AceCasting Creatives Spot

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How to Compel Judges at an Audition

It took me a while to put this down into writing as the need for it came impromptu but let’s drop some beautiful things for our actors at Acecasting. It’s apparent and I hope it blesses you as you engage your (first) audition today.

Audition

An audition is not just about showing talent, it is about showing readiness and truth. Every step matters. If you are new to auditions, these are the things you must be intentional about:

Entrance
The audition starts the moment you walk into the room. Judges are already watching. Walk in with confidence, not too fast, not too slow. Greet the judges politely with a smile or a simple “Good morning” or “Good afternoon.” Do not slouch or fidget. Stand tall, keep your hands relaxed, and take your space. This shows respect and readiness before you even speak.

Acting
Do not think about “acting.” Think about living in the moment. If you are given a monologue, imagine the situation is happening right now. Speak as if you are talking to a real person in front of you. If it is a dialogue, do not just wait for your turn to speak, react to the other person’s words as you would in real life. Avoid shouting unless the script demands it. Avoid memorized, robotic recitation. Judges are watching for truth, not tricks.

Intonation
Your voice is one of your strongest tools. Speak clearly and let your words carry meaning. Do not rush your lines. Stress the important words in a sentence so they stand out. For example, in “I can’t believe you did this,” decide if the emphasis is on “can’t” (shock), “you” (betrayal), or “this” (disgust). That choice shows depth. Also, use pauses, don’t be afraid of silence. A pause can make your performance stronger.

Expressions
Your face and body tell a story, even before your words. Do not force a frown or a smile. Instead, feel the emotion and let it show naturally. Small changes are powerful. A slight raise of the eyebrow, tightening of the lips, or a shift in your eyes can say more than exaggerated expressions. Keep your body open, avoid folding your arms, scratching too much, or pacing unnecessarily.

Energy and Presence
Even if your character is calm, your presence should be alive. This means staying focused in the moment. Do not drift or lose attention. Imagine the judges can feel your energy. Show them you are engaged, alert, and fully committed to the scene. Remember, nervousness is normal, but turn that energy into focus.

Connection
Always connect with something. If you are speaking to another actor, listen and respond as if it is real. If you are performing a solo piece, pick an imaginary person or point in the room to focus on. Do not just throw your lines into the air. Acting is about interaction, whether with a partner, an idea, or an emotion.

Finishing
When you finish, do not drop character too quickly. Hold the last moment for a few seconds, let it settle, then gently release it. Look at the judges, smile or nod, and say “Thank you.” Leave the room calmly, the same way you entered. No rushing, no apologizing, no nervous laughter. That final impression stays with them.

Final Note
The judges are not expecting perfection, especially from new actors. They want to see if you can be real, intentional, and disciplined. Do the basics well, enter confidently, perform truthfully, speak clearly, stay connected, and leave gracefully. That alone will make you stand out, I wish you luck today.

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