How To Calm Your Nerves Before A Remote Audition

Quick Answer

Feeling anxious before a remote audition is normal, but actors can utilize effective techniques to mitigate nerves. Physically warm up with vocal exercises and movement to burn off nervous energy. Mentally prepare by thoroughly reviewing your sides to boost confidence. Breathe slowly and deeply to activate your parasympathetic nervous system. Visualize yourself nailing the audition to prime self-assurance. Center yourself in a quiet space and declutter your background to minimize distraction. Hydrate to avoid dry mouth and vocal strain. Avoid last-minute cramming or obsessive rehearsing. Connect virtually with a fellow actor to ease isolation. By following a soothing routine, actors can transform pre-audition anxiety into positive excitement and deliver their best performance.

Introduction

Landing an audition is a thrilling step forward in an actor's career. But the day those sides arrive in your inbox, nerves often follow close behind. The pressure to perform perfectly can feel intense leading up to any audition. Remote auditions can magnify that stress and uncertainty.

Without being in the physical room, it's natural to feel more intimidated. Harder to make a human connection through a screen. Easy to feel self-conscious about your makeshift setup and video presence. The stakes seem higher when you know the competition is fierce.

It's completely normal to feel anxious before a big audition. But letting nerves overtake you can undermine your self-confidence right when you need it most. You want to walk in ready to rock it - not rattled or second-guessing yourself.

The good news is there are many techniques you can use to reduce audition anxiety and enter that virtual room feeling focused, relaxed and ready to shine. With the right preparation and mindset shifts, you can excel under pressure and show your incredible talents, even over video conference.

Here are the best strategies to calm nerves and ace that remote audition:

Prepare Physically to Relax and Focus

Your physical state affects your mental state. Preparing your body can help calm your mind.

Get Enough Sleep

Being well-rested will help you feel more focused and less stressed.Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep the night before your audition.Going to bed early and avoiding screens before bed can improve sleep quality.

Exercise and Stretch

Movement releases endorphins and pent up energy. Take a brisk walk, do some yoga, or go for a jog before your audition.Gently stretching helps relax muscles and clear your mind.

Eat a Healthy Meal

Avoid heavy foods that can make you feel sluggish.Opt for protein, complex carbs, and vegetables to provide steady energy.Hydrate with water to feel refreshed.

Minimize Distractions

Declutter your space and only keep what you need for the audition nearby.Turn off notifications on your devices and mute group chats.Put up a do not disturb sign so you won't be interrupted.

Set the Stage for Success

Your environment impacts your headspace. Optimize your setup to feel empowered.

Choose Your Space Wisely

Pick a quiet, private area without distractions.Make sure you have strong internet and test your tech setup.Face a blank wall or use a virtual background to look professional.

Adjust the Lighting

Position a soft light source in front of you to illuminate your face.Avoid backlighting that makes you appear in shadow.Diffused natural light from a window works well.

Use Props Strategically

Have water nearby to hydrate your voice and calm nerves.Display inspirational photos or items from past roles in your background.Keep hot tea or peppermints accessible to soothe your throat.

Prepare Your Tech

Use a wired internet connection for reliable speed.Position your camera at eye level and check your framing.Test speaker and microphone quality to prevent issues.Make sure batteries are charged or devices are plugged in.

Adopt a Positive Mindset

Your mental outlook colors the experience. Adjust your inner dialogue to feel empowered.

Visualize Success

Picture yourself nailing the audition with ease. Imagine the positive outcome you want.Envision the casting director reacting enthusiastically.

Silence Your Inner Critic

Notice negative self-talk and consciously replace it with positive affirmations.Avoid judgmental language. Be your own cheerleader.

Remember Past Successes

Reflect on previous auditions where you shone. Recall the good feeling of being in the zone.Tap into that confidence and channel it into the upcoming audition.

Focus on the Work, Not the Outcome

Stay present with the task in front of you, not on what may come after.The only thing in your control is your preparation and performance.Funnel nervous energy into your acting work.

