Choose 3-4 monologues that are each distinct. Have a dramatic monologue, a comedic monologue, and so on. You’ll want to show the casting director that you’re capable of capturing more than one type of emotion or style. Look through monologue books for unique monologues that you haven’t heard before. Casting directors will be tired of hearing the same old choices hundreds of times. Practice your monologues often, so you aren’t rusty if you need to perform last minute. Time your monologues and make sure they’re all 2 minutes or less. Auditions are timed, and you’ll get cut off if you go beyond 2 minutes or so.
Ask people you know in your industry for recommendations. Headshot photographers can be quite expensive, so make sure you have the rate nailed down before you go in for a shoot. When you’re researching what photography studio to use, ask if a makeup artist will be available to work with you throughout the shoot. If not, it might be worth paying extra to hire someone to keep you looking fresh while your pictures are being taken.
The reel should be as easy to view as possible. Some casting directors will ask you to send an electronic file via email, while others will ask for a hard copy on DVD. Have your reel available in both formats. If you’ve never been in a movie before, include clips from a play you’ve been in that was filmed. You can also include clips from student films. In recent years some casting directors have been asking for clips that cater to the project at hand. For example, if you’re auditioning to play a football team captain, try to send a clip that shows you playing a similar character. Don’t start your reel with an introduction or montage. It should begin with your name, then launch directly into the first scene. [2] X Research source Don’t save the best for last. Casting directors have a lot of reels to review. If yours doesn’t start out with your strongest scenes, chances are they’ll skip to the next person’s reel.
New York City and Los Angeles have the highest concentration of casting calls, since both cities are big into the movie business. However, many smaller cities and towns have a thriving film community, and you’re sure to find opportunities in your area if you know where to look. Check out arts blogs, alternative weekly newspapers, and other arts publications to find more information.
You should dress appropriately for the part as well. Don’t arrive in full costume, but make yourself look like a believable version of the character you’ll be playing. If you’re auditioning to be a classy CEO businesswoman, don’t show up in jeans and tennis shoes.
You don’t have to feel anchored to the mark throughout the course of your audition; it’s just a starting place. You should utilize the space in a way that makes sense for the role you’re playing.
Don’t spend too much time talking before you perform. Most auditions are timed, and the clock starts ticking as soon as you walk in. You want to maximize your performance time. Don’t ask the casting director and auditors their names, and don’t exchange pleasantries beyond saying “good evening” or the like. Again, you don’t have time for it. [5] X Research source
If you go this route, be sure you’re working with an experienced, licensed agent. Some people pose as talent agents to prey on vulnerable young actors. You can expect to pay your agent 10% of your earnings. You can find an agent by attending a casting workshop, during which you would audition in front of both agents and casting directors. Do an online search for workshops in your area. The Call Sheet is a list of talent agents of good repute. Check out the list and contact agents directly. [6] X Research source www. sagaftra. org
