Auditioning is a crucial skill, not just an essential part of acting; it's a separate skill that can be developed in many acting classes. Working actors know that gaining experience is critical, and that won't happen if you tend not to audition well. Acting classes might be the place to build strong auditioning skills, but it doesn't hurt to work on this independently as well. Landing a role is luck and timing but, none of that matters if you're not prepared when the opportunity comes. Acting classes at Kids Act LA teach Meisner acting offer foundational skills that can be developed over time. And, Meisner acting techniques can be used to improve your auditions as well.
There are one or two ways that are common reasons actors "fail" to turn in arresting auditions. One way to be discounted is to appear overconfident. At the same time you cannot allow yourself to be overly nervous or insecure, unless the role calls for it. Directors and producers are used to seeing overly confident or insecure actors and this is not what will count against you. The real problem is when you are nervous, and you attempt to hide it, an attempt which in turn makes you wonder if you are showing it, and before long you are completely shut down emotionally.
Being "closed off" or self aware is a very bad acting habit, and one that threatens to get in the way of a great audition as well. In essence, "you" and whatever you are feeling needs to disappear, and make way for a fascinating, exciting character to emerge. The many layers of human traits, communicated in a thousand smalls ways is what must shine through, how you feel personally can't inhibit this.
The slate may not seem important. As many of you know, the slate is when you state your name into the camera so the auditors can keep track of everyone they've seen. What may seem to have little importance, in fact may be the very thing that keeps you from being seen. The bad news is this. Not all casting directors, producers or directors watch all the tapes past the slate. For any given part there are likely hundreds of folks auditioning. They are on the lookout for the best of the best and a so-so slate will indicate that your tape is not worth their while. A quick dismissal of an actor's tape because of a lacklustre slate gets them to their goal more quickly.
This is challenging for the actor, but challenging is what spurs growth. Whether it seems fair or not, the fact remains you had better learn how to slate well. While some acting classes deal with auditioning, many don't. A good resource for learning about slates is often acting classes. Slating on an audition tape is sometimes required to enroll in acting classes. Slating is a skill like any other, it has to be practiced. Have a friend set up a camera, some lights and give it a go. Some things to think about if you do practice slates. True communication is connecting with someone even if through a device, like a camera. Record and play back several versions of the slate and see how it plays. Find people you trust to watch the slate and give you feedback.
Keeping it simple is the best route, let you personality be upfront, and be quick. This is their first impression of you as an actor but the real deal should be saved for the audition. It won't hurt in commercial auditions to put a hint of the character in your slate but avoid going over the top. You will have to assume what they are looking for in a character and you may not be right. Mainly, the aim is to give a slate that represents you as a person and as an actor. Then give them something they want to see more of: a brilliant and original character. Seek out Meisner acting classes at Kids Act LA if you want to know more about how to create character with this technique.
Kids Act LA is a leading institution in acting, as well as in personal growth. Kids Act LA Acting Classes specialize in children. We allow for our graduate to secure a successful career in TV, commercials, print and film. Our children grow at a social and communicative level. Our kids acting classes have empowered children for thirteen years.