DEAR ACTORS,

Below are my top ten tips for auditioning for me. I say, “for me” because as you probably have experienced, we casting directors have many different types of personalities. Some are always grumpy, some are always happy, some are always stressed, and some take a lot of Xanex. I like to think I am a mixture of all of the above. An audition is a job interview. It is your chance to shine. Figure out how you are going to own those 15 minutes you have to make us fall in love with you so that we want to use you in every film we do. Remember, casting directors want to hire actors.

1    Turn off your phone and anything that beeps.

2    Always be prepared for an audition: Read the sides and practice (a lot) before you audition. Read the script and know the context of what the role is within the film. If you think you are being original with the sides you are given for your audition, THINK AGAIN! 95% of actors who audition for the same role will have the same take on a character. Of the 5% who don’t, 2.5% will be totally wrong and 2.5% of those who audition will be unique, fresh and original. What does it take to be in this top 2.5%? Practice, luck, talent, & the right look for the role.

3    Ask questions: Ask a smart question to the director. This will show that you are interested in the film and that you are flexible to notes and changes in your performance. Don’t just ask, “Do you want to see me do it differently.” Ask a question that will lead to a considered response by the director.

4    Dress appropriately: If you look like crap, you are not going to get the part (unless the character is a homeless person). Be sensible and wear clothing that does not distract us from your face. Remember the eyes are the windows to your soul: not your pecs, boobs, butt crack, arm pit hair, mid-drift or gross disgusting feet in flip-flops. You are not auditioning for a commercial when you come to see me, therefore I do not need to see you dressed as a doctor, lawyer or whatever! I just need to see you and your ability as an actor. Do not wear white, it washes you out on camera, wear a solid colored top, but not blue, in case there is a blue backdrop…more on this another day.

5    Smell neutral: Avoid heavy perfume, deodorant and cologne. (If you are European use half the amount of cologne you would normally spray yourself with.) This is about distraction. You do not want to leave an audition room with the producer only thinking about your body odor or the heavy amount of cologne you piled onto yourself.

6    Introductions: Make eye contact with everyone in the room. If you are introduced to someone shake his or her hand. If there are a lot of people in the room, just say, “It is so nice to meet you all,” and don’t feel pressured to shake hands. Some people don’t want to shake your hand. It’s not personal. Make sure you have something to say. Have some small talk ready that allows everyone to feel at ease with you.

7    Listen: When you are given a note, take your time to understand what the director is saying to you. If you need clarity, ask for it.

8    Always carry a hard copy picture/resume with you. If you have a reel, have a DVD copy with you and let us know you have it.

9    When you are finished, thank everyone and leave. Always be polite. If you are pissed off because you had to wait a long time for the audition, don’t let that show. Breathe your frustrations away, because “agro” does not look good on camera.

10    Do not audition if you are having a bad day. If you are having a bad day and are too stressed out to audition, call your agent and ask them to see if you can come in on a different day. If you can’t come in on a different day, sort yourself out, don’t let on that your boyfriend dumped you or that you ran over a squirrel on the way to the audition. Be professional, do your best, leave, go back to your car and cry. You will probably get the job.

All actors should make sure their IMDB page is up-to-date and the contact information is correct. Also, make sure your picture is there as well. Actors should be registered with, Breakdown Services/Actors Access, Now Casting and LA Casting. Your up-to-date picture, resume and reel should be on all of the services. If you have a website make sure your reel is on there. Your reel should be no longer than 3 minutes, it should contain your strongest scenes and you do not need to have a montage at the beginning of the reel.  Make it easy for us to cast you and you will have more of a chance to book the job.

If you would like to know more about me, please go to www.lesssallcasting.com.

Until next week…M