These days, auditions usually take three forms: a self tape, where you film your own audition and send the edited video to the casting director; a live stream via Zoom or Microsoft Teams; or in person, where you go to meet people face-to-face in a room (this could also be a recall from a self tape). Remember, especially during quiet times, that things can happen at any moment, sometimes at short notice or when you least expect them. Today could be the day when the phone rings or an email arrives with that life-changing audition or job offer, so be prepared and never give up hope. That said, there is no magic formula that will get you booked every time, so don’t have unrealistic expectations if spending money on courses that suggest or promise this.
Here are my 10 top tips to maximise your success at auditions:
PREPARE AND RESEARCH Get as much information as possible about the project and the role for which you are auditioning, as well as the people you will be meeting. Make sure you have the required skills and if you are sent script pages beforehand, learn them rather than reading off the page. It will elevate your performance to another level.
TURN UP! If you are offered an audition, go. You never know where it might lead, now or in the future. Get your self tape in as early before the deadline as possible, as casting teams may receive hundreds of tapes and only have time to watch a small selection. If you really need to cancel, give as much notice as possible so someone else can have your slot.
ALLOW ENOUGH TIME Factor in enough time for your journey, including possible delays, to avoid stress. It is always better to be early than late. Enter the venue about 15 minutes before your appointment and remember that casting sessions can run late (sometimes by hours) or early if people have cancelled, so be prepared for both.
STAY FOCUSED If you are given script pages to look through in the waiting room, do not get distracted. Get as familiar with the material as you can, rather than chatting to other auditionees.
BE MEMORABLE Keep your energy levels up from the moment you enter the venue, or your tape starts rolling, until the very end. Smile, be enthusiastic and be the person they remember and want to work with, now and in the future.
DO YOUR BEST Always give the best audition you can and never make excuses, apologise or walk out. You never know what they are looking for. If you do not want a job, give a brilliant audition and turn it down if an offer comes, rather than sabotaging it. If you look good, the casting director does too, and vice versa.
ANY QUESTIONS? If the creative team chat with you before or after your reading, listen carefully and think before you answer. Speak in concise sentences rather than rambling. If they ask whether you have any questions, the answer is always yes, so prepare one or two pertinent questions in advance.
MAKE PLANS You will feel less nervous if an audition is just another part of your day. Make sure you have something to look forward to afterwards, whether that is something lovely or simply necessary.
BE PATIENT Decisions can often take time, so do not assume the worst if you hear nothing for a while. If the job is for you, wonderful. But if not, think about how you can improve and remember that you have made new contacts for the future.
KEEP IN TOUCH If the company’s contact details are available, follow up from time to time. A brief, warm message reminding them of where you met, or sharing a relevant update about your work, keeps you in their mind for future projects.
🎭