If it’s a comedy, you’ll want to smile. If you are trying to audition for drama or romance, a more serious or sultry look may be what casting directors are looking for. [3] X Research source Do not cover up imperfections on your face, like moles or freckles. Your headshot should look like you because casting directors want to have a good impression of what you truly look like. If you get a drastic haircut or get older, consider getting your headshot taken again. Look for photographers online and request to see some photos that they have taken in the past. Don’t settle for a sub-par photographer. Your headshot is like your calling card. If it’s low quality, it will leave a negative impression on casting directors.
Avoid auditions that require you to pay, or casting directors that you can’t find online, as these are typically scams. [4] X Research source Some useful websites to find casting opportunities include www. Playbill. com, www. Backstage. com, and www. Castingnetworks. com. [5] X Research source If you can afford it, move to a major city so you can take advantage of casting opportunities. Opportunities on smaller sets will give you the experience some casting directors are looking for.
As a union member, you’ll receive advanced notice for union auditions, and you’ll have a greater capacity to network with other actors. To be eligible to join the SAG-AFTRA Union, you must have completed three days of work under the SAG-AFTRA collective bargaining agreement. Another way to be eligible is to join an affiliated performers union like AEA, AGMA, ACTRA, or AGVA for one year as an actor. The SAG-AFTRA Union offers additional benefits like health insurance and retirement benefits. [7] X Research source The SAG-AFTRA requires monthly dues as well as an initial registration fee. If you are not part of the union, look for nonunion opportunities.
Choose an agent or agency that you feel comfortable with. If you find work yourself you may catch an agent’s eye. Make sure to look for work on your own while searching for an agent.
Keep your social media regularly updated so your fans keep coming back for more content and feel a greater connection to you. Refrain from saying anything offensive, and abstain from arguing with people online. Agents are looking for a previous track record that includes a body of work. If they can’t find you online, they have nothing to judge but your audition tape.
If you know the right people you’ll hear about auditions before they are made available to others vying for the same role. Try to be polite and shake hands with everyone you meet. Remember the names of people who can help advance your career. Other actors and actresses can give you advice or tips on your auditioning technique.
Don’t choose a script that only shows one emotion like anger or sadness. Use personally relevant pieces and stay away from experimental scripts, or scripts that don’t show off your true acting ability. [13] X Research source
Do not look down at your script while the casting agent is reading lines. Casting directors want to be able to gauge your acting abilities, which includes reacting to events in the story or lines in the dialogue. [14] X Research source
Bad habits include a noticeable twitch or facial gesture that you do habitually. Take notice of the way you pronounce words and make sure that you enunciate.
You can ask by saying, “Hey, I have an audition coming up, and I wanted to get some feedback on my performance. I need someone to be completely honest and objective so that I can land this role. "
Wearing something comfortable will put you at ease and give you the confidence to concentrate on acting.
Don’t let the small talk ruin the audition. Try to gauge the casting directors attitude and whether they enjoy small talk.
If you come from a theater background, it’s reasonable to assume that you are used to using grandiose physical gestures and using a lot of energy in your line delivery. This does not translate to TV most of the time.
For example, if you are playing a detective, don’t try to replicate what is popular amongst detectives as the performance can often come off as forced and unrealistic. [21] X Research source
Even if you’ve never been in a similar situation, there’s a good chance you’ve felt similar emotions. If you aren’t given any background information on your character, make one up. Create their motivation in your head to understand the role and act more like that character. For example, if tasked with portraying an angry son, create a backstory in your head of what drives the son’s anger and motivations.
You make a greater impact with an audience when they believe you are the character.
If you have prepared beforehand, you’ll feel more confident going into the audition.
