–Mastering Sides & Cold Reads–
In The Lion King, Scar sings about his ambitions to overthrow the king and take his place, persuading his minions to “Be Prepared” for the evil plans in store. Today we aren’t going to discuss villainous schemes, but we will discuss how you can be prepared for cold reads and sides. These are things that often accompany an audition or callback, but might be unfamiliar to you. Let’s break it down. Sides are portions of the script that may be sent in advance for actors to prepare and sometimes memorize. Cold reads are usually a scene that is given at the callback or audition to perform. These can be intimidating to actors, especially if you have no experience with them. So, let’s talk about how to do your best work for sides and cold reads when you have minimal time to prepare.
Memorize the First and Last Lines
You may or may not be asked to memorize sides, it depends on the audition. But more often than not, you will get to have a paper copy in hand with you when you perform. So, even if you don’t have to know the entire scene, try and memorize the first and last line. The directors want to know that you’re a good actor, but they also want to know you can connect with a scene partner. You can impress them by starting and ending the scene strongly.
Remember Your Motivations
This might be the most important part of preparing sides and cold reads. Don’t worry too much about making the absolute perfect choices because when you are short on time it doesn’t need to be the best choice, just a choice that makes sense and is one you can commit to. When you read through the scenes make sure you answer these questions:
*Who are you talking to? How do you feel about them?
*What do you want from them? How will you get what you want?
*What is in the way of getting what you want?
Look at the Character Description
Directors aren’t looking for everyone that auditions to be exactly the same, but looking over the character description is always a good idea. If your character says “shy and soft-spoken”, reading the side in a bold and loud way wouldn’t make much sense for the character. So don’t let the description limit your acting choices, but just remember what kind of character you are reading for and what their role in the production is.
Highlight or Mark the Pages
Unless you are told otherwise, highlight and write on the paper to your heart’s content. If you need to highlight so you can easily find your lines, do it. If you want to remember to gasp on a specific line, write it. If you want to put down your motivation, scribble it down. Also, if they have been emailed to you, take note of whether you need to print your own copy or if they will be provided there.
Read it Outloud
This is important! At a callback, speaking cold reads out loud can seem sort of intimidating, especially if there are other auditioners there. Keep in mind that everyone else is probably too focused on their own audition to be making judgments about your acting and preparation. So if you can- without disturbing other people- read the material out loud. It always sounds different in your mind than it does when you actually say it, so get a head start and speak up.
Ask for a Few Minutes to Look Over It
If you are given cold reads at the callback, you are more than welcome to ask for a few minutes to read over it. And if after a few minutes they ask you if you are ready, feel free to say “almost” and ask for one more minute. Directors aren’t trying to trick you, so they are usually happy to give you a bit more time to feel comfortable with the material as long as they aren’t running behind schedule.
Look at Your Partner
Sometimes you will have another auditioner as a scene partner, or you may have a reader, who is someone that sits by the director and reads with all the auditioners. Don’t stare them down, but honestly connect with them and react. Also, the directors don’t want to watch the top of your head because you’re staring down at your script the entire time. Try glancing down at your script for your upcoming line when your partner is speaking, then deliver your line looking at your partner.
Be Ready to Take Direction
Most times you will be asked to read a scene more than once. Isn’t that wonderful? You have another opportunity to show them what you can do. The director may give you a note about something they would like you to try. It could be “do it again, but this time try acting like you are their friend, even though your character secretly dislikes them.” Or “show me the scene if it took place on a school playground.” Directors are looking for people with talent and work ethic, but they also want to see if you take direction well. Don’t stress too much about this part of the process. Just take a moment to think, ask any clarifying questions, and give it your best shot. They don’t want perfection, they just want to see if you can make a new choice.