Allow Imperfections

Perfectionism adds unnecessary pressure. Give yourself permission to be human.The casting director wants to see the real you.

Use Relaxation Techniques Right Before Go Time

In the final minutes before your audition, use quick relaxation tips to feel centered, focused, and grounded.

Breathe Deeply

Inhale slowly through your nose, feeling your belly expand. Exhale fully out through your mouth. Repeat this a few times until you feel your body relax.

Shake it Out

Stand up and gently shake your limbs out to release physical tension. Roll your shoulders backward and stretch your neck from side to side.

Listen to Calming Music

Put on a serene or uplifting playlist right before the audition. Instrumental music works well to relax without distracting lyrics.

Visualize Your Happy Place

Picture a beautiful, peaceful place like a beach or forest. Imagine the setting vividly using all your senses. Feel comfort and tranquility wash over you.

Say an Affirmation

Repeat a short, positive mantra out loud like "I am calm and confident" or "I am ready for this." Hearing yourself say it helps shift your mindset.

Use Essential Oils

Place a drop of lavender, bergamot, or clary sage oil on your wrist and inhale the aroma. Essential oils can quickly help induce calm.

Connect with the Reader

Even through a screen, focus on making a human connection to help relax.

Smile and Make Eye Contact

Smiling not only puts you at ease but makes you appear friendly and approachable. When you look directly into the camera, it feels like natural eye contact.

Envision the Reader

Picture the casting director in the room with you rather than a blank screen. Envision their face and focus your energy on connecting with them.

Use Dynamic Inflection

Vary your vocal tone, volume, and cadence to bring energy to your read. This engages the listener and brings your performance to life.

Avoid Apologizing

It's common to feel inclined to apologize for nerves or tech issues, but this calls attention to imperfections. Stay focused on your performance without pointing out anxieties.

Remember They're Rooting For You

The reader wants you to be fantastic and book the job. They're on your team and hoping you'll wow them. Keep this spirit of support in mind.

Have Confidence in Your Abilities

You've put in the hard work. Now give yourself credit and put full faith in your skills.

Remember Past Praise

Recall any compliments directors or teachers have given you. Revisit positive audience reactions to tap into what you do well.

List Your Strengths

Make a list of all your acting abilities - emotional range, comedic timing, instincts, etc. Recognize all the tools you have at your disposal.

Fake It 'Til You Make It

Even if you don't fully feel confident, act as if you do. Embody self-assurance through your posture, voice, and attitude.

Banish Comparisons

Avoid thoughts like "I'm not as talented as that actor." Every performer is unique. Focus on your own gifts.

Expect a Great Outcome

Approach the audition anticipating something positive. Self-fulfilling prophecies are powerful. Assume you'll give it your all.

Reframe Nerves as Excitement

Anxious jitters are natural. But you can transform the feeling into eager energy.

Remember Nerves are Normal

Everyone gets audition nerves, even highly experienced actors. These feelings mean you care and are taking it seriously.

Notice Physical Sensations

Tune into your body and identify where you feel anxiety specifically - fluttering stomach, tense shoulders, etc. Sit with the feeling rather than resisting it.

Name It Excitement Rather Than Nerves

The physical sensation is the same for both. Mentally declare that it's eager anticipation about doing a great job.

Harness the Energy

Let nervous energy fuel your performance rather than deflate you. Funnel it into expressive acting choices.

Reframe Mistakes

If you make an error, forgive yourself quickly. Reframe it as an opportunity to make bold adjustments and learn.

Do a Dry Run

Practice makes perfect. Do a test run to get familiar with the remote audition format.

Recreate the Setup

At least once before the audition, simulate the real deal. Perform a mock audition over video conference using the exact tech setup. Have someone read with you if possible. Notice what works well and what could improve.

Time Yourself

During the practice run, time yourself going through all the required scenes or sides. Are you staying within the allotted time limits? If not, figure out where to trim.

