Audition Tips and Casting Information
Audition Tips
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOME ADVICE ON AUDITIONS AND CASTING WE CAN HELP YOU.
BELOW ARE A FEW AUDITION TIPS TO ENSURE YOU STAND THE BEST POSSIBLE CHANCE AT YOUR NEXT CASTING OR AUDITION.
Whether you are auditioning for theatre or going to a casting for television or Film our tips and advice will help you to make the most of your opportunity.
Always remember casting agents want to find THE actor or actress for the part, it's their job, so they are already on your side and really hope they can fill the role.
Try and be yourself, don't try too hard or they won't get to see the real you.
CASTING FOR FILM:
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Ask your agent or contact if there are sides (pages/scenes) available. NB: If you are given a full script DO read it.
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Make notes and prepare well.
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as much as possible, be off the page but do take script in.
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If you are being filmed, make sure your head is in the frame, try not to keep moving your head up and down. You can do this by holding your script in front of you just under the camera lens.
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Practise by setting up and film yourself rehearsing infront of a camera at home.
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Look up the director, producer, casting director on the International Movie Data Base (IMDB) and find out what they have done in the past.
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Arrive dressed appropriatlely. If you are going for a part of a doctor dress smartly but if you're going for a part of a 'down & out' dress down. Spend time the night before finding the right outfit.
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Try not to take in your nerves. the casting director wants you to be the one.
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Be polite but not too chatty.
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Do sell your last job and be able to recite your CV confidently. Remember: They also want to get to know you and not just what you've done.
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And finally...ENJOY IT! Remember: 'Without preperation there is bound to be failure'.
ORDER THIS BOOK
"Secrets From the Casting Couch: On Screen Strategies for Actors From a Casting Director"
Why is it that so many good actors don't perform well at castings? Secrets from the Casting Couch gives practical advice for actors, written from a casting director's point of view, teaching the craft of film casting in front of camera. It shows how actors can work with today's internet technologies to get cast and features advice and actual exercises that achieve results in the casting studio. Emmy-award nominated casting director Nancy Bishop C.SA., has developed a successful approach through many years experience of working in the casting studio. The author also runs internationally recognised master classes throughout Europe and the US and is? the head of the Prague Film School Acting Department.
CASTING FOR COMMERCIALS:
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Try to gain as much information as possible about the casting.
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Arrive at least 15 minutes early.
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If you haven't already been given one, ask if there is a script or story board to look at.
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Read script or storyboard carefully.
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By reading the information, find out what the product is and what your role in selling the product is.
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Go in with a good idea of how you could approach the character.
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Do hone your improvisation skills. Take regular Improvisation classes.
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Be polite and smile.
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When giving your name, age and agent speak directly into the camera. Try to keep your head up when reading your script.
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If you are unrepresented, state Spotlight..
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Do ask if they wish you to answer questions to the camera.
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Once again: At castings, arrive on time and dress appropriately. Gradually build a 'Casting Wardrobe'.
AUDITIONING FOR THE THEATRE:
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Read the Play you are auditioning for.
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Be familiar with the character.
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Any thing in the script you are unsure of, do ask.
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Prepare to run through previous credits on your CV confidently and articulately.
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If you have been asked to prepare a monologue, try to find an appropriate acting piece.
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Do prepare well, know it backwards as you will have to also deal with your nerves on the day.
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Try not to use any props. They detract from you!
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If you have been asked to deliver your script in a certain accent. Research it.
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There are dialect tapes available and there are suggested Books/Plays on our 'Plays to Order Page'
HERE IS A GREAT BOOK FOR YOU TO HELP YOU HONE THE AUDITION PROCESS