In the past year, I’ve completed over 50 self-tape auditions, most requiring me to work with a virtual reader.

I’ve also been a virtual audition reader for dozens of actors, and I’d like to share what makes a great virtual audition reader.

Whether you need a virtual reader or want to be one, these tips should hopefully help you understand what it takes to have a successful virtual taping session with someone.

Treating the Audition Like Your Own

One of the most important aspects of being a great virtual audition reader is treating the audition with the same seriousness and dedication as if it were your own.

Understand the Circumstances of the Material

This means understanding the script, the characters, and the scene’s context (if you have the script beforehand) or improving your cold reading and script analysis skills so that you can jump into a script with little preparation.

Using WeAudition

Virtual audition platforms like WeAudition allow actors to find virtual readers instantly and start a session. Click here or use promo code Kawira25 at checkout to get 25% off your subscription.

Having a Sense of Ownership

Approaching the audition with a sense of ownership reflects in your reading and helps the actor you’re reading for, deliver a more authentic and compelling performance.

This commitment boosts the actor’s confidence and demonstrates your professionalism and reliability as a reader.

Being Present and Attentive

Distractions can be plentiful in a virtual setting. However, a great virtual audition reader must be fully present and attentive throughout the audition process.

Actively Listening

This means actively listening to the actor’s performance, responding naturally, and maintaining eye contact through the camera.

Active Engagement

Your engagement helps create a more realistic and supportive environment, allowing the actor to stay in character and perform at their best.

Being attentive also means being aware of technical issues and addressing them promptly to ensure a smooth audition experience.

Cold Reading Skills

Cold reading is an essential skill for any audition reader. This involves reading and delivering lines with minimal preparation, often seeing the script for the first time during the audition.

A great virtual audition reader must be adept at cold reading, understanding the script, and deliver lines convincingly quickly.

This skill supports the actor’s performance and helps maintain the flow of the audition, ensuring that both the actor and casting directors can focus on the performance rather than the reading.

Empathy and Timing

Empathy is a crucial quality for a virtual audition reader. Understanding the pressure and anxiety actors may feel during self-taping allows you to provide support and encouragement.

Having Great Timing

Additionally, timing is everything in acting. As a reader, you need to be mindful of the actor’s rhythm and pace and deliver your lines in a way that complements their performance.

Good timing ensures the scene flows naturally, making the actor’s performance more believable and engaging.

Know When to Give Feedback and When Not To

Knowing when to give feedback and when to hold back is a delicate balance. As a virtual audition reader, your primary role is to support the actor’s performance, not to direct it.

If asked for feedback, provide constructive and specific advice that can help improve the performance. However, unsolicited feedback can be distracting and counterproductive.

It’s essential to gauge the actor’s needs and respect their process, offering support only when appropriate.

Clear Audio and Video

Technical quality is paramount in virtual auditions. Clear audio and video can significantly affect how the performance is perceived by casting directors.

As a virtual audition reader, you should ensure that your microphone and camera are high-quality and that your internet connection is stable.

Position your camera at eye level and ensure good lighting to create a professional setup. Clear communication and visibility help the actor’s performance to be seen and heard without any distractions, making a positive impression on casting directors.

Conclusion

I live reading for fellow actors, so feel free to schedule a session with me on WeAudition.

Being a great virtual audition reader involves more than just reading lines; it’s about providing the necessary support to help an actor deliver their best performance.

By treating the audition with seriousness, being present and attentive, possessing strong cold reading skills, demonstrating empathy and good timing, knowing when to give feedback, and ensuring clear audio and video, you can significantly impact the success of virtual auditions.

Whether you want to become a virtual audition reader or find one, these qualities will help create a productive and professional environment.

By embodying these attributes, you can contribute to the success of the actors you work with and help them land their next big role.

Stay scripted, stay savvy!