Audition Tips for Acting - How to Show Off Your Confidence During an Audition

Tips From an Experienced Drama Teacher

Auditioning is one of the hardest parts of being an actor—and it’s something you never quite grow out of. Whether you're a student actor or a seasoned performer, you'll always have to face auditions. And if you're anything like I was, auditioning can feel way scarier than performing in the actual show.

Why? Because you know you’re being watched and judged. And sometimes, the more you want the role, the more nervous you feel.

So how do you show up with confidence—even when your nerves are getting the best of you? Here are my tried-and-true tips, developed from both my own student experience and years of working with young actors.

1. Know and Practice Your Audition Routine

Confidence starts with having a clear plan and practicing that plan ahead of time. Walk through it like choreography—this gives your brain something solid to hold onto when nerves try to take over.

For musical auditions:

• Wait until you’re called in.
  

• Walk in confidently and hand your music to the accompanist.
  

• Point out your clearly marked cuts and tell them your tempo.
  

• Walk to the designated performance spot (if it’s unclear, politely ask: “Is this spot okay?”).
  

• Smile at the directing team and wait for their cue—some might chat first, others might launch right in.
  

Your audition intro (called a “slate”) should sound like:

“Hi, my name is (fill in your name), and I will be performing ‘I Can’t Say No’ from Oklahoma.”

Do it with a smile and a breath of calm. Then begin your piece.

🎭 For monologue auditions:
Skip the accompanist part—but everything else applies. Once they’re ready, slate, breathe, and begin.

2. End Strong: Say Thank You—Don’t Apologize!

No matter how you feel afterward—whether you nailed it or made a mistake—do not apologize.

Instead:

• Say, “Thank you!”

• Smile.
  

• Stay open to follow-up questions.
  

Why? Because casting directors want to see how you handle pressure. Confidence means knowing that a stumble isn’t the end of the world. It’s just part of the process.

3. Know Your Piece Inside and Out

You can’t fake confidence when you're unsure of your piece. That’s why you want to:

• Choose a monologue or song you truly love
  

• Connect to the character emotionally
  

• Practice until it’s muscle memory
  

🎵 For musical auditions, choose material that fits your voice and style but isn’t too overdone.
🎭 For monologues, pick pieces that come from plays (not just monologue books), and be prepared to explain your character’s journey.

Note: While it's ideal to not do something overdone, it's most important to find a piece you truly connect with. A great piece that you love > obscure piece that you don’t connect with. You’ll always perform better when your heart’s in it.

4. Focus: Where Your Mind Goes, Your Confidence Follows

Focus is everything.

When you focus on:

• “What are they thinking about me?”
  

• “Am I good enough?”
  

• “Will I get the part?”

…you lose your center.

But if you focus on:

• Your breath during your warm-up
  

• Relaxing your body
  

• Your character’s objectives, emotions, and journey

…you become present and connected. That’s what casting teams are looking for.

5. Remember: Every Audition Is a Win

Even if you don’t get the callback or the part, every audition is a step forward:

• You gain experience
  

• You learn how to prepare better
  

• You build emotional resilience
  

The callback list or cast list is never the full story. Every audition gives you tools to grow and crush it even more next time.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to feel confident to look confident.
You just need:

• A clear plan
  

• A practiced slate
  

• A piece you love
  

• Focused energy
  

• And the mindset that every audition is a learning opportunity

If you're interested in more support in your audition process, check out my FREE Audition Material Guide. This simple Ebook will guide you through selecting the right material and having it ready to go for ANY theatre audition! You'll then also be signed up for my newsletter and receive weekly ideas and updates to keep improving as an actor.

🎭 Keep auditioning. Keep performing.
You’re growing every time you step into that room.

Happy auditioning—and break a leg!