Preparing For Auditions

September 16, 2017 - Alumni, Careers, Featured

AMDA alumna and working actor Karlee Squires shares her personal experiences as a performer and tips on preparing for auditions. 

The dos and don’ts of auditioning: 

Dress for success and know the character.

If you’re auditioning for an era role, dress with a hint of that era so the casting people can see you as a part of that time period. 

Do your research before hand so you’ll know the company and people you are auditioning for. Most projects are listed on casting websites. Keep an audition log so you’ll know if you’re auditiong for the same people and projects. This is also a good way to keep track of how often you’re auditioning. Know where you’re going and give yourself plenty of time to get there. This is especially important in Los Angeles! 

Know that auditioners are on your side and want you to succeed. They want to work with you but know they’re looking for something extremely specific when you walk into the room. If you’re not that, you won’t get cast regardless of your performance abilities. 

The most important thing to remember is you can’t show negative emotion during an audition. You have to leave the room, the building, get to your car, and then drive 20 blocks away before you can cry (some great advice from one of my favorite teachers at AMDA), so no casting people see you. 

What to do if you don’t get the part:

My teachers always told me that for every 100 auditions you have, you will only book around 10 percent. When I first started auditioning, my anxiety was through the roof just because I wanted to succeed and book the job. There have been some auditions I’ve wanted to get so badly. When it didn’t happen and I’d get cut from a call, I would be so upset. It’s easy to get caught up in the spiral of “I’m not good enough, I’m not meant to be here or do this” and it was very discouraging. I realized I needed to change my mind set in order to succeed and stay sane.  

After you audition, don’t dwell on it long. Think of two things you did well and two things you’d like to improve upon. Write them down and remember for next time then move on. 

I was auditioning 2 to 3 times a day and would go straight into to work after. 

Have a goal for your auditions and what types of roles you’d like to go out for. 

My goal, for example, has been to book a tour or cruise ship this year so I can travel and perform at the same time. Setting goals as a performer takes your nerves off of the situation at hand and makes you excited to try something new. 

Since setting goals and making these improvements I’ve been super blessed in the booking department. I have been doing very well for myself and booking a lot of jobs. Remember to never take your job seriously and always have fun. 


Want to get more tips from Karlee? Check out her blog Promoting Yourself As A Performer. See a list of AMDA's 2018 audition dates here: https://www.amda.edu/admissions/audition.