What Happens at Modeling Auditions?
Attending an audition is one of the first steps to landing a modeling appearance, gig or career. Although overall good looks are often a prerequisite, casting directors may look at other criteria to find the perfect candidate. A modeling audition is like other auditions--a multistep process used to determine the best candidate to advertise a product or image. Because auditions may take your appearance, background, personality and demeanor into consideration, you should prepare for and showcase those aspects as best as you can.
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Materials
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When arriving for an audition, bring your modeling portfolio, composition cards--or "comp cards"--and related resume, according to ActingModeling.com. The portfolio shows you modeling in various positions, angles and body shots. The resume should detail your work and experience. The comp card is a card with a small set of your pictures and statistics. These cards are usually put together by the modeling agency which represent you.
Type
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Understand the audition--that is, the product or image for which you're auditioning. Dress the part whenever possible, too. For example, be aware of whether you're auditioning for a business advertisement or a lingerie ad. A business clothing company may be looking for a model who auditions nicely in a suit, whereas a lingerie audition might require skimpier attire. You also can tailor your portfolio or comp card to be relevant to the specific ad for which you're auditioning.
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Proper Attitude
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Many auditions are based on luck, notes LAauditions.com, so try not to leave an audition feeling slighted. Never be intimidated by the scouts or judges; instead, engage them and attempt to win them over. Smile, stay positive and be confident during your audition. Staying calm and collected during an audition--instead of desperate and whiny--could mean the difference between getting and losing the job.
Training
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As with most other types of jobs, experience and education are key components for an aspiring model. LAaudtions.com says, "Proper training from reputable modeling schools will help reinforce the correct techniques required by top casting directors and agencies." Invaluable connections made during modeling school also could get you a gig--or at least an audition--you might not otherwise have had the opportunity to obtain. Aside from teaching proper modeling techniques, modeling schools also provide services such as resume writing for models. Make sure you properly showcase your experience during an audition, and remember that casting directors look for fresh-faced models green to the industry as often as they look for more experienced, mature faces.
Callbacks
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Casting directors are the interviewers of the modeling audition process. As with jobs that may ask for a second interview, a "callback" invites an aspiring model to come back for a second audition. Although the callback does not guarantee a job, it is a step closer. Callbacks may lead to a job offer or a spot on the "hold" list, an informal hire which reserves a photo shoot opportunity but does not guarantee it.
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References
- Photo Credit beautiful young female model image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
