Acting : Acting Life by Josiah Bhola Hillaire

Practice. As always, practice makes perfect and is the best way to hone a skill. These days, most film or TV auditions are done over self-tape, which gives you a lot of freedom and flexibility to take your time and ease into choices. You can do as many takes as you need on a camera at home and then pick your favorite ones to submit. If it's a live audition, just make sure you're putting in the prep work to feel comfortable with the material, be as off book as possible, and then let everything else go as you enter the room.

Hi Josiah - here's a Stage 32 webinar taught by a top casting director that discusses how best to get noticed so you can get work as an actor: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Actors-How-to-Get-Noticed-By-A-Casting-...

Auditions are the fun part... it takes a mindset shift. Totally understand the nerves being there, but if you look at an audition as if you already have the job... then you are free to do your work right then and there. You don't have to worry about booking the gig, they'll let you know that later, and it is entirely out of your control. Focus what's in your control... having fun with your work in the moment. Take a breath and let the rest of it go! Easier said than done I know, but like Ashley said practice, practice, practice, practice.

Thank you all for your thoughts. I was a former actor and don’t have any intentions of getting back to acting. I’m more into screenwriting and the production side of film. Don’t mind relearning acting again though.

how are u afraid of auditioning? isnt the whole point of acting that you can perform in front of people? XD

lol Hanno. what i meant to say is, if you are afraid of acting for the director and casting agent, how will you be able to act for the entire audience, including director, cast and crew...??? im not going after any body, people just need to check themselves before asking redundant questions XD

Danetto Zi, there are no redundant questions, stupid questions, or unnecessary questions here at Stage 32. If someone is curious about something, then likely they're not the only one who's interested or has had a similar thought. The wild thing about actors, is they're not innately immune from things like stage fright and anxiety. There are plenty of professional performers who get nervous before auditions or big scenes. It's about learning how to push through those anxieties to give the best possible performance, which is something that can take a lot of time, practice, and training depending on the individual. Performing can have different significance to different people. Sometimes it's not about acting in front of other people but experiencing different characters, stories, and journeys for reasons that are a lot more personal.

Hello Josiah my man I have a couple of things for you concerning fear of audition.

If you have a fear of auditions, there are several things you can do to help manage your anxiety and improve your performance:

✧ Practice hard! : The more you practice your audition material, the more comfortable and confident you will become with your performance.

✧Visualize success: Before your audition, try visualizing yourself performing well and receiving positive feedback. This can help build your confidence and reduce anxiety.

✧Focus on your breathing: Deep breathing exercises can help calm your nerves and reduce anxiety. Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.

✧Get support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your fears and anxieties. Having a support system can help you feel more confident and less alone.

✧You should remember that everyone gets nervous: It's natural to feel nervous before an audition, but try to remember that everyone experiences these feelings. You're not alone, and you can overcome your fears with time and practice.

✧Be prepared: Make sure you have everything you need for your audition, including your sheet music, headshot, and resume. Being prepared can help reduce anxiety and make you feel more confident.

Some of the stunts I do, I'mma be real honest with you right now. Most especially the new ones, I get a little bit apprehensive at first but with just a little practice and a deep breath I get it easy.

1/2 of 5mg. valium or Klonopin 45 minutes before audition.

Hi Josiah! This is an excellent question, and one that there isn't a 1 size fits all for. I think it really depends on the reasoning behind that fear. The closest to a fix-it-all I can give for you is preparation.

Contrary to popular belief, that doesn't mean knowing your lines off by heart. Although that may work for you, as long as you've done the necessary preparation on the script, you know what your character needs and is trying to achieve in the scene, you've done all of the preparation - then you should hopefully feel that burden lessen and the fear dissipate.

Yes, you can memorize the lines but don't worry about having the sides in hand ready to look at. Remember that an audition is not a finished product. It is an opportunity for you to show the casting director and creative team you embodying that character truthfully. And that requires prep. No-one is going to mind a bit of nerves, but just remember that you were invited to audition because you earned it.

Practice practice practice! If auditions scare you, then do practice auditions. Find sides online, ask a friend to record and read with you. Join an audition class! There's so much you can do to minimize that fear. But most importantly, try to enjoy the opportunity given to you to play a new character, even if for the audition only.

Worry less about what others will think and more about what you have to offer. Go for it! Life is too short to overthink everything. Best wishes to you!

You have to understand why you are wary of Auditions. In reality, Casting is simply looking for a match for their role. If you don't match it, or can't offer something within your performance that makes them question their original choice to look at you closer, then you will get turned down. This has nothing to do with you, it's simply their choice. Understand the role, learn the lines, work on a presentation that is different from others and still fit's the role's outlines. Once you do that be on time, willing to try something different and present what you do with confidence. Then forget it and move on to the next one. Each audition is a different performance, but you aren't being judged on it, nor should you expect a 'round of applause' for it.

Josiah Bhola Hillaire - it's human nature to be nervous to perform in front of someone, especially a crowd. Over time, those fears will subside. Don't let anyone get you down. Just go for it. And if you don't get a part, don't be afraid to ask what you could try differently next time.

Thank you so much

Great question. In my experience as a "performer" (TV, sports announcing, speaking/playing sports in front of thousands), it's not the AUDITION that frightens folks -- it's the fear of failure, "messing up" or humiliation for all to see. There's a great quote by Dr. Wayne Dyer that says, "we have to stop investing in the good opinion of others". Spot on. Once you divest in others' opinions, life changes. P.S. DIVESTING doesn't necessarily mean that you don't "care what others think" -- it often means that you've come to understand that what THEY think has its place -- but that that place isn't going to determine how YOU feel about you or your performance.