From deep breaths and nutrient-dense food to arriving on time, these five tips can make that next audition or interview go smoothly.

It’s completely normal to be nervous before an audition or interview, but you don’t have to let that control the situation. In fact, calming the nerves before the big event helps tremendously, both to give you the upper hand in presenting material and in dealing with any curve balls coming your way.

Know Your Stuff and Practice

Though research doesn’t sound relaxing, having an idea about what you are getting into is one of the best things to do before an audition or interview. If you know the material, subject, emotions, person talking to you, the company, and what to expect, you will have less anxiety around what’s coming.

After all, in order to get on top of an audition, you need to go in with confidence. One way to do that is by making sure you’ve explored other source material — book, play, movie or show — pertaining to it. You will want to practice lines and answer potential questions yourself and eventually do it with other people, both for feedback and to desensitize. With a confidence that comes from knowing the material, it’s easier to take a deep breath and go right in.

Get In a Solid Workout or Release Stress Physically

Going to the gym isn’t just about staying in shape, it’s long been accepted that exercise lowers stress. One way it works is by pumping up endorphins, which can help one feel more positive and happy. If you’re nervous about showcasing your skills in front of a potential boss, consider taking a yoga class, heading to the gym for some cardio, taking a brisk walk, or even doing something gentle and mindful like Tai Chi or stretching right before the audition.

Use Tools to Relax

Knowing how to breathe to calm yourself will always be an important skill, from taking a few concentrated breaths; practicing the four-seconds-in, four-second-out method; or using it in meditation. But your breathing isn’t the only tool.

Sometimes bringing a token with you can help comfort the nervous system and help you relax. For some that looks like a lucky talisman to rub while anticipating the audition. Another person might have a worry stone in a pocket or charm on their necklace to stroke while running lines in their head. Even something as simple as a favorite cozy pair of socks or sweatshirt will add comfort while waiting for an interview.

Meditation and apps should be considered. For example, the Calm app for your phone includes a series of meditations for different moods and situations, all in various lengths of time. Relaxing music also adds to the interview prep help. Whether that’s something loud and crazy to get you pumped for the audition or something soothing to help the nerves calm down, getting into a collected and confident place is the end goal.

Healthy Eating and Drinking

In general, eating whole, clean, and nutritious foods keeps your mind and body sound, so why not use it when attending an audition or interview? At least a day before, make sure to keep your diet clean and healthy. If your appointment is in the afternoon, consider eating something light in order to make sure you don’t get too sleepy and out of it before the meeting.

Avoid any foods that might cause discomfort, such as beans, cruciferous vegetables, onions, and lentils. Sugar can also affect mood or body chemistry and lead to fatigue, so better to save that slice of chocolate cake for celebrating your successful interview.

Alcohol should also be enjoyed in moderation. You may feel nervous and want to drink the anxiety away, but having a hangover the day of that audition won’t make it relaxing. Instead, cheers to the effort after.

Make Sure You’re On Time

Nothing stresses one out before an audition than running late. Not only might you miss the opportunity altogether, but if you do make it you’re hyped up, full of anxiety, and on edge. With that in mind, just leave earlier than when you think you need to. So many things can affect the journey, be that transportation delays, traffic, and construction.

Bonus, when arriving early for an appointment you have time to relax beforehand. To do that, breathe, meditate, play a game on your phone to calm your mind, take a walk around the block, or practice what you want to say and the material you’re presenting. That way, by the time you walk into the room, you’re cool, composed, and ready to slay.

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) NewsCenter is the organization’s editorial platform for stories, announcements, interviews, and coverage of theatre and cultural programming in Colorado. We are committed to producing accurate, trustworthy, clearly sourced journalism that reflects our mission and serves our community.