Whether you’re in the room or submitting a self tape from home, the audition process can be stressful. And although you’re making sure you hit your mark and deliver a strong performance, there’s a chance you’ve made a mistake without knowing it. Here are some tips from four casting directors about the audition process and mistakes that actors should avoid.
Insights from Casting Directors:
- Actors should make strong, confident choices and slow down to stay present and deliver a clear performance.
- Understand the casting process and build a positive, professional relationship with casting directors by staying relaxed and cooperative.
- Always come fully prepared and avoid bringing distracting props to auditions to maintain focus on your performance.
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Kim Williams on Advice for the Audition Process
“Make strong, confident choices. If you go a little bit bigger than necessary, it’s okay. We can pull you back from that, but at least we know there’s something there that can be worked with. It’s also important to come in with the right mindset. There are many things outside of your control regarding booking the role, but your job is to deliver a good performance. If you do that, the producers, directors and I will remember you and think of you for future projects. Rushing is a significant issue as well. I find myself often giving the note to slow down and think about what you’re saying. Remember to take your time so you can listen and be in the moment.”
Jessica Sherman on Common Mistakes Actors Make in the Room:
“I think the big one for me happens before they even come into the room. It’s a lack of knowledge of the casting process. The idea to keep in mind is that by the time you book the role, especially for TV roles, there have been approximately 30 people who have had to sign off to say that you’re the person. So the best person may not always be the one who gets the role. The person that everyone can agree on gets the role. Having that background information is a huge asset to actors because it takes the pressure off a little bit, as far as their experience in the room.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the relationship between an actor and a casting director is a long-term one. If you come in with that mentality, every audition is not so precious and not so stressful. There’s a clear difference between somebody who comes in with a sense of desperation and someone who comes in to do the work and have fun with the opportunity. And if someone is fighting direction or just not being a pleasant human being, I probably won’t want to bring them in again. It’s our job as casting directors to create a safe environment in the room, and it’s your job as an actor to bring in good energy with you.”
Joey Paul Jensen and Christine Sheaks on Audition Mistakes Actors Should Avoid
Joey Paul Jensen: “The biggest mistake you can make is allowing room for doubt. Doubt leads to insecurity, and insecurity will lead to mistakes. Small mistakes, such as forgetting to print your sides or leaving your belongings in the room after an audition, are merely manifestations of the root issue of doubt. The antidote is to connect to your identity as a storyteller. When you’re auditioning, you’re a part of a bigger story being told. As long as you can make strong decisions about your piece of that story, then you can feel complete and whole. When you feel that way, you’ll trust yourself and be grounded, and those are tools that performing artists require to do their best work.”
Christine Sheaks: “Don’t come in unprepared. If an actor has 10 auditions that day and then takes just two seconds to review the material, it’ll show. I always tell actors to have their agents call me if that’s the case. If I can give them a later time or another day, I would rather do that than have them come in unprepared. Also, actors should never bring in a prop. The only exception is a cell phone, which is okay because it’s not distracting. During an audition for the series ‘Moonlighting,’ we had an actor take a toy gun out of his pocket, pick up one of my producers and throw him against the wall. Most actors know they shouldn’t do that, but they should avoid bringing a prop, in general, because our focus will be drawn to it.”
Final Takeaways
Auditions can be nerve-wracking, and even experienced actors sometimes make avoidable mistakes. Casting directors offer valuable insights on how to improve your chances and make a lasting impression. Here are some key takeaways to help you navigate the audition process with confidence.
- Make strong, confident choices and take your time to stay present in the moment.
- Know that casting is a collaborative process and that building a positive relationship with casting directors matters.
- Avoid doubt by trusting yourself as a storyteller and focus on your role in the bigger picture.
- Always come prepared and never bring distracting props to an audition.
- Keep a calm, professional attitude and bring good energy to every room.
Casting director answers were compiled from interviews conducted by author Cat Elliot.
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