Audition Advice - Fred Anzevino

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Theo Ubique performs and auditions at the No Exit Caf?. You must throw all preconceptions about how to audition out the window, because there’s no fourth wall at the caf?. At No Exit, your audience is your scene partner sometimes. In fact, I usually audition people in blocks of 10. So you get to watch each others’ auditions, and have people to play off of.

Be prepared to do other stuff besides your monologue. Chances are, I will call you back up on stage and ask you to do a variation, to see how well you can take direction, or what kinds of choices you make.

What I look for in an actor is an honest base—someone who is tapped into who they are as a human being. I can usually read someone’s honest base within a minute. If you don’t know who you are, it will show.

Auditioning with a song is no different than with a monologue. You have to get to something that’s real right from the start.

And, please, when you come in, say VERY CLEARLY, “Hi, my name is Joe Schmoe.” I can’t tell you how many people come in and say, “Hi, my name is rggrrgg, and my first piece is from rggegrrg.” It’s all about articulating who you are and what piece you’re about to perform. If you don’t articulate your name and the piece, I lose interest right off the bat.

And bring your picture.

Remember that you’re doing this because you love it.

My bribe: A really good Italian marinara sauce.

Fred Anzevino is the artistic director of Theo Ubique Theatre Company, and has produced or directed over 30 productions, including the recently closed hit, Cabaret.