Stepping into an audition room isn't an easy thing. Nerves are on high alert and you desperately want to make the best impression you can. We know telling you not to be nervous won't accomplish anything so here's a few tips that can help you stack a few cards in your favour.

What to expect. You'll come in and meet with us. We'll ask you to slate for the camera (pretty much just giving us your name) then you'll perform your prepared piece. After, we'll take a few reference photos and you that's it. In callbacks, you'll usually read sides that we prepare, and we'll have a brief Q&A.

Don't try to recite something you don't know cold. We'd rather hear a clean reading from a script than have you stumble through lines you don't quite remember. That said, memorization will make a bigger impression than not.

Feel free to bring hard copies of your resume/headshot but you won't be penalized for not having one. Same goes for a demo reel.

Bring your A-game. It seems self-evident but it isn't always. An audition isn't the time to test out that obscure Shakespeare monologue. Come in with something you're comfortable reading. Something you know well and something that shows off some of your strengths. Don't select a piece that has no emotion, doesn't show off what you're good at, or is something you're not completely comfortable with. And unless you're a world-class -award winning- writer, don't write material for yourself.

Selected pieces don't have to be monologues. They can be two person scenes. If you bring a two person scene, bring two copies even if you know your lines cold. Keep in mind that the person reading opposite you has probably never read the piece so don't rest your success on their hitting that crucial beat.

We caution against selecting a two-person comedy bit for your audition. Comedy is tough at the best of times and the person reading opposite you might have completely different comic sensibilities than you (or none at all). You can't control this and you want as much control as possible. If the auditions are for a comedy, this doesn't really apply.

Viggo Mortensen delivered a powerful speech in Return of the King. In all likelihood, you're not Viggo Mortensen. (Though if you are, let us buy you lunch or something.) Be very careful when choosing a well known speech from a big studio flick. We love them as much as you do, but that gives you some great shoes to fill. That said, if you really can nail the emotional context, have at it. Big risks can lead to big gains.

In callbacks, have a strong idea for the character you're reading for. A clear idea of who the character is can help worlds. We might ask you for a totally different take, but you're much better off adjusting from a strong starting concept.

Take as much time as you can to get prepared. With callbacks especially, the sides sometimes aren't up until a few days before auditions but take the time to at least read them. Preparation leads to confidence and confidence counts for a lot.

Remember that we're all on the same side. Looking for the best actor for the character. We're not out to tear you down. We're nice guys (and gals). Honestly.

If you know the character, know yourself, are confident and prepared, you can control the room and that's the best you can do.

And you still might not get the part. Don't get discouraged. Sometimes it comes down to "it" and "it" is impossible to define. A person just clicks or feels right for the character. Once you leave, breathe, be condident you did the best you could, and remember that everybody's in the same boat.