Are you a budding performer waiting for your breakout role? Do you feel a bit like Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, fiercely determined but constantly turned down? Don’t let that rain on your parade! Take these tips from Grady Soapes, Director of Casting with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA), to help you break into the biz.

Grady Soapes

Preparing for auditions

Auditions are often the first step in making a name for yourself. While nerves are inevitable, you can do a few things to strengthen your first impression.

Soapes emphasizes the importance of owning your audition. “I always tell people to take complete ownership of their audition and the space they’re walking into,” he explains. He encourages actors to present their material confidently, demonstrating command and preparation. Soapes finds it especially exciting when actors take charge, even if they stumble during their performance. “If they need to restart, they should just say, ‘I’m going to go ahead and start again,’” he suggests. This self-assuredness indicates that they are ready to deliver their best work, making the audition experience smoother for both the actor and the casting team.

DCPA Education

To manage anxiety, remember your strengths and use that confidence to propel yourself forward. “If actors fancy themselves a comedian or are good with language, finding the nuances of the language in the piece will make them pop.” While auditioning is inherently nerve-wracking, focusing on your strengths is a great way to maintain energy throughout your audition.

Interpreting casting calls

When it comes to preparing for auditions, Soapes encourages actors to “read casting calls thoroughly several times.” He points out that casting directors often provide clues, like character descriptions, that can help understand what is expected. “If a description is put into a call, that is what the director is looking for,” he notes.

Many actors rush through these calls out of excitement, leading to unnecessary confusion. “Sometimes I get emails asking questions already answered in the casting call,” he shares. Before responding, take a moment to reflect on your availability and any specific requests.

DCPA Education

Soapes also emphasizes the importance of reading the script. “If you’re not getting a very thorough character description, you can do your own work by reading the script,” he says. Understanding the character’s journey is fundamental for actors, and it is important that they make strong choices that show their interpretation.

Crafting an effective resume

Your resume is another essential element in the audition process. Soapes recommends including clear contact information and emphasizes listing credits in chronological order. “I’m most interested in the work they’ve been doing, how recent that work was, and the people they’ve worked with.” He advises including details such as the name of the role, the director, and the theater company. This information helps casting directors gauge an actor’s background and may even prompt them to reach out for references.

Headshots are another important part of your resume. Soapes believes that a professional-quality photo should accurately represent the actor. “I just want to see a picture that looks like the actor walking into the room,” he says. This helps casting directors remember who they meet during auditions.

DCPA Education

Soapes also encourages actors to update their headshots as needed. “If you’ve had your headshot for three to five years and changed your look, attaching a new photo is appropriate,” he advises. He appreciates it when actors provide updated images alongside their professional headshots, which allows for better context during the casting process.

Taking ownership, understanding casting calls, and crafting a professional resume are all ways to increase your success, but Soapes’ biggest piece of advice is to “just be yourself. When the moment hits, it hits because you’ll be cast in a role that is completely right for you in that moment.”

And who knows, even you can become “the greatest star,” just like Fanny Brice.