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Auditioning

A Backstage Guide
Brief Description
Auditions can often be the most feared aspect of being an actor and yet, as the author points out, casting directors are on the side of everyone who auditions for them. They want you to do well, feel confident about the audition and in turn give... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2199
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From a leading casting director of the stage and screen comes this book on the craft of auditioning, either for work within the theatre industry or for a place at drama school.

From a leading casting director of the stage and screen comes this book on the craft of auditioning, either for work within the theatre industry or for a place at drama school.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Auditions can often be the most feared aspect of being an actor and yet, as the author points out, casting directors are on the side of everyone who auditions for them. They want you to do well, feel confident about the audition and in turn give the director the confidence they need to choose you.

The insights and reassurances throughout Auditioning provide a little-seen glimpse into the world of casting, helping you to understand how casting directors and directors view the process and what purpose the audition serves.

Casting director Sam Stevenson draws on her rich experience, from both her time as deputy head of casting at the National Theatre and her varied freelance career, to delve into the challenges and possibilities that you might face. She explores the intersecting, underlying principles of auditioning for stage and screen, whether you are meeting online, in person or self-taping.

This book helps bridge the gap between you and the people who are making the decisions, to help it feel like a less scary process.

Series: National Theatre Backstage Guides

View all
  • Auditioning
    Auditions can often be the most feared aspect of being an actor and yet, as the author points out, casting directors are on the side of everyone who auditions for them. They want you to do well, feel confident about the audition and in turn give the director the confidence they need to choose you. The insights and reassurances throughout...
    Paperback
    $2199
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Playwriting
    This book is ideal for anyone keen to understand how contemporary plays and playwrights work, particularly those wanting to write for the stage themselves. Drawing heavily on contemporary practice, it considers moments from a range of plays, with a focus on those from the National Theatre's repertoire. The book embraces a range of different dramaturgical structures and styles popular today;...
    Paperback
    $2199
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Acting
    From one of the most celebrated actors of the stage and screen comes this book on the craft of acting. Lucian Msamati draws on his rich experience, particularly in the context of productions at the National Theatre, including: Amadeus, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Master Harold and The Boys, Death and The King's Horseman, The Comedy of Errors, and The Overwhelming...
    Paperback
    $2199
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    Ships in 4-6 weeks
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    Puppetry
    Puppetry by Toby Oliรฉ offers a fascinating National Theatre Backstage Guide to the craft, created by the mind behind some of the world's most iconic puppetry shows. The book focuses on the processes within each stage of creation and the key roles involved. It provides insights into: The benefits of using puppetry in your performance. How to research and design...
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  • Wigs, Hair and Make-Up
    Wigs, Hair and Make-Up is written by the former Deputy Head of Make-Up and Wigs at the National Theatre. This book provides a rare glimpse into a process that very few people experience. It offers perspectives on the preparation before a production and the responsibilities during, as well as insights into training, career opportunities, and success. Drawing upon some of...
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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781350384972

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 May 2025

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Methuen Drama

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 118.0mm

Height: 164.0mm

Weight: 104g

Pages: 144

About the Author

Sam Stevenson is a freelance casting director working in theatre, television and film. Her diverse projects include productions for the BBC, Sky, Amazon, Warner Bros, National Theatre and RSC. For many years she worked in partnership with Gemma Hancock with whom she shares an Emmy nomination for their work on the BBC miniseries Emma.

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