When It Comes To Auditioning...

The actor’s relationship to technique is twofold. The “conscious study” occurs in the studio, workshop, or during the initial study of a new role or play. Then there is the “unconscious guide,” as the actor works on their art in the moment of creation.

As he reflected on his work directing actors in rehearsal, Bobby Lewis once asked, “Do I ever actually use a technical formulation in my mind? I don’t think so. The technical knowledge must be in me, but a kind of automatic process goes on as you create. Your ‘motor’ is being fed by your technique. It is quite a different thing from working on your technique.”

From this, we can see that the technique's two applications cannot occur simultaneously. The process of acquiring new techniques ceases the instant the actor lets themselves go into their work. And you mustn’t be afraid to let yourselves go – to let your “motor” run – using what technique you have, nor hold back because you are conscious that you have more to learn and further to go. Technique is essential, but it isn’t everything! Some of us can do remarkable things with little technique at all.

Remembering this is crucial when we are auditioning: It is impossible to perform the audition while also working on a new technique. As you know, once you receive the material, there is often only time to familiarize yourself with it and go to work using whatever tools you have acquired up to that point. This is why I remain (extremely) dubious of the ultimate benefits of audition coaching. I believe they can help, but only by reminding the actor of the technique they already have and helping them to suit it to the material they’re auditioning.

An audition coaching is no time to acquire new techniques, as the audition is not a time to take new techniques out for a spin. Until becoming second nature, new techniques require conscious concentration to execute properly, and the moment of creation forbids making these kinds of “technical formulations.”

Believe in who you are today. Don’t use auditions as opportunities to “technique-cram” or flog yourselves for knowing only as much as you know. Just learn the material as best you can and go to work.