The Secrets to Cold Readings

“Cold Readings” are a typical part of the audition process for any show — sometimes at the initial audition, but most often at the callback (which is a second, invitation-only audition). During the cold reading portion of an audition, the director will pair you with another actor, give you a few pages from the script, assign you a character from those pages, and then put you on stage and ask you to perform the scene wholeheartedly.

Doing a cold reading can be one of the more anxiety-provoking parts of a generally anxiety-provoking audition. After all, you have no idea what part of the script they are going to use or with whom who you will be paired. Here’s some tips on succeeding at a cold reading:

1. Do your research. Before you walk into the audition, have read or watched the play that you are auditioning for. That way, it’s not a truly “cold” reading. You’ve warmed up by doing your homework! If you know who the characters are and can recognize the situation they are in, you can make great choices about how to act that character in that scene. Even if you are not able to read/watch the show, at least research the plot and characters online.

2. You will usually get a least a few minutes to look at the script before going on. Take this opportunity to identify your character’s objective (what they want), motivation (why they want it), and obstacle (what’s in their way) in the scene. By picking an objective and showing the character moving strongly toward it, you will impress the directors with your ability to find and act the essence of the scene.

But, what if you are unsure of which objective to pick for the scene that you were just given? What if you’re auditioning for a brand new play, and you actually could not do any of that background research I mentioned? Well, the answer is to give it your best guess! Pick an objective and emotionally pursue it strongly while performing the scene. Even if you choose wrong, the directors will still be able to see that you can act. They may even then give you a direction — like “try it this way” — one that will then give you a better indication of how they want you to perform the scene. And, now you get a second chance to impress!

3. Let’s say you get zero time before you go on stage to prep the scene, AND the show is new so you weren’t able to research the script, AND you’ve never met your acting scene partner. Well, you can give the illusion of acting by choosing random words in your dialogue and emphasizing them when you speak them on stage. Be sure to choose words that are particularly visual or filled with meaning. This mimics what good communicators do in life…and makes it look like you are acting, even if you have no idea what you are acting about. Remember to speak slowly and clearly, and don’t let nerves speed you up.

4. Super important! When the other actor is speaking their lines on stage with you, listen and respond emotionally and nonverbally. Something like 80% of human communication is nonverbal, and we don’t wait til it’s our turn to speak before we show how we feel. So, please don’t stand there practicing how you are going to say your next line in your head while the other actor is saying their lines in dialogue with you. Be present in the moment.

But, what if the other actor isn’t very good and so isn’t giving you a very good “moment” to respond to? Well, you still have to act invested and still have respond (both verbally and nonverbally) strongly and truthfully. Make bold, physical choices to show your investment in the scene.

5. Oh, and physically moving is good. Find a posture that suits the character. Find moments in the scene to change your body position or move somewhere else on stage. Get at least one of your arms away from your side. Just because you are holding a script doesn’t mean the rest of you has to hold still!

6. Finally, be sure to take and apply any instruction the director gives you. If s/he asks you to do the scene again with XYZ intention — even if you don’t know what that means — make the next reading very different than the first. Resist any temptation in the audition to argue with the director or explain your choices (unless s/he asks you). You haven’t gotten the part yet, and they are in charge of whether or not you do.

At the end of the Cold Reading, be sure to smile and thank your scene partner as well as the directors!