TV and theatre acting auditions sometimes feel to actors more like a lottery than an opportunity for them to show their talent. It can help, however, if you take a pragmatic view when you prepare.

Aside from whatever audition pieces you have up your sleeve, you should always run through a mental checklist before your next batch of auditions:

- Have you checked the venue date and time of the audition?

- Have you made a journey plan for yourself? You need to be confident of getting to auditions without delays or mistakes a good fifteen minutes in advance of your call. Take into consideration possible public transport disruption, the day of the week, and the time of day – is it around rush-hour, for example? Also, don’t forget to take their contact number with you.

- Have you chosen what you’re going to wear – bearing in mind your own comfort and ease, but also anything you know about the role you may be auditioning for? It can help if you wear elements appropriate to the character you will be portraying.

- Have you updated your CV and photo?

Getting the practicalities right helps because it allows you to concentrate on the more important aspects of upcoming auditions. If you turn up late and flustered you won’t give of your best.

Here at Audition Now we inform you of the latest TV and theatre auditions by texting you direct to your mobile phone. That way you can be sure of access to the best opportunities for your stage and screen career.

One of the reasons actors of all ages and experience can find acting auditions nerve-wracking is the element of the unknown. Until you walk into the room, you can’t know what you are going to be expected to do. The ‘cold reading’ is an unknown, and you may be asked to read it in different ways. With your prepared pieces, however, you are completely in control. You can show your talent exactly as you want it to be seen.

Choose contrasting pieces: a classical soliloquy and something contemporary; or something serious and something comic. However well you think you know them, try reciting them in completely different, even bizarre ways. You will be surprised how much added meaning you can find to the text if you give it time. Imagine the speech as said by someone of the opposite sex, or by a child or an old person. Then imagine situations: how do different circumstances affect the way you deliver your lines? This is the same for TV auditions as well as theatre auditions, so it is important to be prepared.

Perform your audition pieces to friends or family: don’t change things because they say you should, but think about their responses, and what that tells you about the effect your performance has. They will give you an idea about what reaction you will generate at casting calls.

We at Audition Now have a lot to offer you as you build your acting career. Let us start by keeping you posted about all the latest acting auditions, sent direct by SMS to your mobile phone.