Preparing for Your First Live Voice Over Audition
This is it! After sending all those demos, and all the training and hard work, you finally got your first voice over audition. And like all first times, your first audition can be a very daunting and stressful task, but as they say, preparation is the key to success. Now that you have thrown yourself into the ring and it is time to handle the bull by its horns, so better equip yourself before stepping inside that studio.
Here are some things to do get you all revved up and ready to ace that audition.
Study. It is great if you were given the script beforehand. Take time to read through it and practice. Find out the main message and think of ways to deliver the copy. Get your handy dandy pencil out and take notes. Give yourself some visual cues to aid you in the correct emphasis, inflection, pauses, etc.
If there were no scripts given, don’t fret. Practice your script analysis techniques before the audition day to help you deal with the real script once it is handed. You will be given ample time to run through it on audition day; scribble your thoughts as you read.
If were also given some information about the brand or company, find out all you can about it. It will give you a better hold on what they maybe asking. Researching and listening to their previous materials can give you ideas on how they want their finished recordings to sound like.
Take care of your voice. It is good to practice as much as you can but don’t overdo it. You need to reserve the strength of your voice for the big day. Pace yourself and practice in small increments so as not to strain your voice. Get well hydrated with water and pass up on soda, coffee, alcohol and any other drinks. Do vocal exercises to prep your vocal cord; you need it to be strong, open and unfaltering.
Prepare everything. Make sure you have all the audition details – the what, where and when. You don’t want to get lost and arrive on the audition venue late and rushing. Have all the materials ready – carry in your bag copies of your CV and demo; it doesn’t hurt to bring your training and qualification certificates and other proofs of identification either. Make sure check too if there is a dress code. You want to be comfortable but still dress to impress.
Sleep early. It is not going to help if you lose sleep thinking about the next day. Stress will show in your voice. A well rested body will help calm your mind. Lack of sleep will make you all fuzzy and tired. You want to be at your best both in mind and body; alert and prepared to listen, understand and perform.
These simple tips will help you be better prepared and equipped when you deliver your best voice for the auditions. Come audition day, make sure to focus your thoughts on performing well and not on getting that voice over work. As they say, hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Even if you do not get the job, you will take pride in doing a great delivery and leaving a good impression. Each audition is a learning experience and exposure to more opportunities. So work hard and keep talking!
What was your first audition like? Share your experience by commenting below.
You may also want to read: What Do Voice Casting Agents Look For? Tips for Auditions
