Audition and Callback Tips and Information::
For actors, it's auditions, for the rest of us, it's job interviews, but realistically, no matter what your profession, there will always be annoying people, mean people, nerve-wracking stressful situations, and the desire to move forward in your career. All in all it's the same no matter what you do. Sure you get nervous, sure people are jerks, sure half the other people you run into on auditions are annoying and make you want to quit acting, but should that keep you from doing your best and looking forward to the next opportunity to act in front of people that could further your career and let you make a living through your love for acting? It should be fun if you are doing something that you love.
If this isn't how you feel about acting and auditions, what are you doing it for? Auditions are where you get to show them how you stand out from all the rest. You get that one shot to impress them with your impeccable talent and your affinity for acting. A lot of actors hate the audition process, but they should see it as something that comes with the territory and realize that auditions are your chance to show your stuff. It's a great thing.
If you don't cut the mustard, you don't get the job. For actors, auditions are the equivalent of job interviews. If the director likes you, you get a “call-back.” From there, the field is whittled down to a few actors vying for the same part and somebody eventually winds up winning the part. Then you go back in and perform in front of the casting director.
This means you’ll be given a scene and told to memorize your part in the next 20-30 minutes. If you’re auditioning for a film, you might need to do a “cold reading” for your audition. If the acting audition is for a play, you will already have gotten the play beforehand and practiced your parts. This is why they also call them “cattle calls.” Once inside, you audition for the casting director.
Going to one of these casting calls means you’ll have to stand in line with all the other hopefuls. It’s here that careers are started and you need to know how to find them. Acting auditions are the gateway into the world of acting.
Some people might even take this opportunity to psyche out the next person to go in by making a little conversation with them. As you walk back out into the waiting room, hang around for a few minutes to make sure you’re not wanted back in the room to do the scene one more time.
They’re busy and just want you to leave. The last thing they want is to have to listen to you explain why you didn’t do a good job or ask them what you could’ve done better, etc. Once done, thank the room and leave. Then begin the piece. Before you start your audition, hand the CD your resume and headshot and state what piece you’re going to perform.
Just accept it and get through the acting audition by going along to get along. No need to take this personal. These people have to deal with hundreds of auditioners every day so they don’t have time to shake everyone’s hand. As you get called into the room to audition, take note not to shake hands with the casting director unless they go to shake your hand first.
Nobody likes to work with a problem person and by asking the assistant what everyone was like, many of these people can be weeded out. The first person you’ll probably encounter is the casting director’s assistant. Plus, even if they don’t know the casting director, it’s been said that CD’s will ask the assistant who was nice and who was a problem. The peon may be best friends with the casting director. Even though you may be tired from waiting in line for an hour or two, make sure you’re not rude to this person which you might consider a peon. He or she will give you the sides and sign you in.
They may not expect you to memorize lines but that doesn’t mean you can’t use that time effectively. If you’re expecting “sides” or pages that you’re going to be given for a cold read, arrive as early as possible to get the most amount of time to prepare for the audition. If you’re late, casting will automatically figure you for a person who is always late and will be late for the filming if you’re hired for the role. Arriving early is critical to starting off on the right foot.
As an actor, you need to put on your best first impression and avoid making beginner mistakes that will get you immediately eliminated. Walking through the doors to an acting audition can be a terrifying experience, especially in the beginning. So don't get yourself all worked up, just go in and break the proverbial leg! Use this advice to nail your next acting audition.
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