“I listen to the first few seconds of an audition. If it doesn’t grab me, I won’t listen further.”
This is what I’ve heard from so many casting directors. But how do you “grab”someone within the first three seconds?
Make sure that the first line is strong.
How do you do that? Here are 4 tips for a strong first audition line.
TIP 1: Question > Answer
What question would someone have to ask so that the answer would be the first line?
I love how Tina Morasco of Sound and Fury refers to this as the “pinch and ouch.”
EXAMPLE:
First line – “From mountain to marshes; Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites are perfect for your next adventure, family outing, or outdoor recreation trip.”
Possible Question – “Where’s a great vacation spot for outdoor activities?”
If the first line IS a question, you could flip it and ask “What’s a statement OR an observation I can make that would lead to this question?”
TIP 2: ABC
One of the exercises we’d do in improv was give an “A” response, which was the first thing that came to mind, then a “B” response, the next thing that came to mind and finally a “C” response. The goal was to try and get past the obvious to get something unexpected.
When I feel like I’m getting stuck, I’ll do this for the first line of my VO script. I press record, do the first line once through (A), then again (B) and finally (C.) The goal is to deliver the first line DIFFERENTLY each time. A lot of times, it helps me uncover more than I would have.
TIP 3: Improv
I love to improv before I begin the script. It helps me solidify who I’m talking to, the circumstances before, the problem I’m helping solve (if commercial) and work out my character (if animation). This also helps make that first line feel like someone tuned in to something already HAPPENING, not something trying to ramp up to.
TIP 4: Main Message
Every script, every piece of dialogue, can be summed up into a main message, theme or idea. Sometimes, it’s even clearly spelled out at the end of the script.
Example: A recent Blue Cross script ended with…
Blue Cross. Always in your corner.
The main message or theme of the spot was that Blue Cross is always in your corner. The first line is “We’re here to advocate for you 24/7, 365.”
Go into the first line, either saying the main theme or message aloud or in your head as the intention.
Example:
At Blue Cross, we’re always in your corner that’s why…
We’re here to advocate for you 24/7, 365.
Try these tips in your next audition and see what works for you!
