So, you're thinking about auditioning for a show this season. Perhaps you've recently realized that you may have the potential to be the next Brando, Deniro, or Pauly Shore. Or you've accepted the fact that you'll miss "Must See TV" because of Thursday night rehearsals. Or maybe you're just bored to death and need to get out of the house. Whatever the reason, you want to act, and I'd like to offer up some tips on auditioning. This month we will look at preparing for your audition.

First thing's first Community theatre auditions usually only require that you read from the play, so you won't have to worry about memorizing anything. If you are auditioning for a musical, you'll probably have to find a song to sing-- if so, chose a song you're familiar with and that is in a comfort-able range that shows off your vocal talents.

It doesn't matter how good of an actor you are. You will always be better if you go into your audition well prepared The best thing you can possibly do for yourself is find a copy of the play you're auditioning for and read it Read it twice! Read it eight times!! The more familiar you are with the play, the more confidence you will have at the audition and the better you will perform. Some people come to auditions without even knowing what show they are trying out for. If you can't find a copy of the script, at least talk to some people who know the play. Find out the basic plot and characters. You may discover that there isn't a part for you.  I, for example, would have a hard time getting into Steel Magnolias, although I'm sure there are some people who would like watching me try! If you can find a script, pay attention to characters you may want to try out for. If there is one specific role you want, concentrate on that character's scenes. If there is a part you really like but don't feel you're right for, concentrate on it anyway. You never know what a director is thinking or looking for. To the director; you might be perfect for a role you didn't think you had a chance for. This has happened to many an actor.

Now that you know the play, get together with some friends and read it out loud. Get an idea of what it's going to sound like. Get the timing down. Read a lot of different characters. Listen for what is good and what is not so good and learn from it and though you can never be sure what scenes a director is going to give you to audition with, you may want to make some educated guesses. Good scenes to look for are ones with two or three characters (sometimes more) and are about two to three pages long.

The point of all of this is to help you feel comfortable in an uncomfortable situation. By familiarizing yourself with the material you eliminate any surprises the play will have for you. You should now be able to go into the audition knowing that you are as prepared and confident as everyone else in the room!

NEXT MONTH: Part 2-What to do (and not to do) during the actual audition.