Handling Nerves at Auditions
Thu, 12 Oct 2006, 03:52 pmsare301012 posts in thread
Handling Nerves at Auditions
Thu, 12 Oct 2006, 03:52 pmHi all...
I'm wondering if anyone can give me some options for handling nerves at auditions. I'm affected by them quite severely and I truly believe they let me down immensely during auditions. I've heard many theories including:
- Knowing your material well, being well rehearsed
- Breathing/meditation/imagining you're on a tropical island sort of thing
- Seeing your audition as a performance and knowing the panel want you to do well
So, with all these checked, and short of taking some mind-altering drugs, what else can I do?! Does anyone have any food remedies? It really is a sad thing because as soon as I walk into an audition room, my voice falters, my heart beats a thousand beats per second and my hands get all clammy.
Also if there are any current WAAPA/NIDA people out there, could you please let me know how you think you fared in your audition that got you into drama school. Did you feel extremely confident after your final audition? What did they panel say to you? I will be auditioning next month.
Handling Nerves
Fri, 13 Oct 2006, 09:03 amThis may not be of much help - but it gets better. I have found the best way to cure nerves at auditions is to be experienced at auditioning. The more auditions you go to, the better it gets, and the more calm you will become - trust me! Go to as many auditions as you can. And yes, knowing the material inside out is very important. I have also found doing a bit of research about the company/director helps - have some questions for them to take the heat off you. Ask why they chose to direct this production and if they have a history about it. Some friendly chit chat(if there is time, of course) related to the show projects your interest and helps them remember you as someone good to work with.
Hope this helps!
Rae Johnston
Actress/Voice Artist
www.raejohnston.com