10 Things That’ll Keep You Audition Ready at a Moment’s Notice

Written by Meghan Mitchell

August 30, 2017

Have you ever found yourself scrambling to get ready for an audition last minute? Ever felt panicked that you won’t be ready in the morning?  Here are a few tips and tricks to keep you prepped and ready for an audition, even if it happens to be the very next day. Whether it’s the right pair of shoes, staples for your head shot and resume, or an extra spritz of antiperspirant, you should always be ready to present your best self, never caught off guard when looking to impress.

1. Keep a planner.

It’s easy to look at an audition notice and think, “Great! I’ll go to that on that day! I’ve got plenty of time to prepare!” First things first, mark it down in your calendar—that date will come much faster than you think if you are, indeed, not thinking about it. Having a clear visual of when an audition is will help keep yourself organized so you’re not surprised last minute. Whether it’s a physical planner, audition notebook, or a calendar on your phone/computer, it’s best to keep track of auditions however you work best.

2. Ready to go headshots.

Printing your headshots in bulk is always helpful—running out to Walgreens at 2am is not. Sometimes, it does happen, and you forget that you are running low, but there are a few great printing companies that can help keep multiples on hand at a moment’s notice. Argentum is a great company for multiples. They can also give you a digital copy, and they have huge sales during peak audition seasons (typically in February).

3. And… resumes.

Resumes are always changing, and a performer might have multiple different ones for film or stage. Don’t be formatting your resume last minute! Always have a ready to go resume on your desktop, and, idyllically, a printer at home. Having a paper trimmer is also helpful to cut 9 ½ x 11 paper to 8 x 10 (you can find these at scrapbooking stores or online) so that your headshot and resume fit together. As a performer, you should treat your home like your office. After all, you are your own boss—it’s best to keep ‘office’ supplies on hand.

4. What do I bring?

Skimmed the audition notice and now you’re worried you won’t have the right outfit or dance wear for your audition? Just take it with you. It’s better to have a few extra pounds in your bag rather than walking in unprepared. Unless it’s a tapping show, you don’t need tap shoes, but virtually every other type of shoe? It’s best to have it on hand. Bring an extra dance shirt too—do you sweat under pressure? Bring three! Having a travel size antiperspirant and mouthwash are always good to have packed and ready to go too. You never know!

5. Snacks!

The last thing you’re thinking about when rushing to an audition last minute is food… and how long you might be sitting at the audition. Always throw something in your bag with you; an apple, banana, something to give you lasting energy. Trail mix virtually never goes bad. Keeping a stash of mixed nuts or a Cliff Bar or two is always a good idea. We have all been there—stuck on round three of audition cuts, eating that mushed protein bar at the bottom of the bag, but hey, it’s better than nothing!

6. Memorizing quickly.

For memorizing quickly—focus, then forget. Whether it’s a side that needs to be memorized for the next day, or you have a new monologue, the best thing I have found is to memorize, memorize, memorize, take a nap, wake up, and repeat. Taking a short rest helps solidify things in your brain. Focus as hard as you can, then relax… almost like interval training! If you can’t nap, then do something completely different, even for 5 minutes, then come back to it. Lastly, get a good night’s sleep before your audition. Cramming like it’s a college final is never helpful.

7. First line = strongest line

If I have a brand new monologue or song, I will go over that first line or two, over and over, right before walking in the room. You want to be strong right out the gate, and then no matter what happens, trust in your professionalism and preparation to get you through the rest. If it’s a monologue, the directors won’t know it line for line. If it’s a side you got the day before, chances are they know you only received it yesterday, and they’re looking for characterization and you, more than the exact words on the page!

8. All the small things.

Staples, bobby pins, safety pins… you never know what you might need! Just like a boy scout, even if you’re running last minute to an audition, always have items with you to help you out in a pinch. Audition number not sticking to your outfit? Always have a safety pin on hand. Need to staple your headshot and resume? They make tiny staplers that will do the trick—keep one in your audition bag along with any pencils, pens, highlighters, or other last minute office supplies you might need.

9. Should I…?

Trying to hit every audition in the tri-state area? Sometimes, it’s best to know when to say ‘enough is enough.’ If it’s the night before, you’re not prepped, it’s your 3rd audition of the week, or you’re rushing to get back in town… it is okay not to make every single audition. If you know you’re not going to show your best self, then wait until next time. The director wants to see the best version of you; after all, auditioning is a ‘job interview’. If you know you won’t deliver, it’s okay to pass. Auditions always come back around.

10. Take a breath.

Maybe you were stuck in traffic, or you’ve been waiting 5 hours to be seen, maybe you spilled coffee all over yourself and this is your third outfit of the day. As they say, “stuff” happens. Don’t let it get into your head when you walk into the room. Take a moment, take a breath, and focus. Not all auditions are perfect, not all lead to work—just showing up and being prepared is half the battle. When you walk in the room, trust in the work you’ve done, and do what you do best… perform!



Need some advice? We’ve got you covered.

Meghan Mitchell is a working actor who graduated cum laude from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois with a B.A. in Musical Theatre. She loves Shakespeare and nightly fireworks, and after working regionally and on ships, she is now proud to call Orlando her home.