At some point in your career, you will probably decide it is a good idea to do a combined audition. There are many benefits to participating in these auditions. For one, you will get to be seen by many more auditors than is generally possible trying to get to one at a time. And there are several draw-backs to this kind of audition structure- mainly the time constraint.

The truth is that no human being has the ability to sit and focus 100% for 8 hours straight for days on end listening to 5 minutes of audition material per performer for 200 performers. Add to that the reality that the auditor will be typing in/out as you walk on the stage and that auditors really do know if you know what you're doing within the first 3 moments. Beyond that it's a matter of keeping focus, making your transitions, and telling the story.

Here are some pointers in preparing your audition:

1. Always, always, always have someone else time your entire audition from beginning to end with the introduction (if it's included in your time) and the transition.

2. Do your best to contrast your pieces on several levels. Style, tone, character age range, and physicality are all levels beyond just comedic vs.dramatic on which you can contrast and show your castable range. Do this with a song and a monologue as well as with 2 monologues.

3. Do new audition material in front of people you don't know well before the audition. You'll get the nerves out.

4. Wear something you can move in that is fairly neutral type-wise but has one element that is "you". If you have long hair, make sure it stays out of your face. Look as much like your headshot as possible. Make sure your shoes will not slip.

5. If you can sing, sing. If you can't, don't.

6. If you can speak verse coherently, do some. (Unless there is nobody there who does classical shows- but that is pretty rare.)

7. Get as much sleep as possible the night before. Bring bottled water and a snack that will not muck up your throat with you. Leave your valuables home if you can. Bring extra headshots- just in case.

8. If you don't have a professional headshot, don't bother auditioning. Save the money and get a good professional headshot and then apply for audition appointments. You do more harm to yourself and your reputation than good by passing around bad headshots. It sucks- but it is true.

9. If you can, do some research on who will be watching and what kind of material they are doing and tailor your audition material to the parts you are castable for and really want to play.

10. Be prepared and you won't be nervous. If you're nervous, take a deep breath and remember that this is just like being in a micro-show. Enjoy your time on the stage as much as possible. Smile before you go out there.