Auditioning can be a scary process. You could be called in asked to do anything, on the spot! Dawinder Bansal talks to actor Sanjay Sharma to find out how to keep your cool and sail through an audition!

What was your first acting job?
My first acting job was for an extra Grange Hill! I loved because it meant I would miss all the normal school times! That was a pivotal moment in my life, because during that time I realised I that I definitely wanted to be an actor. Either that or be involved in production. I got my agent during Grange Hill, and the rest just snowballed.

How did you start off?
After Grange Hill (2 years), I landed lead roles in various adverts and safety videos as well as roles in Crimewatch! I also stared in a short film, an ITV mini series called Buried Treasure and I also played one of the leading roles in a mini-series called The Seventh Scroll. I've been in various theatre productions, with the most recent being Bollywood – Yet another Love Story.

This was a fantastic production because it was half film and theatre. All the footage was filmed in Bombay, which gave the show a lot of authenticity and really added production value. During the dance sequences the performers had to make sure that the choreography was synchronized with the film, it was a challenge but it came together.

What was your first audition? How did you feel?
My first audition was at the age of 9, for a yoghurt advert! I remember finding it so strange! I was in the studio, with a camera and light in my face, it's a bit of a blur now but I do remember pretending to eat some ice cream and telling the camera how nice it was! I remember feeling nervous when I was 13 and auditioning for Grange Hill. I forced myself to overcome my nervousness, because I remember thinking that this could be my only chance, so I just went for it!

What is it like going for an audition? What is the process?
These days I don't mind auditioning, call me weird but I enjoy the process! I used to get very nervous when I was younger, but over the years I have learned how to control my nerves! It's all about finding a balance. From my experience, there are a few stages to the auditioning process.

Firstly, my agent would inform me that I have an audition. Then I would meet the Director, Casting Director and on occasions the Producer. We'd talk about my previous work and then I would read parts of the script. If the audition were successful, I would be recalled. It varies depending on the type of project.

What's the best way to prepare for an audition?
I always do a lot of research about the character I audition for, especially if it's something I'm not familiar with. Sometimes my interpretation of certain characters is based on actual people I have met. For example, I needed to adopt an East Midlands accent for an audition, so I asked a friend to introduce me to people from that area which helped me produce an authentic Nottingham accent. It must have worked because I got the part!

What exercises do you do to keep calm?
Lots of deep breathing, facial exercises, vocal exercises – all work a treat for me!

How do you learn your lines? How do you get into the mind of the character?
There are different methods that work for different actors; personally I read them over and over and sometimes I write them out. I do a form of method acting, which basically enables me to grasp the character and enter the mindset of the person I'm playing. I also try and meet people who can empathise or who are similar to the character. It's a matter of constant research.

What tips would you give to someone wanting to get into acting? I'd say just go for it; keep yourself well informed about the industry; try and keep an open mind about opportunities in other areas like screenwriting and producing and try and have other things going for you as well. This is a tough business so determination, passion and confidence are definitely needed.

What advice would you give to someone going for an audition?

1. Learn the lines
2. Relax
3. Get there early with enough time to read the script
4. Listen to what's being said once you get in there
5. Don't turn up late to an audition – it will make you feel nervous and flustered
6. Be yourself and if you don't get it this time, don't take it personally – something else is bound to materialise.
7. Be open to constructive criticism.

Image from Bollywood, Yet Another Love Story, courtesy of RIFCO Theatre Company

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