Record Yourself

Use the remote platform's recording feature, or have someone tape you on their phone. Review the footage and assess objectively. Make adjustments to look or sound better on camera.

Troubleshoot Issues

If any tech problems occur during the dry run, solve them immediately so they don't derail the real audition. Refine lighting, audio, or camera placement as needed.

Imagine You're There

During the mock audition, envision you're in the live room. Perform with the same focus and energy as you would onsite. Make strong acting choices as if it's the real deal.

Stay Loose and Limber

Being physically relaxed will lend a natural ease to your audition. Loosen up tension right beforehand.

Roll Your Head

Gently roll your head in a circle, gradually increasing the size. Reverse direction. This alleviates neck tightness from nerves.

Relax Your Jaw

We hold stress in the jaw. Drop your mouth open and move your lower jaw side to side to relax. Massage the joints and muscles.

Raise Your Shoulders

Shrug your shoulders up toward your ears, then drop them down. Repeat a few times, feeling the tension release.

Shake Out Your Hands

Flick your wrists back and forth, shaking your hands out. Then clench and release your fists.

Circle Your Ankles

Sit and extend one leg straight out. Rotate your foot in circles slowly in each direction. Switch legs and repeat.

Listen More Than Speak

Making a genuine human connection with the reader helps the audition feel like a conversation, not a performance.

Make Eye Contact

When the reader speaks, look directly into the camera. This conveys active listening and interest.

Ask Clarifying Questions

If you don't understand something, politely ask for clarification. Being present and engaged wins points.

Paraphrase Back

Occasionally rephrase back the essence of what the reader said, like "So you're saying the character feels isolated in this scene?" This shows comprehension.

React Authentically

Express interest, empathy, or amusement at their words when it feels natural. Subtle facial expressions convey you are fully listening.

Conserve Mental Energy

Being intentional with your focus preserves brain power for when the red light turns on.

Minimize Small Talk

Pleasantries are fine, but avoid expending energy chatting excessively beforehand.Stay focused internally.

Ignore Distractions

Don't expend mental energy negotiating with roommates to keep noise down. Block it out and stay in your zone.

Stay Off Devices

Avoid draining your concentration by aimlessly browsing on your phone right before go time. Remain present.

Don't Watch the Competition

Some use the waiting room feature to scope out rivals. Opt out in favor of an inner calm.

Visualize Between Auditions

If you have multiple auditions in a session, visualize success on the next one rather than reliving the previous. Look forward.

Curb Last Minute Obsessing

The final minutes before showtime are not the time for big picture critiques or changes. Stick to specifics.

Don't Make Major Adjustments

Resist the urge to try drastically new choices or readings at the last second. Stick to what you prepared.

Don't Memorize

Don't panic and try memorizing sides at the eleventh hour. Stick to the basics you already know.

Run Lines Quietly

You can quietly glance at your sides to refresh yourself, but don't obsessively mumble aloud backstage.

Adjust Only Your Physicality

Make any last tweaks to your physicality - posture, positioning, attire. Don't radically rethink your choices.

Let Go of Hang-Ups

At a certain point you need to make peace with your prep and let go of hang-ups. Breathe and forge ahead.

Harness Your Unique Strengths

Every performer has special skills. Play to yours to stand out with confidence.

Highlight Your Range

If you have exceptional emotional range, pick dynamic contrasting monologues. Show off your spectrum.

Showcase Your Training

If you have movement or dance skills, select physically expressive sides to feature those talents.

Pick Your Genre

If you excel at drama, comedy, or musicals, cater your selection to your niche. Casting wants to see you shine.

Flaunt versatility

If you're a character actor, choose distinct roles across type, age, and gender. Surprise them with your adaptability.

Own Your Personality

Let your natural magnetism and essence come through. Don't conform to rigid ideals. Your uniqueness makes you compelling.

Trust Your Instincts

Overthinking inhibits you. Once preparation is complete, trust your impulses.

