The audition format sets the tone for your entire casting process, and choosing the right mix makes a big difference in how well you see actors’ potential. Here’s a deeper dive into the options:
🎠Common Audition Formats
1. Cold Readings (from the script)
What it is: Actors are handed sides (short scenes or excerpts) from the actual play and asked to read them with little or no preparation.
Best for: Plays with strong dialogue, specific rhythms, or complex character interactions.
What you see:
Ability to take direction quickly
Initial instincts about the character
Chemistry when paired with others
👉 Pro tip: Choose scenes that highlight different energies—serious vs. comedic, solo vs. group.
2. Prepared Monologues
What it is: Actors bring in a rehearsed piece, often 1–2 minutes, showcasing their strengths.
Best for: Classical plays, plays with heightened language, or when you want to see actors at their most polished.
What you see:
Range and vocal control
Confidence and preparation
How well they make bold choices on their own
👉 Pro tip: Ask for a contrasting monologue (comedic + dramatic) if time allows.
Find free monologues for auditions at https://freedrama.net/small1.html
3. Improvisation Exercises
What it is: Actors are given prompts, situations, or characters and must create a short scene on the spot.
Best for: Comedies, devised theatre, ensemble-heavy plays, or any production that requires spontaneity.
What you see:
Creativity under pressure
Listening and reacting to scene partners
Ability to make strong, clear choices quickly
👉 Pro tip: Keep prompts simple (e.g., “You’re two neighbors fighting over a lawn gnome”). The goal isn’t polished comedy—it’s adaptability.
4. Movement & Physical Work
What it is: Actors might do group movement, simple choreography, or physical storytelling.
Best for: Musicals, physical theatre, or plays requiring fight scenes or dance.
What you see:
Comfort with body awareness
Coordination and rhythm
Willingness to commit physically
👉 Pro tip: Even non-dancers can show valuable presence and stage awareness here.
5. Callbacks (Targeted Tests)
What it is: A second round where you narrow down candidates and test specific skills or chemistry.
Best for: Any production where lead roles carry a lot of weight.
What you see:
How actors adjust after your notes from round one
Ensemble balance and relational dynamics
Vocal blending (for musicals) or scene pacing (for dramas)
👉 Pro tip: Use callbacks for role-specific pairings (love interests, rivals, families).
🔑 Choosing the Right Mix
Straight plays with lots of dialogue: Cold readings + callbacks
Classical or dramatic plays: Prepared monologues + cold readings
Comedies or devised pieces: Improvisation + group work
Musicals: Monologues + songs + movement auditions
School/community productions: A mix, so less experienced actors still get a chance to shine
Find free stage play script for your production at https://freedrama.net/!