What is your auditioning method?

[hazelwould]

What are your auditioning methods?

Do you ask them to read ahead of time? Give them a segment when they arrive, have them read it, an then give direction?

I've got an audition tomorrow, an I'd like to know what works best for you?

Thanks!

[Thecreativeidea]

I would recommend doing both. You give them a part of the script ahead of time so they can read, and you select the best of that audition. Then, you give to them a part of the script so they can act opposite to each other and show improvisation skills... after that you pick the best ones. It takes more time, but it's worth it.

[ProfessorU]

I agree with all of that. In general, I try to to a three-part process. First, a read they have prepared and are comfortable with, usually alone. Second, a cold read, usually in a group. Third, a reread after getting direction.

I often find time and quantity dictate the actual process more than ideals.

A lot of amateurs may be able to pull off a good read but testing them to see how they respond to direction is important. Sometimes their cold read might be exactly what I wanted, but I will give them direction somewhere else just to see if they are capable of taking a part somewhere that feels less natural for them.

[Mike Manning]

I give them a scene ahead of time to prepare. Then, after they've performed, I give them a re-direct... maybe ask them to do something COMPLETELY different than what they just did... and then let them do it again on the spot. The idea is that it allows you to see their range, but also, how well they can take direction.

[jpsheets]

Good suggestions all, I would only add that you don't want to spend too much time redirecting if it's obvious that the actor is not right for the part. Say great job and move on to the next actor or actors.