The Art of Auditioning: Techniques for Television

Description

There are an overwhelming number of books out there about acting, auditioning, the business, etc. It is hard to know what to read, and what to trust. Trust this book. Rob Decina has written from his experience as a casting director, and you can tell it also comes from his experience as a compassionate person. He understands the nerves that can plague actors, the way it really feels to be sitting in the waiting room before an audition, the confusion over seemingly small decisions (such as whether to sit or stand during the audition) that can cause us to stumble. He has also seen thousands and thousands of auditions in his career. He knows what works and what doesn't, and most importantly he has taken the time to figure out why the choices that work do, and why the choices that don't work don't. The book outlines a specific audition technique that is designed to work with your other acting training - not against it the way some techniques can when they jumble you up and get in the way of the natural choices you might make. The book also answers crucial questions like: Do I sit or stand during my audition? Do I bring my personal belongings in with me or leave them in the waiting area? Do I use props? Should I memorize or hold my script? Etc. Working actors can tell you, these logistical issues can really trip you up. It is a relief to have clear answers with thoughtful explanations to address each one. Plus I'm a total convert to the technique in this book because I booked a job at my second audition after starting to use it. Maybe that's the biggest recommendation of all!