There are a few things to keep in mind when prepping for an audition that can make your performance all the clearer– one is to be aware of your eye line (meaning where you are looking) in your audition. It can be difficult for actors to remember the technical side of their reading along with the emotional side. The inner work is most important but there are times, say in action scenes where one has to see something or one may have to refer to two characters, maybe notice someone enter a room, etc., where one has to be specific and technical. These things should not be ignored. Pay close attention to the fine details in the stage directions.
For your opening lines, be sure to say them outward and not looking down at the page. It helps leave a strong, memorable opening impression.
Also, it's important to not go over the top with physical directions in the audition, like if one has to pretend to use a weapon and whack someone for a film audition, be calculating with it and don't thrash around outside of the frame. For a theatre audition, you may move around a bit but not too much, don't overdo it– staging comes in rehearsal and don't give the person auditioning you your back of course, maybe for a second or two (if ever at all), or only if it's in the stage directions. It's important to never invade a casting director or director's space when doing your audition, it won't impress them and they'll think you might be crazy.
After the audition is over, stay positive and grateful you've had the opportunity to audition. Take every audition as a chance to leave an impression to be considered in the future. Nothing is ever wasted.
Break a leg!
Renoly Santiago was born in Lajas, Puerto Rico and he spent his childhood in Union City, New Jersey. He currently resides in New York City. He made his film debut co-starring in the blockbuster hitDangerous Minds alongside Michelle Pfeiffer. Other rfilm credits include Hackers with Angelina Jolie, Daylight with Sylvester Stallone, and Con Air with Nicolas Cage and John Malkovich; and the indie filmsPunks (Sundance Film Festival selection), The Street King, Just Another Romantic Wrestling Comedy and Lavoe: The Untold Story(where he played Latin music legend Johnny Pacheco). Among his episodic television appearances are guest leads in "Law & Order: Criminal Intent", "Touched by an Angel", "Big Apple" and "Stand Up".
He was nominated for a Drama Desk Award by the press as Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical in his Broadway debut The Capeman, composed by Paul Simon, and in which he starred alongside Marc Anthony, Ednita Nazario and Rubén Blades. He has appeared in many off-Broadway productions under such notable directors as Liz Swados in Lincoln Center and in workshops with Graciela Daniele in Blood Wedding and Gabriel Barre in the Kander & Ebb musical Skin of Our Teeth with Audra McDonald and Sara Ramirez.
His writing credits include the Emmy-nominated television series "City Kids", in which he was also a lead character and the book to the musical Bring in the Morning… A Wake-Up Call at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York starring Lauryn Hill.
As a singer, he can be heard singing backup for recording artist India on her album Latin Songbird, duetting with Danny Rivera and Marc Anthony amongst others, having performed with many artists of international renown. He is currently developing new acting, writing and production ventures across some exciting genres at home and abroad, also community arts projects. He is writing new songs in English and Spanish and is presently recording music for his debut album. His next feature film is Grand Street with Kelly McGillis, currently in post-production. In addition, he will be directing the Mathilde DeHaye play Snow White and the Beast in June at the Marilyn Monroe Theater in New York.
For more information about Renoly Santiago, click here.
