10 more tips for online auditions

Since the lockdown, more auditions are being held online, as self-tapes, so this is a medium where you need to look and sound good. Whether it’s professional or drama school auditions, the principles are the same. Here are some more tips:

If you’re using your phone to record the audition, make sure it’s in the landscape format so we see a bigger picture on our screens.

Variable picture quality is forgivable but the sound needs to be good. If we can’t hear you well, you’re putting yourself at a big disadvantage. Invest in a good microphone that can be attached to your phone, tablet or laptop. It doesn’t need to be expensive.

Give thought to the lighting. There needs to be enough light on your face so we can see your eyes clearly. Daylight through a window is good and you can always supplement this with portable desk lights as fillers.

Keep the background simple, free of clutter. A plain wall is best.

Have the camera at eye level so we’re not looking up your nostrils. You can get an inexpensive tripod for your phone or put boxes or books under your laptop on a table. But if you’re using a table, be sure you don’t thump it, as that will make the camera wobble.

Direct the speech to the camera lens, not the screen, but allow yourself short moments of reflection where you break eye contact – reflect then land the thought.

Vary your position to the camera. Generally, a waist shot is best as it allows you to use expressive body language. But also have moments of close-up so we can see the changes of thought in your eyes.

Record the speech as many times as necessary until you’re absolutely happy with it. That’s an opportunity you don’t get in a live interview. Ask a friend if you have trouble choosing the best take.

If the audition also requires a short interview (two or three minutes), record this as one continuous take, rather than doing multiple edits, which makes it all look very contrived.

In the interview be clear about the main message you want to get across. Talk about your strengths, your passions, tell vivid stories (not longer than 60 seconds) to prove a point. Be yourself, at your best – positive and enthusiastic – as when you are talking to a close friend.