WeAudition Review: Best Audition Reader Platform?
Auditions can be a hassle, especially when scrambling to find an audition reader at the last minute.
Your family member or friend is not going to cut it! You need a reader who knows how to run lines and can add some flavor to the audition from the other side of the camera.
Enter WeAudition, your on-demand way to access a professional reader, run lines, and complete self-tapes!
Pros
Cons
As a working actor, I’ve had to find readers for my auditions on short notice. WeAudition makes it easy to find a virtual audition reader at any hour of the day or night.
This post will review the features, benefits, costs, and my experience using this platform as an actor and a reader.
Get a 25% discount to WeAudition with promo code: kawira25
WeAudition Platform Overview
WeAudion is one of the best tools for actors to rehearse and record auditions and scenes.
Sides are easy to securely attach to each rehearsal, making it simple for the actor and the reader to access while you read for the other character in the scene.
A rehearsal session includes a split screen between the video and the script. The tabs on the sessions include:
- Partner List – A list of individuals involved in the session
- Script/Files – For uploading scripts (can’t be downloaded by the reader)
- Chat – For additional communication options
- Settings – To adjust your video/mic settings
- Time – Shows time left in the call
- +15mins – Adds 15 more minutes to the session (both must click)
- Record Actor – Video record the actor (most record on a separate device)
- Refresh – Refreshes the session (can fix connectivity issues…sometimes)
- Exit Session – Removes you from the room
The App Vs Desktop Version
I’ve primarily used the Desktop Version of the platform. It’s easy to navigate and set up your acting and reader profiles.
It’s also easy to see who’s online and find who you want to work with.
The mobile app is also user-friendly. However, it kept crashing when I used it, which was frustrating.
But logging into the WeAudition app is beneficial as it will ring your phone when you get an ‘INSTANT Rehearsal Request.’
Definitely set up your profile on the desktop and then download the app for notifications. I recommend using the desktop for most of your platform activities.
Connecting with Professional Readers
As someone who’s been both an actor and a reader on the platform, I can attest to the quality of the readers available.
WeAudition lets you choose a reader who best fits the character you interact with, ensuring your tape reflects the scene’s true dynamic.
The tabs are as follows:
- Get A Reader – Choose an audition reader to read with or search by name.
- Be A Reader – Set up your own reader profile and be a reader.
- Green Room – Open session page that allows users to video chat
They’re not just people reading lines; they’re actors who understand performance nuances. This shared understanding makes running lines and rehearsing more effective.
Casting directors, stunt performers, and other industry professionals are also available to rehearse lines with.
This flexibility is crucial for actors striving to showcase their versatility. If you click with a reader you like, ‘favorite’ their profile so you see them at the top when they’re online.
Once you select a reader, you’ll be taken to their profile and can connect with them instantly!
Networking
WeAudition isn’t just an audition tool; it’s a networking platform. You can connect with fellow actors and industry professionals and attend manager meetings.
Coaching and Feedback From a Virtual Audition Reader
Beyond just reading lines, many readers on WeAudition offer coaching and feedback.
This input can be invaluable, providing insights into your performance and helping you fine-tune it before you hit record.
As a reader, you can set your own standards for providing feedback as a coach while interacting with the actors you’re reading with.
I typically only provide feedback if asked, as I want to respect each actor’s process.
The Cost of Using WeAudition
WeAudition costs $10/month. This cost gives you access to the platform as an actor or a reader. You can use my promo code ‘kawira25‘ to get 25% off your subscription.
The good news is that WeAudition does not take a cut of reader earnings or tips. All of WeAuditions’ revenue is from the monthly subscription.
If you’re an actor looking for a reader, you’ll need to pay the subscription cost plus the readers’ fee, which ranges from reader to reader.
How Do You Become an Audition Reader?
Becoming a reader on WeAudition is simple. Fill out your ‘reader’ profile and turn on your reader beacon!
When your beacon is on, it tells actors on the platform you are available to read, and they can request you.
How Much Do WeAudition Readers Make?
Let’s discuss earning money as a reader. Being a reader supports other actors and offers a financial incentive, making it a win-win.
Every actor reading on the platform can set their own price. You also have the option to read for free and accept tips, which most new readers will do initially.
After each read, the actor can leave you a review and a tip. The more positive reviews you get, the more social proof you have to set higher reading prices in the future.
Once you get 500 reviews, you become a WeAudtion MVP (Most Valuable Player), making you eligible for unique benefits, offers, and high-level invitations.
In my experience, most actors will tip you. Expect no tip, and be pleasantly surprised when you get one if you’re reading for free.
You can also set a price upfront, but you may get fewer requests if you’re not established.
Understanding the Role of a Self-Tape Audition Reader
An audition reader is more than just a voice reading off-script. They are the unseen characters, pivotal in shaping your performance.
In self-tape auditions, the reader helps breathe life into the other characters, offering you, the actor, a real person to interact with.
This interaction is crucial – it’s not just about helping you learn lines; it’s about creating a live, dynamic self-tape scene.
Self-Tapes: A New Industry Standard
Self-tape auditions have become an industry standard, especially in film and television.
As an actor, this means setting up your space, controlling the recording, and often, finding a scene partner. This is where WeAudition’s virtual audition reader service becomes a game-changer.
It connects you with a reader via video chat, allowing you to focus on your performance rather than logistics.
The Importance of a Virtual Reader
Flexibility and remote work are essential today, and having a virtual reader for auditions is invaluable.
It ensures you’re never without a scene partner, regardless of location or time zone.
Do Casting Directors Require a Reader in Auditions?
Every casting director has their own preferences.
In my experience speaking to casting directors in workshops and classes, they prefer you to have an audition reader and will usually include this in their audition instructions.
Is it possible to record a self-tape audition on your own? Sure, but it’s more optimal to have a virtual or in-person reader to interact with.
This will help the scene come alive in a more authentic way!
My Personal Experience and Tips
There’s no better way to prepare for an audition than with a scene partner. As an active user and reader on WeAudition, I’ve found it immensely beneficial to use when you’re not in an online acting class!
It’s helped me stay prepared, off-book, and confident in my auditions. Depending on the scripts you read and the person you read with, each session will have its own unique vibe.
My profile on WeAudition can be found here. I offer my services as a reader. I’ve enjoyed being a reader for established and newer actors.
It’s also been a fantastic way to practice my cold reading, an important skill in this trade.
My best advice is to sign up and give it a try. It’s such a fun tool for the digital age of acting!
Tips for Using WeAudition Effectively
- Fill out all the fields on your profiles and attach professional headshots
- Always have your script and character analysis complete before a session
- Choose a reader who complements the tone and energy of your scene
- Embrace the opportunities to network
- Be kind and respectful and offer support each and every session
- Be patient; sometimes, there are technical difficulties 🙂
- If you’re a reader, treat every audition like your own!
Final Thoughts on WeAudition
WeAudition has established itself as the ‘Uber for virtual readers.’
Its ability to provide instant, professional readers makes it a powerful tool for any actor who auditions regularly.
With WeAudition, you’re not just recording an audition; you’re preparing for success, making connections, and elevating your career.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, this platform offers something for everyone, making it a highly recommended service for actors worldwide.
Remember, every excellent performance starts with a great rehearsal, and WeAudition ensures you have access to the talent you need to do your best work.
So why wait? Dive into the world of WeAudition and see how it can transform your audition process today. Get 25% off your WeAudition subscription with promo code ‘kawira25‘.
Stay scripted, stay savvy.
