The Audition

For those who have never auditioned, here is my take on the experience.

1) GETTING AN AUDITION in the first place
For most auditions, you'll first need a headshot (8X10 picture, Chicago is moving to color from b&w) and an acting resume. If you haven't ever acted before, consider taking a class.
1. Continuously scour industry publications and websites to find some that interest you and follow each audition's submission instructions.
2. Submit to casting agents/directors.
3. Obtain representation with one or more agents.

2) THE CALL
a. In Chicago, some auditions can be secured by calling a theatre at a specific time and reserving a spot. If you don't get a spot, you can go anyway as a "walk-in" and hope they can fit you in. Commercial/film/TV auditions for speaking parts are usually done through agents.
b. Casting person or agent calls you with information.

3) THE PREPARATION
Depending on what you're auditioning for, you now must either prepare a monologue or two (lengths and types provided by the auditioner), a song, learn copy that has been faxed to you, read from a script available at the audition.

4) THE AUDITION
a. You go wherever the audition is and bring copies of your headshots/resumes. You'll sign in, then wait your turn. You'll face anywhere from one to a dozen auditioners. You do your thing. Then maybe redo it if you're offered direction.
b. The call back: sometimes they narrow the field and call you back to either do the same thing you did during the audition or something else.

5) AFTERMATH
a. Now you wait. Most of the time, if you don't get the part, no notification will be given.
b. You get the part.

I once heard for many the ratio is 27 auditions to one part.