Unit
Mock Audition
Created by Lindsay Price
In this Mock Audition Unit, students will start by discussing the audition process. They will make connections between their personal views and the process. Students will then apply the steps of auditioning from putting together a resume, to choosing a piece based on provided information, to audition etiquette, to the actual audition itself. A final reflection and rubric are provided for use at the end of this unit.
A short play is included that can be used as the source material. You can also choose your own play for this process.
Start here
The unit overview provides the objectives for the unit, as well as a list of lessons and materials including assessment tools and sample monologues.
-
1Lesson 1Introduction to the Audition ProcessIn order to partake in the audition process, students need to identify and comprehend the necessary steps in that process. What is the auditioning process? Why is it used? Is the process fair? Why or why not? The class ends with students playing director in the “Who Would You Cast?” Exercise.
-
2Lesson 2The Acting ResumeAn actor needs two documents when they audition for a role: a resume and a headshot. What should go on an acting resume and what should stay off of it? What is an auditioner looking for? Students will discuss the purpose of an acting resume, review a model, and reflect on the process. Students will use this template when they create a resume for their mock audition.
-
3Lesson 3Becoming a Professional Actor: HeadshotsWhile the Mock Audition does not require students to bring in a headshot, it is an essential document in the “real world” audition process. A good headshot will help a director remember an actor. A bad headshot can get an actor rejected before they step through the door. Students will complete exercises that respond to the question What makes a good headshot?
-
4Lesson 4Audition EtiquetteStudents will continue their journey toward the Mock Audition by exploring audition etiquette. How can an actor’s attitude and behaviour affect an audition?
-
5Lesson 5Choosing a MonologueStudents will continue their journey toward the Mock Audition by exploring what goes into choosing an appropriate audition monologue. This lesson takes 2 class periods.
-
6Lesson 6Monologue Prep: Character ProfileAfter students choose their monologues, the next step is to prepare. More often than not, students think that preparing means learning the lines and throwing in a few moves. When students do this in an audition, it shows. The character is one-dimensional and the movement looks out of place. You want to see three-dimensional characters. You want to see characters brought to life both physically and vocally. In this lesson, students are given time to practice their monologue and start working on the who, what, when, where, and why.
-
7Lesson 7Monologue Prep: Vocal ProfileStudents will continue their journey toward the Mock Audition by exploring what they can do to prepare their monologue. Once students have completed the Character Profile, have them complete the Physical Profile. This will solidify how the character stands, gestures, and moves.
-
8Lesson 8Monologue Prep: Vocal Profile, Slate, and Thank YouStudents will continue their journey toward the Mock Audition by exploring what they can do to prepare their monologue. The last profile students complete will be the Vocal Profile. This will solidify how the character communicates orally.
-
9Lesson 9Monologue Prep: Audition Set-UpStudents will continue their journey toward the Mock Audition by exploring what they can do to prepare their monologue. They will practice their monologue and talk about dealing with nerves. This is the final lesson before the Mock Audition - you will review the audition procedure with the class and students will sign up for their audition slot.
-
10Lesson 10The Mock AuditionToday is the Mock Audition. In this lesson, you will play director and audition students for one of four roles in the play ‘Jealousy Jane.’ Use the Monologue Performance Rubric to assess their performance.
-
11Lesson 11After the AuditionHow did students feel about their audition? Did they get a part? What is their response if they didn’t? This wrap up lesson allows students to unpack their experience with this unit and participate in a final reflection. This is not a full class lesson.
Standards Addressed
Grade 6 - Creating and Presenting
Grade 7 - Creating and Presenting
Grade 8 - Creating and Presenting
- B1.1 engage actively in drama exploration and role play, with a focus on examining multiple perspectives and possible outcomes related to complex issues, themes, and relationships from a wide variety of sources and diverse communities
- B1.2 demonstrate an understanding of the elements of drama by selecting and manipulating multiple elements and conventions to create and enhance a variety of drama works and shared drama experiences
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
- C.3.2 identify and apply the skills and attitudes needed to perform various tasks and responsibilities in producing drama works (e.g., use active listening and cooperative problem-solving skills; practise punctuality; use tact in suggesting changes and improvements; demonstrate willingness to accept criticism and build consensus)
- C.3.3 demonstrate an understanding of theatre and audience etiquette, in both classroom and formal performance contexts (e.g., as a performer: show willingness to take direction and behave appropriately towards other actors; as a viewer: demonstrate respect for performers and other audience members by paying attention, not interrupting or talking, and applauding when appropriate)
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - The Critical Analysis Process
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
- A.3.1 identify and use a variety of techniques to influence the audience in specific ways (e.g., have actors enter the performance space from the audience to increase audience connection to the drama; use blocking to focus audience attention on key characters or relationships between characters)
- A.3.2 use a variety of voice and movement techniques to support the creation of character or atmosphere during rehearsal (e.g., use voice and movement to suggest an airport, circus, or factory environment)
Grade 11 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Grade 11 - Creating and Presenting - Elements and Conventions
Grade 11 - Creating and Presenting - The Creative Process
Get instant access to this and everything else in the Drama Teacher Academy
