Obviously the most common requirement for an audition is to get the script, try to learn the scene and the lines – do your best. Prepare professionally. However, I’ve really come to enjoy auditions that require improvisation without any script or preparation whatsoever.
My audition for ‘Men Of The Earth’ was the latter. In fact, it’s lucky I got there at all. I had responded to the production team that I did not fit the bill in terms of the ‘rough, sturdy and solid build’ they were after for their ensemble of construction workers. I merely wanted to get on their radar for their next film.
I was more than chuffed to be invited to audition. Just goes to show – always give yourself an opportunity ‘cos you never know where it will lead.
The director and producer looked completely knackered. Their fatigue from a long day of auditions was palpable. Well – it was 9.30pm on a Thursday after all. But they were really pleasant and interested in chatting for 10 minutes about my acting background and writing experience. Which I appreciated very much.
Then they threw an improv scenario at me and asked me to react to it.
Basically, my character learnt his partner had died on an operating table after we had a car accident on the way home from a party. I’d been badly injured and was doped up on pain-killers waiting in the emergency room.
My reaction – so I thought – was pretty good. My characterisation went down the path of a really tired, ‘out-of-it’ drunk who was quickly sobering up. I teared up a bit although not as much as i wanted. My brain scrambled urgently looking for another movement. It felt clichéd even as I thought of it, but I threw my right foot violently against the furniture several times to exaggerate grief and frustration.
Funny thing was – I completely missed the middle of my foot and managed to expertly pinpoint into the leg of the couch that part of the big toe that has the least protection....before the director called ‘cut’.
Ouch. The blood blister was there for a good two weeks. But!! I got the part and it was a great shoot and awesome experience.
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