I've been trying to come up with the best way to gracefully exit an audition once I am finished with my read.

What is your "exit strategy"?

Thank you and good bye.

quote:

Originally posted by CSilvera:
Thank you and good bye.

Exactly. Short, simple and to the point. Same way I do it as well.

id even skip the goodbye

"blah blah blah"

thank you...

(hopefully they'll ask you to stay, but if you wait for them to say "thanks" then you may look like an ass)

You end your audition with a warm, genuine 'Thank you' and a big smile before you turn, and carry your positive action all the way out the door. You don't say 'Thank you' over your shoulder as you walk out (because it comes across as '<Something Else!> you', and you walk out like you own the place and everything you did was intentional and just right, regardless of whether it was. If you walk out mumbling like Mutley and flogging yourself, it shows! Don't forget to smile at the monitor and wish them a good day as you pass them. The assistant today could be the CD tomorrow!

Second Banana is absolutely right. Just to add: Keep your belongings compact (just one bag) so you don't have to say "thanks!" and then awkwardly gather your things for 30 seconds while the auditors wait.

Excellent point Jackie! And one I take to heart every time!

Yes, a grear point, traveling light is best. It's funny, I usually leave my topcoat and bag in the holding room when I go in to audition and I've only had three things stiolen in the last few months... all of them the paperbacks I was reading as I waited! Can you believe that?

Just a simple thanks is the best.

I'll bet casting people see some pretty strange ways of ending auditions (and a lot of strange things in general).

CD's: Okay, thank you!
You: Oh... well did you want it read a different way? I mean, I could...
CD's: No, that was great, thanks!
You: Great? Ah, geez, that's what you guys all say and I never ever get a callback. I can do it a different way if you want.
CD's: THANK YOU, NO!
You: Oh... I mean if you...okay. (deep breathe) Thank you! I really hope I get this part. It will devastate me if I don't because I think the writing is amazing and you guys look like you've lost weight.

That's one way to end it. Not one I'd recommend, but one way

(sorry, I just got wisdom teeth removed and I'm feeling loopy)

My kids have been auditioning for quite some time and they say "thank you for your time," smile and leave.

Since my last post, I attended an audition that I arrived an hour early for. Much to my surprise, there were only five people waiting and only one more person arrived before they were all finished. Most were singing 16 and 32 bar cuts, so I picked a nice 32 and got in the room 45 minutes early... they asked for the whole song. When I finished, I smiled, turned to the accompanist, and they asked if I wanted to sing for a second role I had previously discussed with the CD. Sure, no problem... the whole song again. I smiled, turned, and as I was collecting my book, the monitor indicated there was nobody else outside, and they asked if I wanted to sing something else... er... "Like what?" I was actually kind of shaken, asked if they wanted something in particular and then they started chatting with me. All I could think was... "Thanks, have a great night. That's my line. Say it and get out! Thank you. Get out. No really, the teacher said 'say thank you and leave'." Heh. Well, we actually had a nice five minute chat and I enjoyed getting to know more about their company. I just got a callback, I'm going to bring a snack and a folding chair.

Joe--that's a great story! It's a reminder that all have to stay flexible--as you obviously did. You never know, and we have to be open to the moment presented.

The chatting is almost always a very good thing....although one of these chats comes back to me now...this should be obvious, but remember to keep it positive and not complain! Here's a conversation I was in on a few years back--at an audition for a play that rehearsed in LA.

Us: Your resume lists a Canada number--are you new to LA?
Actor: Yeah, I have been down here about 6 months, but I'm thinking of going back soon.
Us: Oh?
Actor: Yeah, LA is just an awful place--everyone is so rude and fake. I really hate it.
Us: Oh, that's too bad.
Actor: Yeah, I might head back this month. It's just so awful here.
Us: Yeah.... Okay, thanks!

I am not exaggerating.