How I Prepare For Multiple Auditions in A Day (Successfully!)
Preparing for an audition is a daunting task. Preparing for multiple auditions can seem near impossible.
As an actor in New York City, I find myself often rushing to try to fit in multiple auditions a day.
And truly, I love it. I love the adrenaline, I love performing totally different kinds of material and choosing outfits for different styles of shows... but it's terribly easy to become overwhelmed.
Here’s what I mean when I say I’m going to multiple auditions in a day.
Sometimes, I will plan to go to multiple open call-type auditions (like Equity Principal Auditions or Equity Chorus Calls) in a day… in which case, I often have to prepare my own material in the style of the show or shows.
But occasionally, I will plan to go to multiple appointments in a day, either through my agents, or through self submissions.
And that’s where the real fun begins.
When you’re granted an audition appointment for a show, there’s a good chance you will be given material from the show to prepare for the audition (as opposed to bringing something from your audition book). It’s always good practice to bring your audition book filled with your audition cuts to appointments just in case… but again, it’s what you do with the material you were given by the creative team or casting director that matters the most.
Now, I don’t think there is a right or wrong way to prepare yourself for this. I think it all just has to do with what works best for you, why, and at what cost.
How do I do it?
Here are my 7 strategies for preparing for multiple auditions in a day (successfully)!
1. I make a spreadsheet with all audition pieces and requirements.
Before the day begins, I go through each audition I’m planning to attend and record it on a spreadsheet. I use Microsoft Excel.
Getting all the requirements for an audition down in print is really helpful. I am able to see exactly what each audition requires, where there’s overlap, and which audition is going to be the most challenging in terms of preparation. Once I' have my auditions documented, I have a much better time figuring out how much I can handle.
For more information on audition journals and how to fill them out, check out “10 Questions You Need To Ask Yourself When Keeping An Audition Journal.”
2. I cut out the overwhelming auditions.
I try to prioritize my auditions accordingly. Agent appointments and appointments from self-submissions always come first.
Think about it - the casting director or creative team took the time to review your submission and materials, saw you as a potential fit in their production, put you on their audition schedule.
Open calls, EPAs and ECCs always come second to me, especially if there are multiple days of those. Some shows, for example, have 3 days of EPAs. I like to shift my schedule around to accommodate that, especially if I have appointments for other shows and I still really want to go to an EPA or ECC.
Here’s where it gets tough. When you want to go to everything - you have to take an honest look at the task in front of you. Can you actually prepare all of the music to the best for your ability?
Which leads me to my next point…
3. I build out a practice schedule.
Which music is the most complicated? Which sides are going to take up the majority of my efforts? I always prioritize the material I’m given.
Taking into account how much material I need to prepare for each audition and how long I have to do so, I build out a practice schedule. It’s always better for me to work at the material daily if I can… instead of cramming it the night before!
4. I memorize my lines.
Preparation is key. The more memorized I am with my material, the better I do at auditions.
5. I Do all the research I can.
The more familiar I am with the creative team, the project, the script (if i was given one beforehand), the character I’m auditioning for, the time period, etc, then the more focused I am. Something about relying on the prep work can really propel me into the character, even on a short notice when I’m rushing from audition to audition.
6. I Anticipate travel times.
I always make sure I triple check where the audition will be, what studio its in and at what location. Having an emergency fund for things like cabs and ubers can be crucial, especially in times when you’re in a major rush and mass transportation is unreliable..
7. I Get there early (enough).
I love getting to auditions early so I can sit, relax, change clothes if I have to… and most importantly, focus. Going over your material beforehand will always help center you!
Preparing for just one audition is a challenge, and juggling multiple ones doesn’t make the task any easier. Being honest with yourself and preparing with good organization will make the multiple auditions a lot easier!
