Advice & Audition Tips for Improvisers

I can’t sit here and pretend that an audition isn’t the most anxiety-inducing, nerve-wracking, reason-for-losing-sleep activity. An audition adds a layer of scrutiny and analysis to something designed to be fun. A lot of us who perform improv decided to do so to meet people, have a good time, expand our performance skill set, and tap into the artists that we know ourselves to be. It’s natural, then, to perceive an audition to be a form of validation. However, we neglect the other side of auditioning, which can include bombing, competition amongst peers, and (GASP) rejection.

While I don’t choose to apply a competitive element to performing, it’s a natural human intuition to do so. We are, after all, a competitive species. Below are some tips I’ve compiled to help you through the audition process and possibly, to shed yourself of any negative emotions associated with it.

Six Tips to Keep in Mind About How to Audition at an Improv Theater

1. Dress comfortably and have a positive attitude

Let’s get this first tip out of the way. On audition day, the nerves, adrenaline, and anxiety may be kicking in at full volume. It’s important to breathe and apply a little self-preservation. This means dressing comfortably, as if ready for movement, but also confidently. Try to avoid gym clothes or sloppily put together outfits, but at the same time, you can skip slacks, shoes, skirts, blouses, or anything that might constitute office attire. You are looking to make an impression, but it’s important to be comfortable. You might also want to avoid any clothing with large labels or graphics–you want the attention to be on your mechanics and persona, not your fashion sense. Aside from that, think positive. Just as in your improv scenes, remain grounded and present and say yes to this opportunity. Leave ego, arrogance, and negativity in the trash!

2. Rely on your training

You’ve been given a slot to audition because there’s a good chance the panel is familiar with your work, or your experience and resume are speaking to your work. Channel that experience! You know how to perform improv because you’ve spent time honing your training, so why not lean on that training? Make declarative statements. Collect information. Say “Yes, and…” where it’s needed. Your talent and voice will surely shine through, but it begins with trusting the fundamentals you picked up along the way. Who are you in a scene? Where are you located? What are you doing or what does your character want? 

3. Listen and support your scene partners & DO NOT BULLDOZE

Every audition I’ve ever taken part in has had at least one person barging their way into scenes and, as a result, derailing the scene beyond repair. It never fails and I can confidently say it happens every…single...time. My nature to forgive usually excuses those who’ve done this during my scenes, but my meticulous side is screaming on the inside for this person to control themselves. The reality is that nerves & anxiety can cause auditioners to act impulsively. My best advice? Take inventory of those feelings, try to settle in, and perk up your ears. Sometimes all it takes is hearing what the other person in your scene is saying to drown out all those heart-pounding, brain-racing emotions. Again, you’ve been given a slot because you earned it. You know how to do improv and you know how to do it well. This is your opportunity to be patient, actively listen, and I promise the funny will find you. If you convince yourself, though, that the best course of action is “to be seen” and prove you’re funny, it won’t end well and you might jeopardize the chance for others to support you, too.

4. Be equally grounded as you would be outrageous

Some of the best advice I’ve ever received leading up to an audition was a teacher reminding me to play grounded characters. Most auditions I’ve participated in employ a format of two-person scenes first, and then a group montage. Trust me when I say you will have more than enough opportunities to show your outrageous and silly side, but it’s equally important to show your grounded and supportive side. Think about the times on SNL’s Weekend Update when a guest character is introduced to the desk. That character certainly has the spotlight, however, it typically only works if the Weekend Update anchor is serving it up to them. Try being the anchor, whether in your two-person scene or one of your montage scenes. Chances are the panel will notice your grounded character choice as much as they will notice your outgoing and big character choices. 

5. Don’t take the outcome personally

This is a tough one. Emotions run wild before, during, and after an audition. That’s the reality of the process. Some can play it off a bit more subtly, but we all want the part in the show or the slot on the house team. The unspoken reality of auditions is that the panel is seeking to fulfill a vision. That vision may vary from theater to theater (or amongst producers), but they are scouting talent as much as they are casting or creating a balanced team of improvisers. There have been times I’ve walked out of an audition and knew I flubbed it. And there have been times I’ve walked out of an audition and felt like I had done my absolute best. There have been auditions where my scene partners and I had the panel cracking up, and then there were times where the panel was dead silent. It’s a daunting experience to go through, so go easy on yourself. Whether you do or don’t make it through is not an indictment of your talent or work ethic, it simply means this time was not your time. There’s always another opportunity coming down the pike. Every legendary performer you admire has been rejected or turned away from an audition. Don’t let it deter you and do your best to not take it personally. 

6. Have. Fun!

There’s not much else to say other than those two words. Yes, it’s an audition, but it’s improv! Try to temper your competitive side and remember why you do this: because it’s a blast to do!

What If I Make it to Callbacks?

Hey! Congrats! If you were called back to the theater for another audition, then the process continues. It might mean the panel wishes to see more of your style, or maybe they want to get a better understanding of what you might bring to a team or the stage. Callbacks are typically given to those who display a greater understanding of techniques and composure when it comes to building a scene. 

Unfortunately, there is no additional advice or tips for handling callbacks than what was mentioned in the above section. At this point, do your best to trust yourself and continue to apply all the tips you’ve read about. In my experience, callbacks are mostly group scenes or montage sets only. I am certain there are exceptions to this, though. It depends on what the theater emphasizes and what they want to see from auditioners. At your callback audition, do your best to remain present, apply your training, and support your scene partners. It may get a little feistier among participants, but a cooler head prevails. Be sure you enter scenes consistently without hogging the spotlight and you will do just fine!

Contact Ryan Today!

I offer improv coaching, performer & corporate workshops, and 1-on-1 consultations! Don’t hesitate to reach out for advice or direction. I’d be happy to meet in person if you’re in the NYC area or we can arrange a Zoom/FaceTime session for those outside of the region. Contact me today!