Now That You've Been Cast: Tips for Student Actors

Those first few times you land a role in a college show, there is a lot to do, and you may not know where to begin. In acting classes you learn vocal technique, script analysis, and lots of information to apply as you prepare to perform, but you may not learn the basics of how to do the job itself in the most critical portion of any production process: the rehearsals.

Step One: Read the Play.

All too often, eager cast members show up to the first rehearsal, excited to do a read-thru, without reading the script first. Read it at least once on your own, from start to finish, resisting the urge to look for your lines only and highlight them. You'll learn a lot about your character (and be in a better position to memorize your lines) if you know the entire play.

"On Time" means on stage, ready to work.

If the rehearsal starts at 6:00, show up at 5:45. Use the time before you start to get yourself into rehearsal mode. Put your phone away, make sure your water bottle is full, and take a look at the scenes you know you'll be working. You don't have to sit in the house and wait to be called to the stage. Find some space to start warming up. If you have learned some voice and speech exercises in class, do them. If you know how to stretch or do physical warmups, do them. Run lines. Do what it takes to be ready to work.

Bring your script and a pencil to every rehearsal.

Even when you're off book.

Wear appropriate clothes to rehearsal.

If you know what your costume looks like, bring clothes from home that are similar. Avoid accessories that your character wouldn't wear like hats and jackets. Avoid annoying t-shirts. Help yourself (and your director) focus on the world of the play.

Write down your notes.

Some directors don't mind if you put your notes in your phone, but I personally can't stand it. Go ahead and write your notes right in the script, or keep a notebook.

Work your notes before the next rehearsal.

It's not enough to "go over" your notes in your head or read them to yourself. Get up on your feet, right after rehearsal or early the next day, and practice the moments out loud and on your feet that the director wants you to change or fix.

Use your downtime wisely.

If you're in college, you might have homework to catch up on. It's fine to do this during scenes you're not in, but it's an even better use of that time to be sure you know your lines, music, choreography, etc. Look for a place you can go to do this work, and check in with the stage manager before you go.

Do your own job, so everyone can do theirs.

The more prepared and professional you are, the better the show will be. In the professional world, your reputation matters even more than your talent. Start building it now.