01 Dec Acting Audition Props: Key Advice
As actors, we always want to be as prepared as possible for auditions, and that includes understanding how to use (and not use) audition props!
When you are working on a set or in a theatre, of course, your character’s world will be full of props, furniture, and scenery. In auditions, we as actors usually have to rely on our imaginations to create our environments, but on occasion, we are given the gift of audition props. Here are some tips for using (and not using) audition props.
Avoid bringing props from home to an in-person audition
Unless you are asked to bring something specific with you, of course, you should avoid bringing your own audition props to in-person auditions. There are, generally speaking, a few exceptions to this rule: you can bring your cell phone, your purse/bag, and your sides. You will already have your sides with you, so, if you need to, say, hand a very important contract to another character in the middle of your scene, you can extend your sides in front of you, in the direction of your scene partner.
If your character is speaking on the phone in the scene, you can certainly speak into your cell phone while you audition. Just make sure you turn it off before you head into the room.
And, if it helps you to feel more like your character to use your handbag, you can do this as well.
There is no need for you to bring in your remote control, or a wine glass, or your frying pan.
At home, you have a bit more leeway.
On your self tapes, we still don’t encourage you to bring in excess props, but you do have a bit more leeway at home. If your character is sitting at a desk looking at a laptop, you could use a music stand with an iPad on it. The music stand is far better for your eyeline, assuming you are standing (which is recommended for most auditions). Definitely test your eyeline before you start recording. If your character needs to look down at a computer screen in the scene, you want to make sure that your eyes and face can still be seen on camera at all times.
For the most part, steer clear of pantomiming.
Steer clear of pantomiming — unless, of course, you are asked to pantomime. Then, by all means, pantomime away! There are always exceptions. Perhaps you are incredible at pantomiming. Perhaps this is your comic speciality. It’s very common for improvisers to pantomime and to do space work; if you are at a comedy improv audition, you may very well need to pantomime. But if your character is in the middle of making a gourmet stew, there is no need for you to indicate every single ingredient on the counter and to chop every veggie from the fridge. Be aware of the stew, especially if the stew is important to the scene. Visualize it in your environment and know that it is there. But keep your focus on your scene partner and on your character’s objective.
Practice with props at home.
Now, sometimes — especially in the case of commercial auditions — casting will ask you to work with specific props during an audition! As our video states, if you know you are going to be using a prop in the audition, it’s a fantastic idea to practice with an audition prop at home! Get used to holding the Starbucks cup, or the ball, or the wedge of cheese. Get used to being immersed in the circumstances of your scene. Get off book, and rehearse your scene with your prop. Be prepared!
Make sure the product name faces the camera.
This might sound obvious, but it is really easy to overlook details that are seemingly small when you are in an audition room. If you are holding a Starbucks cup during your audition, make sure that the logo is facing the camera. Also, make sure the cup remains upright. It will be empty. This might sound obvious — of course there won’t be real coffee in the audition prop cup — but I know that, generally speaking, if I’m holding an empty cup in my day-to-day life, I am not worried about it being right side up. I might hold it sideways or upside down while I’m chatting with my friend. I don’t care, because it’s empty! But in your Starbucks audition, your Starbucks cup is the gem of the scene. Be conscious of the way you hold it, and you’ll be one step closer to booking the role.
Wishing you luck
As always, have the best time preparing for your auditions. Have fun working with props whenever you have the chance to. Wishing you the best!
