In my last blog, I talked about all the lessons I learned when it came to people submitting for roles. Now it's time for what it's like in the room. I was honestly surprised. So many of the lessons weren't actually new to me, but reminders I think we all need from time to time.
1) ACTUALLY SHOW UP. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many girls did not show up to their appointments. If you can't make it, just shoot a quick email saying so! It shows a complete lack of respect and professionalism. This is a very tiny industry. You don't want to get a reputation for being unreliable. You never know who you may be working with next.
2) BRING A HARD COPY OF YOUR HEADSHOT AND RESUME. Yes, we have a digital file, but sometimes we need something tangible. It makes things easier for those of us behind the table- and as an actor, you want to do everything in your power to make it easier for people to say Yes to you!
3) HAVE CONFIDENCE WALKING INTO THE ROOM. If you're this nervous (or forgettable!) simply walking in the room, why would I want to hire you? If you don't believe in yourself- why should I?
4) ALWAYS HAVE YOUR SIDES WITH YOU. You make thing you have it memorized, but trust me. You don't. I would much rather have you look down at the paper in your hands to grab a line than stumble and then get nervous. Plus, it makes ME nervous wondering IF you will mess up a line. As a casting director once told me, you're not getting paid to audition. Save the memorization for when you're actually getting paid.
5) IF YOU ARE ASKED TO FILM SIDES, PLEASE MAKE SURE THEY SHOW YOU AT YOUR ABSOLUTE BEST. This is the beauty of getting to film them! You can do them again and again and again until you have the perfect result! Filming your audition should actually give you a slight advantage over your competition! If you mess up a line, go back and record again!
6) YOUR JOB IS TO GET THE CALL BACK. For this round of auditions, we were only looking for one specific role. We had so many wonderful girls audition that brought so many different things to the table. It was a really difficult decision and unfortunately, like Highlander, there could be only One. HOWEVER, there were a couple girls in particular that we absolutely ADORED and want/NEED to use for other roles. In fact, it was even discussed that we possibly write something new for them! Just because you did not book this one role does not mean the casting person hates you or you're not good enough or you'll never be an actor ever again. It just means you weren't right at this one moment in time for this one particular role. But you know what? You may have gained a fan for life and perhaps you'll be brought in on their next project which will be an even BETTER fit!
All in all I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be on the casting side of things. I think every actor should do so, just to see what it's like.
What about you, friends? Any good audition lessons you've learned from either side of the table?
1) ACTUALLY SHOW UP. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many girls did not show up to their appointments. If you can't make it, just shoot a quick email saying so! It shows a complete lack of respect and professionalism. This is a very tiny industry. You don't want to get a reputation for being unreliable. You never know who you may be working with next.
2) BRING A HARD COPY OF YOUR HEADSHOT AND RESUME. Yes, we have a digital file, but sometimes we need something tangible. It makes things easier for those of us behind the table- and as an actor, you want to do everything in your power to make it easier for people to say Yes to you!
3) HAVE CONFIDENCE WALKING INTO THE ROOM. If you're this nervous (or forgettable!) simply walking in the room, why would I want to hire you? If you don't believe in yourself- why should I?
4) ALWAYS HAVE YOUR SIDES WITH YOU. You make thing you have it memorized, but trust me. You don't. I would much rather have you look down at the paper in your hands to grab a line than stumble and then get nervous. Plus, it makes ME nervous wondering IF you will mess up a line. As a casting director once told me, you're not getting paid to audition. Save the memorization for when you're actually getting paid.
5) IF YOU ARE ASKED TO FILM SIDES, PLEASE MAKE SURE THEY SHOW YOU AT YOUR ABSOLUTE BEST. This is the beauty of getting to film them! You can do them again and again and again until you have the perfect result! Filming your audition should actually give you a slight advantage over your competition! If you mess up a line, go back and record again!
6) YOUR JOB IS TO GET THE CALL BACK. For this round of auditions, we were only looking for one specific role. We had so many wonderful girls audition that brought so many different things to the table. It was a really difficult decision and unfortunately, like Highlander, there could be only One. HOWEVER, there were a couple girls in particular that we absolutely ADORED and want/NEED to use for other roles. In fact, it was even discussed that we possibly write something new for them! Just because you did not book this one role does not mean the casting person hates you or you're not good enough or you'll never be an actor ever again. It just means you weren't right at this one moment in time for this one particular role. But you know what? You may have gained a fan for life and perhaps you'll be brought in on their next project which will be an even BETTER fit!
All in all I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be on the casting side of things. I think every actor should do so, just to see what it's like.
What about you, friends? Any good audition lessons you've learned from either side of the table?
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