Acting Auditions
Auditions are like try outs for a sports team, you go in and show off your talent. If they like what they see, you got the job.
Becoming great at auditioning takes practice and experience, unless of course you're one of the lucky naturals. Yes, unfortunately, for us hard working actors, there are "those" natural actors who can impress casting directors without even trying and become stars overnight.
Becoming a star is kinda like winning the lottery, so don't waste all your time doing nothing and thinking you'll become an overnight celebrity without any effort, it could happen but, chances are against you.
 For many actors, auditions are a terrifying process, but with experience you can overcome your fears.
The main thing you need to control is your nervousness and it doesn't hurt to have your monologue prepared for the audition.
You need to become comfortable with this unfamiliar situation that your put in and have control over it. To help you become more comfortable auditioning, you can take audition classes or work with a coach.
What to Expect at an Audition
Expect to wait. Depending on the number of people auditioning it could take anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours. During this down time, try to stay calm, focus on your monologue, and plan your attack.
The casting directors might throw you a curve ball and have you do a cold read, if your lucky they'll give you a couple minutes to go over the sides(a few pages of the script), if not, it's on the spot. If you do get a few minutes, analyze the scene to help you get the maximum amount of clues for how to portray the character.
If they give you the sides right on the spot, they'll just say "read these lines" or tell you, act like you just survived a plane crash and are trapped on a deserted island looking for food. Of course they know your under a lot of pressure not knowing the lines and they don't expect you to be perfect. But, a good actor can make the best out of any situation, that's what they're looking for. You will most likely be recorded while auditioning, so remember don't look at the camera.
How to Master the Audition Process
 Take a cold reading workshop. These classes are targeted to teach you how to adapt quickly to any changes and still remain confident and competent as an actor.
Monologue classes will give you the opportunity to practice your monologues and get constructive criticism from your instructor and classmates. This can be very handy because you will suggestions on what works and what you need to improve before your next audition.
Improve your on-camera techniques. On camera techniques can be a great tool in showing you what not to do, like looking into the camera, staring at the audience, learn how to perform an intense emotional scene, how to cheat towards the camera, and how to block your movements so that you never block the other actors from the camera.
Taking scene study classes. You definitely need to know what is going on in the script. These classes will teach you how to interpret the scene and understand the possible motives behind a character. Also, what the character is trying to communicate and how to express it.
Improvisation(Improv) classes. Improvisation helps actors develop a sense of play and having them do spontaneous actions. Practicing improv can improve your acting skills. For instance, if you are acting on stage and forget some of your lines, you can adapt to the situation by using the skills you obtained from your improv class and make it work.
Speech/Accent classes. If you have an accent, you may want to consider some speech coaching to lose your accent. Being able to have an accent and losing an accent can be important in getting roles.
Singing/Dancing lessons. Taking these types of classes can very well improve your voice and how to move gracefully. Being able to sing and dance are must if you are interested in being in musicals.
| 
