If you were wondering how to pronounce the names of the characters in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, I've updated my video from a few months ago to include ALL of the characters!
When you introduce your piece for an audition, that's called a "slate" - and as part of your first impression in an audition, it needs to be on point!
Here are my Top 6 Dos and Don'ts of Slating for Shakespeare Auditions, explained in this quick video:
DO tell the casting personnel which character you're going to be portraying before you begin your piece.
DON'T give them the character's backstory, or explain what's happening in the scene.
DO tell them which play your character is in - but only ifthere is more than one character with that name in the canon (for example, Helena of A Midsummer Night's Dream vs Helena of All's Well That Ends Well), or if the character appears in more than one play (Marc Antony in Julius Caesar or Antony & Cleopatra).
DON'T give the act and the scene number. The casting directors have probably heard your piece before - maybe even today.
DO make sure you're pronouncing things correctly. Shakespeare has some tricky names for his characters, so be sure you've done your research! This is a simple thing that is overlooked surprisingly often.
DO remember to practice your slate, just like you would practice your monologue. It's part of your audition, and deserves attention!
Did any of these Dos and Don'ts surprise you? Let me know in the comments!
Not sure what to put in your audition bag? Here's my quick guide to the MUST HAVES for every audition!
I always bring at least five copies of my headshot and resume (stapled together, back to back, with the excess paper trimmed off), pens, pencils, and a highlighter, a journal, a snack and some water, and my #1 lifesaver - my headphones! All this goes in my bag that I pack the night before, so I don't have to stress about it in the morning when I'm trying to get out the door. I don't know about you, but I'm not a morning person. I also often bring a phone charger, depending on how long I'll be out and about.
Of course, if you're auditioning for musical theatre, you'll need to
bring your book of sheet music, and if you're expected to dance, certain
clothes and shoes may be required. Bring what you need to succeed, and have a stress-free audition!
I wanted to go over something that's a pet peeve of A LOT of casting directors, producers, and directors in the industry: when actors come into an audition or rehearsal setting and don't know how to say the names of the characters, it looks just plain BAD.
Sure, Shakespeare's character names don't always roll off the tongue, but that's no excuse when you go into an audition setting. Do your research and know how to pronounce the names, and you'll avoid this huge audition mistake, getting you one step closer to getting cast!
Let's start with the characters in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, because it is so insanely popular. Check out the video I've made below!
