Auditioning in New York City can feel exciting, intimidating, energizing, and overwhelming — often all at once.
Actors preparing for auditions in NYC navigate a wide range of opportunities, including:
- theater auditions
- film and television auditions
- self-tapes
- commercial auditions
- open calls
- callbacks
- summer stock and regional theater auditions
- industry showcases and conferences
At The Barrow Group, we believe strong auditions are not built on tricks, “types,” or trying to impress casting directors. The strongest auditions often come from actors who are grounded, responsive, prepared, and fully present in the moment.
Preparing for Auditions in NYC
Every audition is different, but preparation consistently matters.
Strong audition preparation often includes:
- selecting material that feels personal and alive
- understanding the story and circumstances
- developing clear script analysis
- staying flexible and responsive
- managing nerves and self-consciousness
- practicing active listening
- bringing specificity and imagination to the work
Actors frequently focus so much on “getting it right” that they lose spontaneity and connection.
At The Barrow Group, we emphasize tools that help actors feel more relaxed, available, and truthful under pressure.
Audition Technique & Presence
Casting directors often see many actors in a short amount of time. While preparation is important, auditions rarely become memorable because someone appears overly polished or controlled.
Often, the most compelling auditions feel:
- spontaneous
- connected
- emotionally available
- specific
- grounded
- collaborative
- human
Actors who listen well, adapt easily, and remain present in the room often create stronger connections than actors trying to deliver a “perfect” performance.
Choosing Audition Material
Selecting audition material can be challenging.
Rather than choosing pieces solely to showcase emotion or range, it can help to select material that:
- genuinely resonates with you
- supports truthful storytelling
- allows flexibility and responsiveness
- feels active and alive
- reflects your strengths without forcing performance
At The Barrow Group, we encourage actors to avoid material that feels overly manufactured or disconnected from their own sensibility.
The goal is not to present an “audition persona,” but to bring more of yourself into the work.
Theater Conferences & Regional Auditions
Many actors also participate in large theater conferences and audition events such as NETC and SETC auditions, summer stock auditions, and regional theater calls.
These auditions often involve:
- short monologues
- song cuts
- dance calls
- quick adjustments
- large audition groups
While these environments can feel highly competitive, the same principles still apply:
- preparation
- relaxation
- responsiveness
- clarity
- adaptability
- truthful connection
Actors benefit from developing material that feels deeply familiar and flexible rather than overly rehearsed or rigid.
On-Camera & Self-Tape Auditions
Self-tapes and on-camera auditions have become an increasingly important part of the casting process.
Actors preparing for screen auditions often work on:
- cold reading
- script analysis
- self-tape technique
- camera awareness
- audition adjustments
- technical preparation
- staying present while working on camera
At The Barrow Group, our on-camera audition classes focus on helping actors become more relaxed, spontaneous, and responsive rather than mechanical or over-rehearsed.
Audition Training at The Barrow Group
The Barrow Group offers acting classes, audition workshops, scene study, on-camera training, monologue coaching, and professional acting programs in New York City.
Our approach emphasizes:
- spontaneity
- script analysis
- truthful behavior
- imagination
- collaboration
- relaxation
- ensemble connection
- invisible technique
As we often say at The Barrow Group:
the best technique is invisible.
We believe actors do their strongest work when they become less focused on “performing” and more focused on truthful human behavior in imaginary circumstances.
Acting Classes & Audition Preparation in NYC
The Barrow Group is an award-winning NYC theater company and acting school offering acting classes, audition training, scene study, voice and speech, improvisation, and professional actor training programs.
Our classes are designed to help actors develop greater freedom, responsiveness, authenticity, and confidence — both in auditions and performance.
Explore acting classes, audition workshops, on-camera training, and professional acting programs at The Barrow Group.