Why the reader is your bff
Auditions can be nerve-wracking. You step into the room, adrenaline pumping, ready to pour your heart into a performance that may just land you the next big role. But there’s a wildcard in every audition—the reader. They might be monotone, disengaged, or barely even look at you. Maybe they don’t seem to be giving you much at all. But here’s the secret: the reader is actually your best friend in that room, whether they seem to be or not.
Here’s why, and more importantly, how you can make them your ally during the audition process.
1. The Reader’s Role is to Serve You
While it may not always feel like it, the reader is there to help you. Their job isn’t to outshine or even perform with you but to set up the scene in a way that allows you to show your range. In fact, many readers are instructed to keep it low-key so that you can take the spotlight.
Yes, it’s different from acting opposite a fellow actor who’s deeply engaged in the scene, but remember that the reader’s performance isn’t a reflection of your talent. It’s an opportunity for you to showcase your skills in adapting to any situation. The casting team is interested in seeing how you handle what’s given to you, and the reader is helping them assess that.
2. Find Comfort in Their Consistency
The reader is often a professional who’s done this hundreds of times before. That means they’ll likely deliver the lines in a consistent way, regardless of who’s auditioning. This reliability can actually work to your advantage because it gives you a stable foundation to work from. Instead of being thrown off by a lack of emotional depth from the reader, lean into the consistency as something you can count on. It creates a clear space for your own choices to shine.
3. Build a Connection in the Room
Before your scene even starts, you can begin building rapport with the reader. This doesn’t mean you need to overdo it with conversation or charm. Sometimes, simply acknowledging them with a smile and getting their name or a brief greeting is enough to set a positive tone. They’re your scene partner, after all, and a small moment of acknowledgment can humanize the interaction.
If appropriate, you can even ask a simple question about pacing or clarify a moment in the scene, showing that you’re engaged and ready to collaborate. This demonstrates professionalism and shows that you see them as an important part of the process. But keep it short and respectful—time is often limited in auditions.
4. Adaptability is Key
Sometimes the reader won’t "give you anything" because they’re intentionally neutral, or perhaps they’re not a trained actor themselves. Whatever the reason, this is where you as an actor can shine. Adaptability is a critical skill in acting, and how you handle these moments says a lot about your versatility.
Instead of waiting for the reader to match your energy, commit to your choices regardless of what you’re getting from them. Stay present in your performance, grounded in the emotional truth of the scene. Treat the reader as a mirror for your own acting ability rather than expecting them to shape your performance. This demonstrates to casting directors that you can hold your own in any situation, whether you're acting opposite an engaged scene partner or someone giving very little.
5. Stay Focused on Your Objective
At the end of the day, the audition is your moment to shine, not the reader’s. Keep your focus on the objectives and intentions of your character. The casting team isn’t judging the reader’s performance—they’re judging yours. If you stay focused on your character’s goals, emotions, and actions, you can deliver a compelling performance no matter what you’re receiving from the other side.
If the reader feels flat or disconnected, take it as an opportunity to display how well you can lead a scene. Your strength as an actor lies in your ability to make strong choices and deliver them with conviction, even when the circumstances aren't ideal. In fact, this ability to thrive in less-than-perfect conditions can make you stand out in a positive way.
6. Readers Are Industry Insiders
In many cases, readers are people who work closely with the casting team. They may be assistants, casting associates, or actors themselves who’ve been brought in to help with the process. Even if they’re delivering lines in a subdued way, they’re still watching, listening, and absorbing your performance.
Treat them with respect and professionalism—they’re not just there for the scene. Building a good rapport with the reader, even in subtle ways, can leave a lasting impression. They may talk about you positively to the casting team or remember you for future opportunities. And who knows? That reader might even be involved in casting decisions down the road.
7. Shift Your Mindset: The Reader is an Opportunity
One of the biggest mistakes actors can make is viewing the reader as an obstacle to overcome rather than an opportunity to embrace. Changing your mindset can make all the difference. Instead of focusing on what the reader isn’t giving you, focus on what they are providing—a chance to demonstrate your ability to command the scene, carry the emotional weight of your character, and adapt to any situation.
By treating the reader as your ally in the room, you can approach your audition with more confidence and ease. They’re helping set the stage for you to shine, and by embracing that, you can turn even the most uninspired reading into an opportunity to show your range and professionalism.
The reader in an audition is your scene partner and, in many ways, your best friend in that moment. Even if they don’t seem fully engaged, they’re offering you the chance to showcase what you can do. Approach them with respect, adapt to the circumstances, and focus on delivering a strong performance regardless of what they’re giving you. The key to success in auditions isn’t about controlling the reader’s performance—it’s about controlling your own.
One last tip - Always say thank you and acknowledge them by name as you leave the room.
