The Perfect Audition!

Tuesday, January 1st @ 1:27 PMpost viewed 2230 times

Preparing for the Audition!

If you are a complete beginner and you are nervous about auditioning take a drama class at school or at your local community center.

Attend audition workshops, acting classes, acting summer camps or acting workshops.

WATCH MOVIES!

Watch message boards of Film Groups on the internet, posting boards at schools, colleges, universities, libraries, acting teachers, local talent agencies, film departments at local universities and colleges and arts-friendly magazines and newspapers and of course the casting calls for extras and actors on this website!

If you are waiting for that all important audition call have a pen that actually works together with paper next to all phones to take down audition information at any time. Carry pen and paper in your pocket or bag if you have given out your cell phone number to the casting agency. If you gave out your email address, check your emails often.

If you have an agent let he or she find out all the information for you.

When you get that important call, Congratulations! Then take a deep breath, concentrate and make absolutely sure you know the following:

Is this a UNION OR NON-UNION film? The film might only be actors belonging to certain unions. If it is a non-union production and you belong to a union, you may have to get permission from your union to participate in this particular production.

WHO is the Casting Director? Try to find some background information about this person. If you are auditioning for a particular company, be familiar with their work.

WHAT type of project you are auditioning for? Is it for a commercial, industrial video, theater, television or film. Understanding who and what you are auditioning for will help you prepare for the audition. If its’ a film, find out who’s directing it. Find out what that particular director looks for in his characters. If it is a commercial understand the product and the target customer. If you have an audition for a television film or an episode in a series it will help to know for which network. Different networks want to portray different images. The WB tends to be hip and trendy where as Nickelodeon presents more wholesome images. If it is for a series read about the series in TV magazines or on-line.

WHERE are the auditions being held? Be sure to confirm the address/location of the auditions. If possible go to the location the day before the audition. Make a note how long it took you to get to the location. Take into consideration what time of the day you will be driving and what the traffic pattern will be. Most important find out if there is PARKING close to the audition studio. Do you realize how many auditions were lost because the actor cannot find a parking space? If there is no parking nearby, arrange for someone to drop you off and pick you up.

If you go by public transport, definitely go the day before to see how long it will take you to get there. If somebody else is taking you make sure you ask a reliable person. I know of some people who did nit make the audition because he broke off with his girl friend the night before the audition. Unfortunately she was the one with the car and his sweet darling now turned into a spiteful vixen. So always make sure you have a back-up plan. The audition may be at a real casting office, a conference room at a public libraries or performing arts theater or even at the casting director's at home. But be very cautious if the audition is at someone's house or apartment. Find out beforehand where it is and who the casting director is.

WHAT part are you auditioning for?

WHAT clothes should you wear? Make sure to choose the appropriate clothes for your character. Don't go all out dressing for a particular character, unless asked to because it might be difficult for the casting director to see you in the role he has in mind. You can give an idea about the character by dressing "similar." But wear comfortable clothes. You should be able to move around in them. You should not be distracted by clothes that are too tight. If the clothes you have chosen creases easily, put it on a hanger. Make sure first that there would be a place where you can change. Wash and iron your clothes the day before and arrive early enough to change into your audition clothes. If you don't have the appropriate clothes, borrow or wear something close enough.

What about makeup? Always keep your character in mind when you apply your make-up. If you have to play sweet and instant, gothic make-up won't do.

Is this audition conflicting with another audition? If so, tell the person who called and asked if an alternative time can be arranged. If not, decide which audition is more important for your career. Maybe you can reschedule your other audition.

Would there be call backs? If so, WHEN? If you won't be able to make the call backs, decline the audition. Casting directors have good memories and may not consider you for other jobs if you disappoint them.
WHEN are the shoot dates? How flexible can you be? Please keep in mind that re-shoots may have to take place or it might not be possible for the producers to keep to a fixed schedule.
HOW MANY head shots, resumes should you bring to the audition? As a rule always bring extra head shots and resumes even if you have already sent those in. The casting director don't have time to go look for yours. The resume can be printed on the back of your head shot. Some casting agencies or casting directors prefer them stapled to your photograph so they can remove it easily. Some prefer it stapled only to the upper left and upper right comers of your headshot. For some stapling your resume to your headshot is a definite no-no as they complain that headshots with staples get tangled in a pile. Find out from casting agencies or other actors what is the trend in your city or state /province. Also make sure your headshot LOOKS LIKE YOU and have been taken by a photographer that has experience in taking headshots for film and television casting. Some casting directors are happy with a good quality Polaroid or digital camera. Read our article on headshots on this website!

