Acting auditions can be one of the most nerve-wracking experiences an actor can go through. Whether it’s for a film, a tv show, or a play, nailing these auditions can help boost your acting career.

Here are a few tips that may help you with your audition process:

1. Be well-prepared: Being prepared can be as simple as knowing your lines and knowing them well. Memorize your lines, understand them, feel what those words mean to you. If it’s possible, research your character to understand them a lot better. You can also lookup information on the director, screenwriter, or playwright, and producers to understand their styles and what they could expect from a performance. Do your warm-ups and other preparations beforehand so that you are ready when you go in. It’s also a good idea to stay in character for the majority of your audition.
2. Have a backup plan: Sometimes, the casting director and other people you are auditioning for want to see whether or not you have a range when it comes to acting. They might think that you are better suited for a different role than you originally planned. If you can, prepare for a different role for that project. Famous examples of this include Stephanie Beatriz as Rosa Diaz instead of Amy Santiago in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Liza Weil as Paris Gellar instead of Rory Gilmore, John Krasinski as Jim Halpert instead of Dwight Shrute in The Office, and Heath Ledger as Bruce Wayne in The Dark Knight.
3. Show your interpretation of the character: Even though it’s crucial to do your research and know your lines well, it’s also necessary to show your understanding of the character. Know and understand your strengths so that you can use that to your advantage. For example, if you have a more ethereal acting style, add that quality to the character. Acting is a form of art that takes focus and imagination. So use that imagination to picture yourself as the character in the scene.
4. Stay calm: As cliche as it sounds, staying calm before and during your audition can help you stay focused. We all had those moments during tests or exams where we were so nervous that our minds went “blank.” It can happen during your audition too. The day before or the day of your audition, do one of your favourite activities. These activities can include exercise, meditation, reading, journaling, talking to a family member or friend. Anything that will help you keep your mind calm and focused. During your audition, take your time and remember to breathe.

As simple as these tools are, they can be a tremendous help in guiding you through the audition process. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get the part. After all, every rejection leads you in the right direction.

Stay focused, keep calm, and good luck.