Q: I finally attended an audition last week. I studied my monologue for a few days and was ready to show them my talent. Then, when the casting director called me in to perform, they took one look at me and gave me a whole different monologue to read ice cold! I was so nervous an unprepared that I blew it. How can I better prepare for a cold read next time?

A: A cold read can be a scary thing. You've never read the script in your life, so how can you give your best performance? Well, you don't have to. While you should do your best to get information about the scene and the character from the casting director, you don't have to read every line perfectly. What most new actors don't realize is that a cold read is meant to show you're a good actor, not a good reader.

Here are a few tips to help you on your next cold read.

1. Ask the casting director about the scene and about the character you are going to portray. It will help you get into character before you start your performance. Then, as you're reading these lines for the first time, they will make more sense.
   


2. Relax. Take a deep breath, take a moment to get into character, and take your time.
   


3. Focus more on the beats and how you are portraying the character than the actual script. The casting director is more interested in how you perform than the words on the page. If you skip a word or two, just keep the performance going.
   


4. If you are reading with a partner, listen to what he/she is saying so your response comes naturally. Acting is also reacting. The director will know the difference between you reading a response than actually responding.
   


5. Don't wait until your reader is done with his/her line before you look at your next line. Glance over your line, commit it to memory, and take note of the last few words of your partner's line. Then, you can respond as you would in a real conversation instead of giving a delayed response.
   


6. Be aware of your body language and posture. Your voice and your body should act the role together.
   


7. Keep your chin up.from the paper. Don't bury your face in the script. The casting director wants to see your face and hear what you're saying.
   


8. Don't worry too much about how you think your performance is going. Stay focused on doing your best and let the casting director be the judge. Better to keep a clear head than jinx yourself.
   

Just remember, if a casting director takes enough interest in you to give you a script they want you to perform, it's a good thing. They see potential in you, and they are interested in seeing you in a particular role. The important thing is not to stress about a cold read. Just take a deep breath and do your best.

Break a Leg,
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