How many times to do you walk out of an acting audition and think well that was a waste of time I felt like an idiot'?

One very powerful secret that will put you at the top of the list is bringing in PROPS to your acting audition.

Now this isn't always valid but let me tell you when it is.

It's valid if the SCRIPT demands it!

And it's valid if you feel like your going to be on stage or camera twiddling your thumbs!

Yes sometimes the casting agent will have them there for you but why rely on them to determine YOUR success.

Be prepared!

Be proactive!

Show them that you've put some thought into your acting audition.

For example, you go into an acting audition and they want you to look like you're getting ready for your day in the bathroom, quickly eat some cereal, pack your gym bag and your work bag, remember that you have a party on straight after work, so you have to quickly decide what you are going to wear (remembering that that guy or girl you like so much is going to be there) and then have a moment composing yourself before you rush out the door.

I went to an audition where this was the script not one other person at the acting audition brought even one prop.

Bringing props makes your life and the casting agents life easier. It gives you something REAL to focus on!

The casting agent was impressed when she saw me DOING something REAL instead of just thinking about what those actions where that she told me to do.

Bring some mascara and perfume or aftershave when getting ready, bring a magazine to flick through when quickly getting in some breakfast, bring some gym clothes and a laptop or book to pack and a diary to remember you have a party that night and bring a dress or suit or some earrings to wear to the party.

Acting is the reality of doing!

Another example is this. If you are waiting for your scene partner to enter the scene and they come up to you what can you give your self to do while you are waiting so your not standing there feeling like an idiot. If you're playing a dry cleaner or a store person could you be behind the counter reading a news paper - it's been a slow morning maybe?! It's as simple as bringing a newspaper.

Next time you have an acting audition think about what you can give yourself to do.

Bring in a prop or two.

Select your props keeping in mind that they want to serve the story and your character.

To your acting audition success

Leanne Mauro