner acting offer foundational skills that can be developed over time. There is a known connection between the Meisner acting technique and professional, inspiring auditioning techniques.
There is no such thing as "failing" an audition unless you have fallen into one of these traps. The first is to be overconfident. At the same time you cannot allow yourself to be overly nervous or insecure, unless the role calls for it. Producers and directors, casting agents see overconfidence and extreme nervousness all the time and this is not what will work against you in the end. Being nervous or confident projects a sense of "self awareness" which can kill a great acting performance.
An overconfident actor may come across as being too rehearsed, without enough room for spontaneity to emerge during the audition. Too nervous, and it's too distracting to you and the auditors and you run the risk of not being open to the performance and the emerging character. Many layers of human traits must be there, along with the one or two that are at the core of the characters being in the story.
Many preparing for auditions consider the slate unimportant. As many of you know, the slate is when you state your name into the camera so the auditors can keep track of everyone they've seen. What may seem like a tiny practical thing, can have huge consequences if they don't like what they see. The harsh reality is this. There is no guarantee ever that a producer or director will watch a tape past the slate. For any given part there are likely hundreds of folks auditioning. They are on the lookout for the best of the best and a so-so slate will indicate that your tape is not worth their while. A quick dismissal of an actor's tape because of a lackluster slate gets them to their goal more quickly.
This may seem tough, but no one said auditioning was easy. Learning to slate well is one way to get an advantage over some of the actors you go up against. Some acting classes teach excellent auditioning skills knowing how important they are. Acting classes in NYC are a great resource for learning about slates. In fact, some acting classes in NYC will ask you to slate to enter the class. It's something you can do on your own, and do quite well with a little help from a friend. Have a friend set up a camera, some lights and give it a go. Some things to think about if you do practice slates. Communicating to a "presence" or person rather than the camera is important. This is something you can record, playback and assess. Find people you trust to watch the slate and give you feedback.
Keep the information to a minimum and keep it simple. This is their first impression of you as an actor but the real deal should be saved for the audition. While it might be okay to offer a hint of character for a commercial audition, it's still a risk. You could be wrong in your assumption about what they are looking for, and lose them before they even view your real work. Mainly, the aim is to give a slate that represents you as a person and as an actor. Slate and then, give them a brilliantly original, fresh fascinating character that will make their project soar. Seek out Meisner acting NYC if you want to know more about how to create character with this technique.
There is no such thing as "failing" an audition unless you have fallen into one of these traps. The first is to be overconfident. At the same time you cannot allow yourself to be overly nervous or insecure, unless the role calls for it. Producers and directors, casting agents see overconfidence and extreme nervousness all the time and this is not what will work against you in the end. Being nervous or confident projects a sense of "self awareness" which can kill a great acting performance.
An overconfident actor may come across as being too rehearsed, without enough room for spontaneity to emerge during the audition. Too nervous, and it's too distracting to you and the auditors and you run the risk of not being open to the performance and the emerging character. Many layers of human traits must be there, along with the one or two that are at the core of the characters being in the story.
Many preparing for auditions consider the slate unimportant. As many of you know, the slate is when you state your name into the camera so the auditors can keep track of everyone they've seen. What may seem like a tiny practical thing, can have huge consequences if they don't like what they see. The harsh reality is this. There is no guarantee ever that a producer or director will watch a tape past the slate. For any given part there are likely hundreds of folks auditioning. They are on the lookout for the best of the best and a so-so slate will indicate that your tape is not worth their while. A quick dismissal of an actor's tape because of a lackluster slate gets them to their goal more quickly.
This may seem tough, but no one said auditioning was easy. Learning to slate well is one way to get an advantage over some of the actors you go up against. Some acting classes teach excellent auditioning skills knowing how important they are. Acting classes in NYC are a great resource for learning about slates. In fact, some acting classes in NYC will ask you to slate to enter the class. It's something you can do on your own, and do quite well with a little help from a friend. Have a friend set up a camera, some lights and give it a go. Some things to think about if you do practice slates. Communicating to a "presence" or person rather than the camera is important. This is something you can record, playback and assess. Find people you trust to watch the slate and give you feedback.
Keep the information to a minimum and keep it simple. This is their first impression of you as an actor but the real deal should be saved for the audition. While it might be okay to offer a hint of character for a commercial audition, it's still a risk. You could be wrong in your assumption about what they are looking for, and lose them before they even view your real work. Mainly, the aim is to give a slate that represents you as a person and as an actor. Slate and then, give them a brilliantly original, fresh fascinating character that will make their project soar. Seek out Meisner acting NYC if you want to know more about how to create character with this technique.
About the Author:
The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides meisner acting instruction in New York City. For more information about acting classes nyc visit the studio website where you can get specific answers to any question you have.
