Put together a headshot and resume. A headshot is an 8-by-10 photograph in black and white or color. Don't worry about creating an extraordinarily beautiful picture. Instead, focus on making sure the headshot looks like you. You want the director to be able to recognize you in the picture. The resume should list your acting experience. Include your role, the play's title, and the name of the producing organization. If you do not have any professional experience, list your class experience. Make sure to note scene work so it is not confused with your having performed the role in the full play. Using a pair of scissors, cut down your resume so it is the same size as the headshot and staple it to the back.
Prepare for auditions by selecting and rehearsing monologues. Sometimes you will read from the script in auditions. Other times, you will need to bring in prepared monologues. The New York Conservatory for the Dramatic Arts suggests you try to find material that has not been overdone and that you select material appropriate for your age range and type. Pull monologues directly from plays or use a monologue book to find a monologue that is appropriate for you.
Locate auditions. Look for auditions in your local paper. You can also attend unified auditions. Unified auditions are group auditions that are held once a year at different venues. These auditions allow you to audition for many theatrical companies at the same time. You typically have to register in advance and may have to travel to the venue, so make sure to begin your research on unified auditions early.
Go to auditions. Dress neatly and neutrally. Suggesting a character's costume through your dress could limit your options. You may think you're just right for Ophelia, but the director may see you as the perfect Gertrude. Sign in when you arrive, and be nice to everyone. Be prepared for anything.You may be asked to improvise, read a scene with a reader or another actor or perform one of your monologues.
Impress the director at callbacks. Callbacks provide the director with a closer look at you and give you the opportunity to read with the actors that are being considered for other roles. Make sure to arrive to callbacks on time. When you are called back, you typically know which role you are auditioning for. While you should still not dress In costume, this is the appropriate time to suggest character through dress.