First there are a few rules of common sense that will aid copiously in the choosing of your theatrical endeavors: Always try and research an offer before responding. It is quite frightening to think of how many people, on a weekly basis, unsuspectingly answer casting calls for pornography and other such seedy genres. There is a good portion of the world’s population that knowingly undertakes such projects and makes good money doing them, let them handle it. By reading the casting call, carefully, you can more or less gage what sort of show or film you’re going to be reading for. The second rule of common sense is; if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. In a city like New York, there are all walks of life just waiting to take advantage of young actors. Stick to the better-known and more respectable ad sources, like Castingnewyork.com. With these little nuggets lodged in your brain, you should be able to weed out the real from the real creepy.

   Now you know which auditions to go on, but whatever do you do when you get there? Here are some tricks to make the process work a bit more in your favor.

• Maturity and professionalism are crucial from the start of the audition. Everything from your resume to your conversational skills should scream “experience”. If you exhibit to the directors that you’re from the amateur hour, you’re inclined to get a similar response. Be respectful, be courteous (but not obsequious) and be confident.
• In order to really stand out to the directors, you should acquire some background knowledge of the company and the part for which you are auditioning. One of the biggest turn-offs to any theatre company is an actor or applicant with no prior idea of what the company is about. No knowledge, means no passion. Do your research before going out there, and I promise you’ll have an easier callback. If you show interest in the company’s back-story and mission statement, it will exhibit that you want to work with them and not just yourself. Internet and word- of-mouth research is strongly encouraged when going to audition for any theatre company.
• Punctuality is key. If the world of dramatic theatre often seems like its fast paced and rigid, it’s mainly because someone is always running late. By showing up ahead of time, you can avoid that ugly mess altogether and start off on the right foot with your hopeful director. This is serious. You are not at all likely to get a second look from the company if you are late for an audition.
• Lying will get you nowhere. It is not in your interest to be dishonest no matter how little experience you might have. If you impress at the audition, experience should not be an issue. However, if you are caught in a lie or feel the need to fabricate credentials, your chances of success are drastically undercut.
• Casting directors and theatre companies want to see the whole package right at the start. This means suitable dress and polite and respectful communication skills. This double threat is sure to endear you to anyone much less a director. Neat appearance and pleasant demeanor will set you apart from the rest of your competition. Don’t be too informal when addressing your director. Make sure to speak to them professionally and maturely. However, be careful not to over-do it. Titles such as mister, miss, sir and misses are strongly encouraged.
• Be smart about what auditions you answer. Do not answer calls that clearly don’t apply to you. Once a company sees your headshot in such circumstances they’ll remember you as the actor who can’t read or ignores common sense, neither title is a great distinction.
• It is always good to show your appreciation. A “thank you” letter or a gesture to show your gratitude just after the audition will keep your face fresh in the mind of a director who might be on the fence about a part. There have been many occasions where such gestures have swayed directors in such situations.
• Remember that it is not the end of the world get the part. Worse things can happen. The trick is to not let it sour your opinion stage acting. There will always be another part. Perhaps, better than the one you missed or bombed. All we can do is learn. That’s life and life is for whoever has the gumption to face obstacles.

It may seem to many of the more jaded performance artists out there that the world of acting, specifically in a metropolitan setting, is one of arbitrary policy and random selection. However, these little suggestions will put you a cut above the rest. Use them in good health and good luck to all.

Dominic Paul Nicosia