Auditions are the gateway to your potential dream job, where you have the opportunity to showcase your unique talent, personality, and passion. The casting process can be both exhilarating and intensely nerve-wracking, as you find yourself surrounded by many other performers vying for coveted roles in the performing arts and entertainment industry. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this guide will help you make a lasting impression at your next audition.

Our career development articles aim to showcase industry best practices. As performing arts careers are uniquely personal, our advice respects diverse journeys and professional experiences. Our perspective is that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to success, only great examples from which to learn!

Preparation is Key:

The foundation of a successful audition lies in preparation. Prepare and create an audition act or performance that showcases your technical abilities, artistry, style, and personality. Walking into an audition feeling prepared and confident is the best way to present yourself and your skills.

Be Yourself:

Let your personality shine through in your audition act. Show your enthusiasm, charisma, and a strong stage presence. Engage and connect with the audition panel. While it’s true that talent seekers are often looking for a specific type of talent, they’re also looking for artists whose confidence, artistic courage, and passion shine authentically. 

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Video Submissions:

In many cases, talent seekers will require a video submission. Take the time to submit a high-quality performance; this is your calling card. Pay attention to the location, lighting, camera angle, and sound quality to ensure your video presents your act in the best possible way. Be sure to follow any specific submission guidelines provided by the audition organizers, such as correctly labeling your submission, or combining multiple videos into one file. 

Handling Nerves:

Nervousness is totally natural. It means you are excited and passionate about what you are doing. However, sometimes anxiety can negatively impact your behavior, so managing it at your audition is crucial. Consider practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or self-calming exercises before the audition. In addition to preparing yourself mentally, keep your nerves under control and your confidence high by wearing clothes that make you feel fabulous, and focusing on positive body language and affirming thoughts. Use your nervous energy to your advantage by channeling it into your performance.

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Learn from Every Audition:

Not every audition will result in a role, but every experience can be a valuable learning experience. Request and receive feedback constructively, and use each audition as an opportunity to grow as a performer. If a director or talent seeker offers feedback, stay open to their comments and demonstrate your ability to adapt and take direction. This can leave a lasting impression and showcase your professionalism. 

Auditions can be a competitive and challenging process. Preparation, authenticity, versatility, and professionalism are winning attributes. Remember that rejection is a part of the journey; learning from each experience will ultimately help you grow as a person and as an artist. With patience, perseverance, and a passion for your craft, you’ll navigate auditions with aplomb, and land the roles you’ve always dreamed of.

From our regularly updated Job Board and Career Lab Sessions to an assortment of professional advice articles and video series, CircusTalk is an investment in your professional career. Join PRO today and ignite your career.

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CircusTalk has partnered with JamarGig, a leading SaaS platform for casting directors and production companies, to expand your profile’s visibility to talent seekers in the performing arts industry.

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Julia Grace Lumpkin

Performer, Social Media and Content Intern -UNITED STATES

Currently based in Tallahassee, FL, Julia Grace is in her third year at Florida State University pursing a Bachelor's of Science in Business Marketing. Alongside this degree, she holds a completed Minor in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Aside from her academics, Julia Grace performs with the FSU Flying High Circus, a globally renowned collegiate circus in the United States. Within the arena, her talents include Spanish web, aerial lyra, and triple trapeze—all of which she has performed since her training in the Sailor Circus Academy of the Circus Arts Conservatory in Sarasota, FL. Julia Grace is now happily a part of the CircusTalk team as a Social Media and Content intern, in which her passion for circus and marketing skills brightly shine through her work.