While in-person auditions are far scarcer than they were a few years ago, they are still a vital part of the casting process. As actors let their in-person audition skills rust, this is an incredible opportunity to stand out.
Having recently sat on the other side of the casting table for many hours over two days, here are just a few things that caught the attention of casting professionals.
Insights: Quick Tips for In-Person Auditions
- Understand the context, tone, and structure of your lines to showcase strong technique.
- Convey a natural and personable demeanor to indicate you’re someone pleasant to work with.
- Ensure your headshot and resume are updated, well-formatted, and readily available, possibly with digital access through a QR code.
Command of the Text
I can honestly say this is something that consistently stands out. Even for short commercials, having the ability to read context and tone, and break the text down into beats with varied tactics is golden in the room. Strong basic technique is the backbone of a good audition.
Ease in the Room
Remember that casting professionals aren’t just hiring someone best suited for the role. They are also looking for who will be best to work with. Someone who can be genuine, personable and easy in the room is a breath of fresh air amongst nerves and forced charm. This often comes with experience.
Before you walk in, remember to take a breath, be present in your body, remember why you love your work, and bring yourself into the room instead of forcing yourself to fit what you imagine the room wants you to be.
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Strong Opening Beat
The importance of those first twenty seconds cannot be overstated. An actor who can drop in and establish environment, perspective and relationship in their first few moments will make the room sit up and pay attention. It is much harder to recover from a weak opening than to buy forgiveness for a stumble later.
Ability to Pivot
Auditions are difficult and unpredictable things to run. There’s a strong likelihood you might be asked to read unexpected material, work with a different scene partner or encounter other structural elements you weren’t anticipating. The ability to keep a cool head and pivot with grace is hugely valuable and always noticed.
Professional Materials
While it is much rarer to hand in hard copies of headshots and resumés in a world of self tapes, the practice is not extinct. If you’re called upon to bring in materials, make sure your resumé is current and properly formatted, and that your headshot is attached to, or combined with your resumé.
Effort stands out. In two days of auditions, I remember the man who brought current headshots with resumés printed on the back, plus a QR code to his website, each in a clean folder for everyone at the table. Little touches like that, while not strictly necessary, tend to stand out.
Those who sparkle can balance a sense of confidence, competence and play. It’s a potent combination, and one that comes from consistent training, honoring artistic instincts, and an actor’s faith in their abilities. From there, it’s up to directors and producers, but if you can bring all three into the room, your chances of getting cast skyrocket.
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