There usually is a monitor sitting at a desk with a sign-up sheet where you will either sign in your name or find your name and check mark it. Then you sit in the waiting room for your name to be called. (Stay focused; keep your energy up, work on your material).

Once your name is called, you enter into a private audition room where there is usually one to several people. Sometimes the room is large, sometimes it's uncomfortably small (prepare yourself for either scenario). You should walk in with an upbeat demeanor and greet the people behind the table with a smile and your name. Have your picture and resume out and ask if they would like one (remember to take control of your audition; you lead its course). Be aware that some people behind the desk will not be as gregarious as you or even want to shake your hand. Don't let this throw you. It has nothing to do with you. (C'mon, really, do you think that they've already judged you in the thirty seconds that they've seen you?)

The director or casting director will ask you to begin your scene or monologue. If doing a monologue , it is best not to make eye contact with anyone in the room; use a different focal point like the person's ear or forehead, or whatever is most comfortable for both you and the recipient. You can also pick a spot on the wall, a place on the table, just as long as your head is up and your eyes are visible and your voice is loud and clear.

When doing a scene, you must look at the person you are reading with (what is a scene if there is no communicating between two people?). If your reader seems to be less than enthusiastic there are different ways to approach this.

1. Know the material so well that you can stay on point emotionally even if the person seems absent.

2. Try to use it to your advantage, if appropriate for the scene. (If it's a scene that requires some anger on your part, that certainly would be appropriate).

3. What is important to remember is that it has NOTHING to do with YOU, don't start thinking that it's going to incite a reaction and don't let it get you down.

I can't tell you enough how often people's adverse reactions have nothing to do with your audition. It just never happens. Remember, these creative people are people just like you and me. We all have bad days, we all sometimes hold grudges, we all take it out on people and sometimes we can spend the day zoned out and out of touch.

These are your two minutes. Get the most out of them. If you are asked to make an adjustment to your material, please make sure you understand the adjustment (if you don't understand it, speak up). If you need a moment to adjust to some direction, say something. If you have a question, ask it. You are in control of your audition. If you feel you need more time, say something.