12 Guideposts to a Compelling Audition

These are the 12 guideposts from Michael Shurtleff’s “Audition”. If you are into acting at all, these are essential points to consider. 

Guidepost 1: Relationships

Relationships are the foundation of acting. In order to express how you feel, you need to know what your relationship to the other characters are in order to be successful in the scene. However, it’s not enough to just say “She’s my mother/sister/girlfriend/classmate” or “He’s my brother/father/best friend/coworker” etc., you have to dig deeper and figure out how they make you feel. Do you love that girl because she is the most wonderful person you have ever met or do you hate the person so much it makes you want spit because every time they walk in the room they do something that just drives you crazy?

Guidepost 2: What are you fighting for?

Breaking down a scene into beats and sections is helpful but it doesn’t go deep enough. Instead of using goal, motivation, or any other customary terms, ask yourself “what are you fighting for?” and find a positive motivation. This will serve you in a stronger manner than a negative choice will. Dig deeper into what motivates the character because the actor can’t settle for whatever the character appears to be on the surface. Read more >>