ARE sides or a script available? A side is 1-2 pages of script that will be used to test you for the character. If so, when will they be available? If they are available days before the audition, rehearse them with anyone you can. Being unprepared will affect whether you will audition for this producer again. If you are unsure about the pronunciation or meaning of any word ask your agent or consult a dictionary. Show how serious and dedicated you are. If you have a film audition, ask if there is a full script available. Read the full script as it will give you a better idea of how your character function. Ask a friend or relative to role play the audition with you. Videotape this mock "audition". Let the friend or relative ask you questions about yourself and act opposite you on tape. Review your performance critically. Or if you don't have a video recorder, practice in front of a mirror. Write down answers to possible questions and practice them. But be careful of sounding too rehearsed. You want to come over as natural as possible.

If the scripts are only available 10 or 15 minutes before the audition be there 15 minutes before the time. Ask for it and you may choose to prepare in the waiting room or go outside. If you do, come back within 15 minutes. Let the receptionist know you will be outside. If the sides or script is available before the time, go pick it up. Nowadays, casting directors will email you the script. If any case, be at the casting location 15 minutes before the time - with a hard copy of your headshot and resume. Even you emailed your headshot and resume to the casting director beforehand.
Do you have to prepare a MONOLOGUE? Ask the casting director or contact person if you need to prepare a monologue. If yes, prepare a monologue that is less than a minute long. Most directors can tell in that time if they are interested. Prepare different pieces in case the casting team want to see you perform different styles; e.g. a dramatic piece, comedy, etc. Read the article on monologues on this website!
If this is a paid role, what is the rate per hour?
Is your car in good repair and does it have enough gas (petrol) in? The casting director is not interested in your car's dead battery if you should be late or that you have been stranded miles form the nearest gas station.
Before you leave for the audition office make sure to have a shower, use an anti-perspirant and brush your teeth. Do not wear heavy perfume, cologne or after shave to the audition. Body odor as well as strong perfumes can be equally offensive. You don't want to send anyone out of the room in a sneezing fit.

Pack your bag with a book in case there is waiting and a bottle of water. Also put in a banana or two and a bag to put your waste in. But don't drink too much water - you don't want to be in the restroom when it is your time to audition.

Inside the Audition Waiting Room

Show up for an audition 10-15 minutes early and be prepared to wait. If you are going to be late have your agent call or call yourself. Ask if you would be able to come at a later time. If you arrive, do not go into long explanations. Just apologize for any inconvenience and concentrate on your audition piece.

Turn off your cell phone, pager, watch alarm, etc. before you enter the casting office. You have to stay focused - so do the other actors who are auditioning.

Before you walk into the audition office check in a mirror to make sure your hair, makeup, etc. are presentable.

NEVER bring anyone with you to an audition. The Casting Director might just decide to cast your friend!

If your child is auditioning only ONE PARENT is allowed. Don't bring the rest of the village. And no, you can't videotape your child while he is auditioning. And you won't be allowed to go into the casting room with your child.

Check in, and if there are any forms to fill in - and there will always be - print legibly. There's nothing worse than being unable to read your contact information. It could cost you the role. Make especially sure the L's and 1's look different in your e-mail address.
Be nice to everybody. You never know if the person you are speaking to is important. Sign the attendance sheet. You may be handed a side only now. Sit down and be quiet. You may be full of confidence but for most actors this is a very tense moment. Remember the receptionist is part of the production team and she may just whisper into the casting director what a pain in the behind you are. And this is definitely not the time to hand out your Mary Kay business card.
If you haven't been given a script or side before, you will be handed one now. Consequently you will be expected to do a cold reading. To get the most out of the sides as possible, ask yourself these questions about the character: Who am I? Where am I?
What's going on?

Don’t try and impress the casting director by memorizing the lines. Try and get a general idea of what your character is about. It might be a good idea to memorize the first and especially the last line. You can then look up at the end and create a good final impression.

There may be several people waiting with you to audition. Remember that they are competing with you for the same job. Don't let them intimidate you. Ignore the guy who is bragging about all "the gigs" he has been in. Remember most, if not all of the other actors, are just as tense as you are. Be nice to your "competition". You never know who you may end up working with.

Focus on your side or script. Or just close your eyes and meditate. Whatever works for you.

Your Audition - knock them out!

Don’t chew gum while auditioning.

A good casting director won't let you audition in front of other auditioners. It’s not fair if some people get to see how everyone else auditions.

Close the door quietly behind you and put your belongings out of the way.

The casting team may consist out of more than one person. Don’t feel intimidated. Smile at the casting team and greet them briefly. DO NOT touch anyone unless somebody in the casting team instigates contact first.

