1. Make sure the contact information listed on your resume is correct and current (cell phone, home phone and e-mail address).
2. Bring multiple copies of your headshot and resume.
3. Make sure that you list all special skills that you can perform - and perform well.  You may be asked to demonstrate these skills at your audition.  "Making fart noises with my armpit" is not a special skill, nor funny, nor professional. 
4. List your training and your instructors.  Use this as an opportunity to network.
5. Make sure your credits are listed in chronological order.  If you played Tony in West Side Story 10 years ago and have that credit listed first, think about what that says about you....yes, it's a leading role, but you did it 10 years ago.
6. Never lie on your resume.  Be proud of what you've done.  Remember, quality is so much more important than quantity. If you are coming right out of high school or college, no one is expecting you to have a long list of professional credits.  Also, do not state that you have played a role when indeed you simply performed a scene from that play in class.  Do not misrepresent or falsify your work in any way.
7. Make sure your picture looks like you now.  A headshot should show some personality.

1. Make sure the monologue truly represents you and a role that you could actually play. 
2. Choose an audition piece that you enjoy-something that you will look forward to working on.  Read the play that it comes from!
3. Make sure you have a strong and specific reason for speaking.  Many actors miss this step.  What does the imaginary character you are talking to say or do which causes in you the need to speak?  Let us actually see this step (keep your subtext strong, specific, and alive).
4. Make sure your piece is ACTIVE.  Your character must be trying to affect change in the other (imaginary) character throughout the entire piece.  This is KEY.

1. Choose a piece that you can fully understand and interpret. 
2. Choose what you are good at doing-show off your versatility.
3. t is fine to piece together an audition piece from shorter speeches, but keep in mind the through line of the piece.
4. The audition piece should have a beginning, middle, and end.  It should be a complete unit with a connecting through line.  Like a mini-play.
5. Know your time limit and pay strict attention to it.  If no time limit is stated, keep each piece to around 2 - 3 minutes.
6. Cut the piece if it is too long.
7. Avoid material that requires a dialect.
8. Make mature judgments regarding the necessity for the use of profanity in all selected pieces.
9. Never write your own monologue.  We want to see and hear you audition with a published piece written by a playwright.  You immediately send the wrong message (amateur) to those who are auditioning you with a self-written monologue or a piece from a novel, poem, etc.  Get to know the field you wish to be a part of.  Read plays.  See plays.  Read plays.  Did I tell you, you should read plays!
10. Avoid presenting a piece from a play that is currently running or has just been produced at the theatre you are auditioning for. 
11. If you know the show you are auditioning for, do not audition with a piece from one of the characters you wish to play.  Select a character that is very similar to the character you wish to play.  One young man auditioned for me for the role Cinderella's Prince from Into the Woods.  Instead of singing something from Into the Woods, he sang "Ten Minutes Ago" from Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella.  I loved this choice.  It was a song by Cinderella's Prince from another musical.  Clever. 
12. Always have more material ready in case you are asked, "Do you have another piece?"  If you say, "No," think about what message that sends to those who are auditioning you.  Make sure you have something that contrasts with what you just presented. 
13. The confidence, poise and polish characteristic of an outstanding audition presentation is the result of dedicated, and concentrated rehearsal.  Adequate rehearsal is vital.  For example, a five minute presentation should be rehearsed a minimum of six hours, excluding time spent memorizing the piece.
14. NEVER let the audition day be the first public performance of your audition piece.

Obtain as much information about the audition BEFORE YOU GO.

• When is the production?
• When is the first rehearsal?
• Who will be at the auditions?
• Location and floor?
• What type of contract/does it pay?
• What space will I be auditioning in?
• The more information you know, the less you will be thrown when you arrive.

1. List all perceived conflicts at your audition.  If you are not willing to let go of a major conflict, then please do not go through with the audition. 
2. Make sure to call within 24 hours if you are not able to attend an audition. 
3. Do not audition if you are ill.  You will give your illness to others. There will be other chances. 
4. Remember, this is a job interview.  So make sure that what you wear reflects you as a professional interviewing for a job. 
5. Do not wear a costume. 
6. Never bring major props (a letter, a ring, handkerchief are fine).  Never bring fake weapons, knives, etc.
7. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your audition to complete paperwork and give yourself time to focus for the audition.
8. Always be professional and polite to everyone you meet.  Your audition begins when you enter the building.
9. Introduce yourself and the piece(s) you are presenting.  However, be fully present in the room.  If you just introduced yourself on the way into the room or have been introduced by the audition moderator, there is no need to repeat your name again.  Simply state the character name, the play and the playwright.
10. Please do not shake the hands of the auditors unless they offer it to you.  Remember, they have seen many nervous actors all day.  Shaking sweaty hands is never pleasant.
11. Make sure you have a reason to speak.  See #3 under Monologue above.
12. Do not address your monologue to those you are auditioning for.  The director, auditor, etc., are not in your play with you. 
13. Make sure to play the monologue as if the scene partner (your specific imaginary character) is on stage with you down center.  We need to see as much of you, your face, etc. as possible.  Please do not deliver the piece in profile.
14. Have additional pieces ready in case you are asked to present something more.
15. Know that those auditioning you are hoping that you are the answer to their casting puzzle.  They want you to succeed.  They are rooting for you.  And hey, they are a captive audience for the next 3-5 minutes.  This is your chance to play Hamlet!  Relish in the joy of that.

1. Say, "Thank you!"
2. Do not ask for feedback. 
3. Leave graciously.  Do not air any frustrations that you experienced performing your piece or if you felt things were not as organized as they should have been, or if you felt you weren't given any attention by those auditioning you, etc.  You never know who will overhear you. 
4. Send a follow up note thanking the company for the chance to audition.  Something simple that also has your headshot included.  Bob Mason at Chicago Shakespeare suggests scanning your headshot and making your own letterhead. Excellent idea.  They do not need another picture/resume.
5. Treat yourself for successfully completing the audition process.  Have a cup of coffee at Starbucks, purchase a new book, go for a relaxing walk, etc.  This is not an easy process for an actor - so reward yourself in a simple, but profound way.