PROP Talk!

I'm talking props today!  The use of these objects can totally add to your audition...

What is a prop?

It's a little extra item that's not necessarily attached to your body like wardrobe.  It gives you business to do during your audition.

Do you need a prop?

Go through your sides.  If you see a physical item that pops out at you that you could really use to enhance the audition, bring it and use it.  WITH INTENTION.

Let's say you refer to your extravagant necklace during the scene... Wear a necklace that is more than a chain.  If it's a comedy, wear a costume jewelry piece.  But don't wear one that may stab you in the eye... It's going to distract from your audition.

Let's say the script calls for your policeman character to show your badge.  How memorable would you be if you quickly flashed a prop badge.  Very.

Let's say you are playing an elderly character.  You could werk the BEEP out that audition if you bring a cane and use it to convey the emotion or feeling or comedy or whatever of that character.

Maybe you don't need a prop...

If during your prep, it feels awkward to hold the prop, scratch it.

NEVER BRING A PROP GUN TO AN AUDITION.  EVER.

Anyway, here are some stores to check out:

Reminiscence on 23rd between 5th and 6th aves
Abracadabra on 21st between 5th and 6th aves
Halloween Adventure on 4th ave between 12th and 13th st
Party City on 14th st between 5th and 6th aves


BREAK A LEG!!

It's Halloween! Get some Wardrobe Items...

I remember someone told me once that an audition was like a job interview.  Which it is.  But I also took that to mean that actors should wear a suit or some business person outfit.  Well, sure...if you're auditioning for a lawyer role.   But otherwise, you're bringing yourself into a whole new character... so wear something that SUGGESTS this character.

Remember when Sean Young really wanted to be Catwoman?  She took the idea of coming to an audition in wardrobe which SUGGESTS character to a whole new eccentric level.  Only it wasn't an audition...it was her pleading on the Warner Bros lot.  And she missed the word SUGGEST and wore an entire catwoman costume instead.  And I wouldn't call this eccentric; I'd call it psycho.  *See end of post for my solution for her*

I'd never let you do that.

Now that Halloween is right around the corner... literally every other corner in NYC has a Halloween store, it is the perfect time to invest in some wardrobe items that SUGGEST character.  What does this mean?  Well, I'm going to tell you!

Ask Yourself (and Google)

What time period does the piece take place in?
What part of the world does the piece take place in?
What social class is this character?
What is this character's job or what does he or she or whomever do with their life?
What energy does the character exude?

Keep it simple.

If you are going to choose a very specific wardrobe item, just wear that.  Let's say you're auditioning for a western.  You find a great cowboy hat that fits well and you don't have to duck to enter the room.  Don't also wear a bandanna AND a western/cowboy shirt.  You'll look silly.  Pick one and rock it.  I love a hot western shirt with pearl buttons though.  nifty.

If you choose not wear a specific piece, keep everything simple.
Stanley: tshirt, workslacks, work shoes
Blanche: simple long dress (a maxi perhaps?), necklace, heels

Footwear

Footwear makes a difference.  If your character is sexy, wear heels.  Never leaves the house, slippers.  Total mess, crocs.  Dapper dude, dress shoes.  You get it.

Wardrobe Enhances Behavior

When you look in the mirror and see yourself in wardrobe you would not normally wear, you will behave differently.  When you leave the mirror, the behavior will stay.  Your walk and your stance will change from casual to upscale, tough to meek, or vice versa.  How you sit, stand, use your hands, cock your head will change.  So take advantage of getting wardrobe which suggests character.

As for Sean Young, she should have rocked black eye makeup, black nails, red lips, a black vneck, and black leggings.  DONE!  And made an appointment with the director.

Some Stores:
Reminiscence on 23rd st between 5th and 6th aves
Abracadabra on 21st st between 5th and 6th aves
Halloween Adventure on 4th ave between 11th and 12th st

BREAK A LEG!!!