A few notes to help you prepare for your general audition:
First, know that everyone in the audition room wants you to do well and are excited to see you. We want you to audition and are grateful you have taken the time to prepare something for us. Directors and other casting personnel are pulling for you to do well. They're on your side. They want to discover new talent. They also want to see the growth you have made since they last saw you. The audition is a good chance for them to see you in new ways.
A prepared piece gives you the advantage over a "cold" script reading because you can choose something that shows you off best. Remember that you, not the plays, are auditioning. A well-done prepared piece can cause a director to change their thinking about a role before they see you again.
Suggestions for Selecting a Monologue: The audition is your opportunity to perform--not a hurdle or cruel and unusual punishment. Do something you enjoy. This is probably more important than anything else.
Try to pick a piece from a play that is not hugely popular. The piece should not be over-used. A piece that begins, "To be or not to be..." must be performed far better than one from a good but lesser-known play in order to make a positive impression in an audition.
Make sure the piece is active (not reflective or remembering a moment from the past). Pieces are usually more successful when they convey a clear want, need or intention by your character. Choose accordingly.
Pick a piece that showcases your strengths as an actor. Ask yourself if the piece demands qualities that you can project well. Don't choose a piece said to be a good piece if it doesn't compliment you. You are the important one in the audition.
In professional and regional theatres, actors play their own ages. Choose a role that you could conceivably play.
You should not have to set the piece in context by explaining who is talking to whom, etc. If you must explain anything, the piece is probably not a good audition piece.
Most casting people know most plays. Do not waste your audition time by explaining or telling the story of the play.
Time: You have 3 minutes to perform 1 or 2 monologues. You do not need to use the full 3 minutes.
Time your pieces by doing them several times aloud for someone. You should be aware that directors form an impression of auditioners in the first minute. The second minute is for confirmation.
If a director needs to see more, they will call you back or talk to you.
Auditions will be timed. This is done in order to be fair. Without it, the large number of actors who deserve to be seen, couldn’t be. The monitor will sit in a seat fairly close to the stage. They will signal when you have 10 seconds remaining by raising their hand, and will say "stop" when your 3 minutes are up. Timing will begin after you say your name and the names of your pieces.
Prepare yourself well. If you can, choose and prepare your pieces well ahead of time. You never know what good things may come from proper and full preparation. Give yourself the best chance you can.
Know your material well. Rehearse it thoroughly. It is expected that pieces will be memorized for these auditions. However, in cases of not auditioning at all versus an audition using a script, an audition with script is preferable. A well-prepared audition is an indication that you care about your audition and the opportunity it presents. If need be, bring a copy of your pieces with you to the audition, in case you need to refer to it.
Immediately before the audition, while you are waiting your turn, give yourself some time to concentrate and focus on yourself and the intentions of the character you are going to play.
You will be asked to Slate your piece before you begin, which means giving the following information, your name and what pieces your are about to perform. An Example: "My name is (your name). My pieces are (character's name) from (play title) and (character's name) from (play title)." OR if it is for a musical audition: "My song is (title) from (title of musical)."
Pause briefly before you begin and again between pieces. Almost everyone is nervous before an audition (just like before any performance). Nerves can help you become more vibrant. Use the extra adrenalin energy to spur you on. Open yourself up to it and it can work for you.
Don't be afraid to be extravagant and enjoy yourself. If you enjoy yourself, those watching will as well.
When you are finished, thank those watching and leave the stage briskly. If someone wants to ask a question, they will. Time is precious to the others who are auditioning. Use your time fully, then move on so that others can do so.