Keep the script (if any) in your hand, walk to the mark and stand there quietly.

If you are nervous, take a deep breath and try to relax. Remember that casting directors are people too and they know how you feel. Remember you may not get every job you audition for, but you learn something from every audition you go to. And you know what, nothing blows casting directors away more than arrogant, over-confidant actors.

Compliment the producers, directors, or casting directors on their latest films or shows. I personally hate it but most film people and directors have huge egos.

Own the audition space. If there is a chair center stage, but you don't need it, ask if you can move it out of the way. Don't try to work around it. On the other hand, if you need one for your monologue, ask friendly if you may have one.

Do not start a conversation with the casting team unless you are spoken to first. If you have to ask questions, do so BEFORE the tape is rolling. Avoid asking too many questions as your audition probably has a tight time slot.

Don’t flirt with the Casting Director. It is not professional.

Don't impress the casting directors by telling them you have to get to another audition. They don't care.

When you, hear the words "Roll tape" that is meant for the photographer.

Respond appropriately to any questions that the Casting Director may put to you. Just answer his questions. Be warm, interesting and friendly. When he asks for your name, just give your name. Pronounce it slowly and clearly. Don't start a conversation. Don't ask the names of the auditioning team. If they want to introduce themselves, they will, but chances are they won’t have the time to introduce themselves to dozens of auditioning actors. When you hear the words "Slate please" it means you must give your name, age, your phone number and the name of your agency if you represented by one.

Some casting directors may chat a little bit to learn more about your personality. Make sure you have one or two short, interesting short stories to tell them. Don’t tell them about all your troubles and how badly you need this acting job.

Listen carefully to the Casting Director for instructions and cues.

Get into proper character before you are actually reading the side. If you don't know the context of the scene, ask. If there isn't an opportunity to ask, make up your own. Impress the casting director. Pause for a brief moment and take a deep, quiet breath. Try not to look at the casting team. If you have to read opposite one of the casting team members, concentrate on that person. Don't keep your head down all the time to read your lines. Occasionally look down, quickly put a line or two to memory, look up and deliver them. The casting director wants to see your face. If you are a foreigner or from a different region do the reading in your own natural accent. Only do the accent of that particular country or region when asked to do so.

If you make a mistake during the audition, for example, you forget part of your monologue or script, mispronounce a word, don't stop and ask to start over. That makes you look ill-prepared and unprofessional. Just keep going and don't worry about it. Improvise. The director doesn't care if you forget something, but he does want to know what you will do if something similar happens in front of the camera if you are cast.

Most actors are so scared of over-acting when it comes to auditions that they give bland performances. Go for the kill, show emotion, act from the gut and give it your all. Just make sure that what you are doing make sense in the context of the scene.

If you are asked to read the script again in a different way it doesn't mean they hated the way you read it the first time. It might actually be a good sign. The casting directors may simply want to see if you can follow directions. If they cut you off it might mean they like you and they don't need to hear any more. However, in theater, in often means you didn't get the part.

When the audition is over, smile and say "Thanks for giving me the opportunity to audition for you". Don’t make any excuses. Don’t tell them you know you can do better. Don’t tell them you are sick and in the middle of a custody battle. Don't start begging for the part. Pick up your belongings and leave the room. Sometimes you may be directed to leave through a different door so as not to cause a commotion when you leave breaking the concentration of the other nervous actors in the waiting room.

DON'T ask if you will get a Call Back. A Call Back is a second round of auditions. If the casting director liked you, he will definitely call you back. If you do get called back, wear the same outfit as during your audition.

Close the door quietly behind you.

Sign out (if required) and leave.

After the Audition

Sometimes the casting director get several great performances on tape and extend Call Backs to these actors. A Call Back is a second round of auditions. When you are called back, Congratulations! Wear the same clothes and hairstyle at the second audition - unless required otherwise by the casting director. Sometimes they want to see you with a different look.

Some casting directors are nice enough to let you know if you didn’t get the part. But some don’t. Usually they will tell you by what date they would have made a decision. If you don’t get a call within a month from that date, stop hanging around at the phone. When the cast is announced, don't be depressed or angry if you were not cast. Don't feel rejected. It is not that you are a bad actor, only that you were not appropriate for the roles they needed to fill. You may even be offered a different role than the one you auditioned for or the casting director may want to cast you in another of his productions.

Don't ask the casting director (or anyone else) why you weren't cast, unless you really want to know. Some directors won't like this while others may be happy to offer some constructive criticism. Don't argue about their assesment of you!

www.usafilmproduction.com if you are serious in becoming an actor!

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