It’s that time of year again – Pilot Season!

by OAS Team

Pilot season can be a whirlwind of auditions, so it’s crucial to stay organised. Here are our top tips to help you ace your auditions.

As an actor, you know that this is the moment to showcase your skills and land the role of a lifetime. But, with so many talented actors competing for a limited number of roles, it can be a nerve-wracking time. To help you prepare, we’ve put together some fun and useful tips to help you ace your pilot season auditions.

Resources made just for you..

1. Get Organised

  • Make sure your headshots, resumes, showreels and online profiles are all up-to-date and showcasing your best work.
  • Have your self-tape set-up ready and a reader on-call for any last minute auditions.
  • And if you are auditioning in-person, although it’s rare for a casting director to ask for a physical headshot and resume, you should always take one with you just in case. It’s better to have it and not need it, then to be asked for it and not have one.

2. KNOW YOUR STUFF

  • Do your research! Make sure you’re familiar with each project and character you’re auditioning for. Before each audition, take the time to research the show and the character you’re reading for. Know the tone of the show, the genre, and the motivations of your character. This knowledge will help you bring your best performance to each audition.

3. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

  • Practice makes confidence! Rehearse your scenes with a friend or acting coach to get feedback and fine-tune your performance. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you’ll be when you step into the audition room.

Also remember that it’s important to always be working on your craft. Or as they say in sports… Keep your muscle warm. Take classes, workshops, and private lessons to stay sharp and improve your skills. And, don’t forget to practice your cold reading skills! Often you can go into an audition for one role and then when you get there, they ask you to try out for another, with a new set of sides. So, practicing your cold reading will help you stay calm, and be prepared for the unexpected.

4. Keep a Positive Attitude

  • Pilot season can be a rollercoaster of emotions, but it’s important to stay positive and believe in yourself. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family, and find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as exercise or meditation. And, remember, rejection is just part of the process – don’t take it personally.
     

5. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

  • We know, easier said than done, right? But, getting enough sleep is important to performing at your best for any role. So, make sure to get to bed at a reasonable hour, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, and create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down. Set yourself and your body up to be able to do the best audition you can.
Remember, pilot season can be a wild and crazy time, but with a little preparation and a positive attitude, you’ll be ready to conquer the audition room and/or screen, and land your next big role.
Good luck you!