Hello. So my friend sent me a audition that i think she found in backstage. The audition says the day, sign in period, location. Its for a feature film. My one question is: Are they going to provide you with a script there. Or do you have to some how get it.

At feature film auditions are you supposed to already have the script memorized? Also have the script already?

Or do they give you the script there?

I know my grammar is bad but this queiton is driving me crazy!

Cold readings are something that's very common in LA. Maybe the trend is catching on in NY.

Do the casting directors have an email or other form of contact listed?

quote:

Originally posted by CanYouCompete:
Hello. So my friend sent me a audition that i think she found in backstage. The audition says the day, sign in period, location. Its for a feature film. My one question is: Are they going to provide you with a script there. Or do you have to some how get it.

At feature film auditions are you supposed to already have the script memorized? Also have the script already?

Or do they give you the script there?

I know my grammar is bad but this queiton is driving me crazy!

If there is contact information, then call/email (whichever method they provide) and ask if they will provide sides prior to auditions , (if it's an open call, they probably won't), or will it be a cold reading.

If it's a cold reading they might give you a copy of the scene to look at while you wait your turn, but I have been to other auditions where I walked in and they gave me the script and said "Go".

If you DO get the sides prior to the audition, try your best to memorize it. Holding that paper in your hand can cripple you. In the meantime, practice memorizing every day. That way, if you get 15 minutes with the script before auditioning, you should be able to learn many of the lines.

quote:

Originally posted by glamourpuss:

quote:

Originally posted by CanYouCompete:
Hello. So my friend sent me a audition that i think she found in backstage. The audition says the day, sign in period, location. Its for a feature film. My one question is: Are they going to provide you with a script there. Or do you have to some how get it.

At feature film auditions are you supposed to already have the script memorized? Also have the script already?

Or do they give you the script there?

I know my grammar is bad but this queiton is driving me crazy!

If there is contact information, then call/email (whichever method they provide) and ask if they will provide sides prior to auditions , (if it's an open call, they probably won't), or will it be a cold reading.

If it's a cold reading they might give you a copy of the scene to look at while you wait your turn, but I have been to other auditions where I walked in and they gave me the script and said "Go".

If you DO get the sides prior to the audition, try your best to memorize it. Holding that paper in your hand can cripple you. In the meantime, practice memorizing every day. That way, if you get 15 minutes with the script before auditioning, you should be able to learn many of the lines.

I totally disagree with memorizing it and not having the side in your hand.

The ONLY thing that should be memorized is the first line.

Memorizing can take you away from focusing on what matters the most such as: the relationship, the need, the specifics, environment, etc. Those are the things that should be worked on prior to an audition. If you have those things solid it will in turn help you better understand and possibly know your lines by heart.

What if you "memorize" it without holding the sides and flub or skip a line? You're now thrown off and fall apart because you don't have the sides to keep you back on track. Or what if you change a word around or paraphrase it? This can be insulting to the writer, especially if it's a soap or sit-com where being word for word is important. Or even worse, what if they COMPLETELY re-write the sides when you get to the audition? You've wasted time.

Having the paper in your hand can help you. Treat it like a map. You can write your specifics on it to better help you during the audition.

You don't have to have your eyes off of the paper all of the time. When you talk to a person naturally, are your eyes always looking into the other person's eyes? NO! Sometimes you might look away or maybe look down before you say something. Looking at your sides can be treated as those natural reactions. Of course you NEVER look at the sides when the other person is talking. You listen and react then look down and pick up off of the page toward the end of phrases and thoughts.

Here are some of the people that agree with me on this:
-Michael Shurtleff- Legendary audition teacher who wrote the great book, Audition.
-Margie Haber- Rated the #1 audition/coldreading coach in LA if not the whole U.S. and author of "How to Get the Part Without Falling Apart."
-Glenn Alterman- reknown coach in NY
-Amy Lyndon- Top LA coldreading coach

Its gives an email but the email is only for contact if you can not make the audition.

I got the sides off of showfax.com. I started to memorize and get familiar with the character and the lines.

But now that I have the lines, should i bring them with me to the audition.

Also when in the audition, your not supposed to look at the casting director, when do your lines....right? Are you supposed to look above their head.

Also, when i walk in do i give my headshot and resume to her/him or DO I WAIT UNTLL they ask?

Also when if i have the lines fully memorized, should i still bring the script in?..

Another question in the script. I catch a basketball. It says he holds it but theirs like 10 lines after that. should i keep pretending to hold the basketball.

Sorry i know it sounds confusing

quote:

Originally posted by CanYouCompete:
But now that I have the lines, should i bring them with me to the audition.

Also when in the audition, your not supposed to look at the casting director, when do your lines....right? Are you supposed to look above their head.

Also, when i walk in do i give my headshot and resume to her/him or DO I WAIT UNTLL they ask?

Also when if i have the lines fully memorized, should i still bring the script in?..

In a theatrical on-camera audition, you look at the person who is reading with you ie. casting director or reader. You have to imagine them as the person you're talking to in the scene.

I said it before, even if you have the lines memorized, you should still bring the sides in. What if you forget and you're paperless? You fall apart! PLEASE READ MY EARLIER POST ON WHY YOU SHOULD NOT MEMORIZE FOR AN AUDITION!

Wait until they ask for your headshot and resume.

What you can do with the basketball is pretend to catch it and drop it on the ground so you don't look stupid holding some imaginary basketball. NEVER pantomime actions. How important is you catching the ball in this scene? If it's not that important, leave that out.

Ok. But about the headshot. When i walk in the room were do i go? Do i just stand in the middle of the room and wait for them to ask for my headshot?

Thanks for the basketball tip.

quote:

Originally posted by CanYouCompete:
Ok. But about the headshot. When i walk in the room were do i go? Do i just stand in the middle of the room and wait for them to ask for my headshot?

Usually, the casting director or his or her session runner will greet you at the door and ask for it. Don't stress about stupid details like these.

DON'T memorize!

Focus on:
The relationship
Your intent
History
Environment
Point of view
Specifics

Those things will help support you when you say your lines. And maybe you'll have these things so vivid that the lines will come to you.

I know not to memorize. Ive been practicing stuff like relationship, mood, enviorment. But sometimes i practice alot and end up memorizing it.

Im stressing becuase this is my first real audiiton. I mean i've auditioned for short films and stuff but never a feature film. So im just a little nervous.

Will not having agent effect my chances of getting the role? Also not being in a union.

if you are right for the role, you have as good a chance as anyone else. as long as you actually get a chance to audition, you have put yourself in the mix.

not being in a union may be a stumbling point. but if you are already set to go perhaps you know that they are seeing non union candidates?

be yourself, have fun with it and if it is meant to be yours ... it will be.

and if it is not ... getting in front of a casting director can't hurt. and the experience itself will be worth it. when it's done, do a little self assessment.

what went well?
what would i change (if i could)?
what will i do differently next time?

then go get yourself a coffee (or soda, or water, or whatever) and move on to the next audition opportunity.

Thanks that gave me alot of confidence.

At end of the notice it says Sag Theatrical Contract

Does this mean you have to be in sag or does it mean, if you get the part you have to sign that contract?