To Prop or Not to Prop
August 24, 2016
When preparing for an audition taping or showcase recording, I've had actors ask me whether or not they should use props. My first question to them is this: "Is the prop crucial to the scene?"
Generally speaking, if the prop is necessary for the scene and small enough to fit in your pocket, then it is probably fine to use. However, let's say you're auditioning a fight scene, and the stage direction reads: pulls out knife; do NOT assume you should bring a knife in to your audition. The moment a weapon comes into play, everyone in the room is immediately nervous, including the casting director and your fellow actors. Typically, the action in those types of scenes will be mimed in an audition situation. This applies to both on-camera and theatre auditions.
Let's look at another example: your character is sitting at a restaurant with friends, so you'd like to sip on a glass of water during your audition. Ask yourself this: Does drinking the glass of water add to the scene, or detract from it? Would the scene be just as effective, if not more so, if you did not drink the glass of water? If it is imperative that your character be drinking, then use a bottled water. Bottles of water are easy to transport in your bag, and you won't have to worry about a glass breaking.
Don't hesitate to ask the person running the audition about prop usage. There are situations in which props are necessary, like in commercials where you are selling a product. Clients need to see how you handle their product, and in these cases the prop is likely supplied for you.
When in doubt, just ask. You'll be doing yourself, and the others in the audition room, a favor.