Don't Second Guess

Resist the urge to doubt and analyze your choices. Commit fully to your initial instinct.

Stay Out of Your Head

Don't get wrapped up in your thoughts during the audition. Keep your attention grounded in the character and scene.

Loosen Up

Rather than clinging tightly to technique, relax into the words and respond spontaneously.

Don't Force It

Allow the performance to flow organically. Don't push unnaturally to try and impress.

Adjust and Adapt

If something feels off, gently course correct without judgment. Pivot gracefully without inner critique.

Section	Key Points
Prepare Physically to Relax and Focus	Get 7-8 hours of sleep the night before to feel rested Exercise releases endorphins; take a brisk walk or do yoga Eat a healthy, energizing meal; avoid heavy foods Minimize distractions in your space; declutter and silence devices
Set the Stage for Success	Pick a quiet, private space with a blank background Position soft lighting in front to illuminate your face Have water, inspirational props, throat lozenges nearby Test internet speed, camera framing, mic and speaker quality
Adopt a Positive Mindset	Visualize yourself nailing the audition with ease Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations Recall past auditions where you shone Stay present with the task, not focused on the outcome Allow yourself to be human and imperfect
Use Relaxation Techniques	Inhale deeply through nose, exhale fully through mouth Gently shake out limbs to release physical tension Listen to serene, uplifting music before audition Visualize a peaceful, beautiful place engaging all senses Repeat positive mantras like "I am calm and confident" Inhale aroma from essential oils like lavender
Connect with the Reader	Smile and make eye contact with the camera Picture the reader's face; focus energy on connecting Vary vocal tone, volume, cadence to engage listener Avoid apologizing for nerves or issues Remember the reader wants you to succeed
Have Confidence in Abilities	Recall specific praise from directors and teachers Make a list of your strengths and talents Act self-assured even if you don't fully feel it Avoid unproductive comparisons to other actors Approach audition expecting a positive experience
Reframe Nerves as Excitement	Remember anxiety is normal and means you care Notice where you feel nerves in your body specifically Declare the feeling is eager anticipation, not nerves Use the energy to fuel an expressive performance Forgive mistakes quickly; reframe as learning
Do a Dry Run	Practice your setup, tech, and pacing via mock audition Record yourself and review footage objectively Troubleshoot any issues immediately Perform with full energy as if it's the real thing
Stay Loose and Limber	Gently roll your neck and massage jaw muscles Raise and drop shoulders to release tension Shake out hands and wrists Rotate ankles and stretch legs
Listen More Than Speak	Maintain eye contact when reader speaks Ask clarifying questions if needed Paraphrase back essence of what was said React naturally with facial expressions
Conserve Mental Energy	Limit unnecessary small talk Block out distractions; stay focused Avoid draining devices right before audition Don't watch the competition Visualize next audition, not previous
Curb Last Minute Obsessing	Stick to prepared choices; avoid major adjustments Don't try memorizing new material Quietly glance at sides without mumbling aloud Only tweak physicality, not choices Breathe and let go of hang-ups
Harness Your Strengths	Pick monologues that highlight your emotional range Select physical sides if you have movement skills Cater selection to your niche genre Show versatility if you're a character actor Let your essence and magnetism shine
Trust Your Instincts	Commit fully to your initial impulses Stay out of your head; remain grounded in the scene Relax and respond spontaneously Allow performance to flow naturally Adjust gracefully without self-judgment

Conclusion

Auditioning can make anyone feel vulnerable and anxious. But with the right preparation and mindset shifts, you can enter that virtual room feeling centered, empowered, and excited to show your talents. Don't forget to be kind to yourself throughout the process - acknowledge nerves as normal, release judgment about imperfections, and give yourself credit for how far you've come. You are so much more than this one audition. But you've worked hard, and you are ready. Trust your abilities. Connect authentically. And go into that remote audition room with your head held high, believing in your gifts. You've got this!