Want to audition for a show? Here's what you need to know.

Even experienced actors are terrified of auditioning. In an article last fall, BuzzFeed listed 22 actors — from Jake Gyllenhaal to Emma Stone — who said they’d lost a part because an audition didn’t go well.

But that didn’t stop them, and if you’ve always had the urge to get up on a stage, it shouldn’t stop you either. Dozens of local theaters welcome your participation and local directors say they are always looking to bring new actors to their productions. “We are happy to cast new people,” says Tony Frangipane, artistic director of the Cultural Arts Playhouse in Syosset and Merrick. Nearly half the people in CAP’s recent “Kinky Boots” were new to the company. At the October auditions for the Long Island premiere of the musical “Rocky,” which runs from Jan. 14 to Feb. 19, he says there were a lot of roles and little speaking parts that didn’t require singing or dancing.

“I don’t mind auditioning people who’ve never done it before,” says Jeffrey Sanzel, artistic director of Theatre Three in Port Jefferson. “Somebody with no experience is less likely to be cast, but every now and then somebody comes in and you see a raw talent.” It’s not a closed shop by any stretch of the imagination,” he adds, noting the lead actor in the recent “Guys and Dolls” was new to the theater.

We’re “especially interested in diamonds in the rough,” says Susie Lustig, executive director of the recently formed Community Playhouse of Northport. Focused on family entertainment, the group typically casts larger ensembles than other theaters, making it a great place for a newbies. Its first main stage production, “Matilda,” which runs through Nov. 13, has nearly 50 in the cast. Especially enticing to performers of “a certain age” is the group’s Bucket List Production, which happens in the summer and casts actors over 45 in roles usually played by younger performers. This year, the group did “Seussical,” which usually features a cast of 20-somethings.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

If you decide to give it a shot, directors offer similar advice: Be prepared.

“Know as much as you can about what you’re auditioning for,” says Sanzel. “Read the whole play and be familiar with it.” If you’re auditioning for a musical, he adds, make sure the song is in the right key and is printed for the accompanist.

Confidence is also important, says Lustig. “They don’t have to give the perfect audition but being able to show confidence and personality is major,” she adds.

Make sure the character you’re auditioning for is a good fit in terms of age and skill set. “If you’re not a dancer, don’t audition for a show that requires strong dancing,” Sanzel says.

Also, be aware of scheduling — most shows rehearse at night and on weekends. “If you don’t have the availability to rehearse, don’t audition,” he says. And be truthful on the audition form, he adds: “If you’ll only take a particular role, say so.”

“Be yourself,” says Frangipane. “Our first row is five feet away from the stage and people get a feeling when something is fake,” he says. “I’m looking for people to show me who they are and people who seem fun.’’

A COOPERATIVE ENVIRONMENT

“We’re looking to create a theater family,” says Lustig, where people will come for an audition and “stay for years to come.” It’s a very cooperative environment, she says, noting that even if you don’t get cast, there are many ways to participate. It’s hard to imagine any local theater will turn down offers to help with building sets, making costumes, working backstage.

But if being on stage is your goal, remember that first impressions are important. Frangipane says he makes 50% of his judgment at an audition as soon as the actor walks in the door. “I see how open a person is, how friendly they are, just their whole vibe,” he says. “Remember I’m more nervous than they are,” noting it’s not easy to cast a show. “You want everybody who comes into that room to knock your socks off.”