There are many acting classes in NYC where actors can study and practice audition techniques. Learning to audition well is an important aspect of the craft as it is key to getting cast, and getting that all important experience in front of the camera or onstage. Developing auditioning skills may be up to you as some acting classes NYC don’t cover this thoroughly. Getting the right kind of auditions that play to your strengths is key, but even that won’t help if you are not prepared when the opportunity comes. Acting classes in NYC that teach Meisner acting offer foundational skills that can be developed over time. Meisner acting techniques are strongly connected to powerful auditioning skills.
There are several ways you are guaranteed to fail when auditioning. The first way to fail is to enter the audition with overconfidence. At the same time you cannot allow yourself to be overly nervous or insecure, unless the role calls for it. Either one of these can count heavily against you–and not because auditors don’t like overly nervous or over confident actors. It’s actually the block that these types of feelings cause, which inhibits the emergence of an authentic arresting character.
An overconfident actor may come across as being too rehearsed, without enough room for spontaneity to emerge during the audition. Too nervous, and it’s too distracting to you and the auditors and you run the risk of not being open to the performance and the emerging character. Many layers of human traits must be there, along with the one or two that are at the core of the characters being in the story.
Many preparing for auditions consider the slate unimportant. As many of you know, the slate is when you state your name into the camera so the auditors can keep track of everyone they’ve seen. What may seem like a tiny practical thing, can have huge consequences if they don’t like what they see. The harsh reality is this. There is no guarantee ever that a producer or director will watch a tape past the slate. For any given part there are likely hundreds of folks auditioning. They are on the lookout for the best of the best and a so-so slate will indicate that your tape is not worth their while. A quick dismissal of an actor’s tape because of a lackluster slate gets them to their goal more quickly.
This may seem tough, but no one said auditioning was easy. Learning to slate well is one way to get an advantage over some of the actors you go up against. Some acting classes teach excellent auditioning skills knowing how important they are. Acting classes in NYC are a great resource for learning about slates. In fact, some acting classes in NYC will ask you to slate to enter the class. It’s something you can do on your own, and do quite well with a little help from a friend. Have a friend set up a camera, some lights and give it a go. Some things to think about if you do practice slates. Communicating to a “presence” or person rather than the camera is important. This is something you can record, playback and assess. Find people you trust to watch the slate and give you feedback.
As for the information they want, it’s most often limited to your name and the agency that represents you. This is their first impression of you as an actor but the real deal should be saved for the audition. For a commercial audition maybe a hint of character is okay but avoid going overboard, it’s risky. If you fall short of their expectations they may hit the eject button before the actual tape. The goal of the slate is to present yourself as an actor and a person, not as the character. Then give them something they want to see more of: a brilliant and original character. Classes that offer Meisner acting NYC are a great place to develop the skills that can be used to build excellent auditioning skills.
The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides meisner acting classes in New York City. For more information about audition techniques visit the studio website where you can get specific answers to any question you have.