Read the brief twice
Before you record, read the whole brief: who the voice is for, the tone, the length, the format and the deadline. Note anything unusual, such as pronunciation guidance or a reference.
If something is unclear and there is a way to ask, ask once and briefly.
Choose a read, not a performance
Producers are listening for someone who sounds like the brief, not for a show. Choose the read that you can repeat, and keep it natural. If the brief asks for one take, send one.
Record cleanly
A good audition has no mouth noise, no room echo and no clipping. Record a few seconds of the room first and listen for hum. Leave a short pause at the start and end so the file is easy to trim.
Name and send the file the way they ask
Use the format, the length and the name the brief gives. If it does not give one, name the file with your name and the project. Send before the deadline.
Common mistakes
- Missing the length or format in the brief.
- Sending a noisy take because the deadline is near.
- Overacting a simple read.
- Sending the same take to every brief.
- Forgetting a way for the producer to hear more of you.
Make it easy to hear more
If a producer likes your audition, they will look for more of you. A reel on a page that plays at once helps. See the website guide and the demo reel guide.
Review your takes
Keep your auditions, and listen back after a week. Notice what you would change. That is a free coaching session.