Theatrical auditions are often quite different in terms of content and acting style from commercial auditions or stage auditions. Theatrical auditions refer to those projects that are filmed or video taped for theatrical purposes on television and for films. These may be independent films, tv shows, reality shows, major motion pictures, daytime dramas, or other theatrical projects. The word theatrical does not refer to live theater, stage or plays.
Television is a medium that is changing all the time, so it is always best to try and watch an episode of the show you are auditioning for. If you can’t be home or record an episode, you can often find the show on the Internet. Many times, the network that airs the show will have free viewing on their websites, and you can at least get a feel for the look and style of the show.
Pick up your sides or audition material, and prepare the scene or scenes as close to the style of the episode you watched as possible. Dress in a similar style that is in keeping with the character you are auditioning for. Your job as an auditioning actor is the job of a detective. You need to figure out who you are supposed to be, where the show takes place, who the other characters are to you, what the intention of the scene is, and successfully and confidently accomplish those things in the course of your five minutes in the casting office.