“Auditioning is an opportunity to practice,” is one of my favorite quotes about auditions said by David Walton in an interview for Backstage in 2014. I love this quote because I find a sense of comfort in it. When I go into the audition room, I always like to take a minute and really feel comfortable there. Even if I am auditioning for a character with one line, I know that I will be able to do a better job if I feel certain and confident, which really comes from feeling comfortable. Auditioning is not set in stone. There is nothing dangerous for your career about it (unless of course you break a golden rule of being an actor, like not having basic human manners or something of that sort). There is nothing to worry about when you walk into an audition room because either you will get called back, or you won’t. You’ll either book it or you will not book it. There is no other option.
      There are more that a million chances to have the career of your dreams, that means that you will audition over and over again, and if you have been submitting yourself on backstage (like I suggest you do!!!) you will have thousands of opportunities to practice your craft per year. The best way to walk into an audition room is to be calm, and ready to give it your all. You never want to walk in there with doubts in your mind about booking the work, your body type, how you opened the door, your voice, anything that could cross your mind as you walk into that room should vanish when you step in front of the casting director because they will be able to see it all.
      When you go to audition for something, an easy way to make it more about the fun than the work is to take a moment for yourself before you say your lines. Really get into character, take a deep breath, do what ever it is that you need to do to make yourself feel comfortable in that room with that person. When you are able to do this fully, it will be easier to walk out of the audition room without an ounce of regret or wondering what would have happened if you said this line a different way. Because when you are fully comfortable and ready, you are really able to do your best work.
      So just remember that auditioning is just practice, and it will be some of the best practice that you will be able to get.