Auditions can be nerve-wracking experiences. From trying to memorize lines to delivering them flawlessly, actors often put immense pressure on themselves to get it right. However, the key to acing an audition lies in preparation and a few simple techniques. In this article, we’ll discuss the seven questions that actors must answer before highlighting their lines.

What is the platform?

Traditionally, when we talked about platform, it was either film, television, or industrial. However, the game has changed. With the rise of streaming services, it is crucial to know the platform where the content was conceptualized, produced, and executed for distribution. The platform determines the type of show, quality of production, and ultimately, the brand image of the content.

What is the tone of the project?

Tone is the general atmosphere or mood of a piece of writing, art, or music. In acting, the tone of the project influences the delivery of the lines. It is important to identify the tone, whether it is serious, comedic, dramatic, or romantic. This allows actors to tailor their performance to fit the mood of the project.

Who is the character?

It is essential to understand the character that you are auditioning for. This includes their backstory, personality, and motivations. By doing so, actors can tap into the character’s emotions and bring them to life on stage or screen.

What is the objective?

An actor’s objective is the desired outcome for their character in a particular scene. Knowing the objective allows actors to bring a sense of purpose to their performance and drive the scene forward.

What is the obstacle?

Obstacles are the challenges that a character faces in a particular scene or throughout the project. Identifying the obstacle allows actors to understand the character’s motivations and emotions.

What is the relationship?

Acting is all about relationships. Knowing the relationship between characters allows actors to understand the dynamics between them and bring them to life on stage or screen.

What is the context?

Context refers to the circumstances surrounding the scene or the project. It is important to understand the context as it influences the character’s emotions, motivations, and actions.

In conclusion, mastering auditions is not about memorizing lines but about understanding the project, the character, and the scene. By answering these seven questions, actors can bring a sense of purpose, emotion, and authenticity to their performance.

So, the next time you get an audition, take a deep breath, answer these questions, trust your prep and do your art.