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Before actors receive an audition notice, they are submitted on film, television and/or theater productions by their agent or themselves for roles that fit their appearance.
When an actor gets an audition, it generally means that based on the actor's look and experience, the casting director thinks that the actor may be right for the part that he is casting. The actor is usually sent "sides" or portions of a script to work on and often memorize to prepare for the audition.
If actors are given sides before an audition, the casting director fully expects that they will go through the script, break it down and discover ways to connect to the material. While memorizing the sides are generally not a requirement, it is a good idea to do so if the script is short. This will also help in the audition and show the casting director that the actors are prepared for the role.
If sides are not given to actors beforehand, they will be expected to do a "cold read" when they go to the audition. This basically means that they will be given the sides at the audition, are given just a few minutes to look over it, then go into the room and audition. -
At the audition, actors usually sign in on a clipboard sign-in sheet. The name of the project will be at the top of the clipboard. Then, they sit in a waiting room and wait to be called in to audition, by either the casting director or the casting director's assistant. Once actors are in the casting director's office, the casting director will usually sit down and direct the actor in terms of where he should stand. They will then inform actors to start when they are ready if the actor's line in the script is first.
Once the actor is ready, he will begin to read with the casting director. When the actor has finished the script, the casting director may make adjustments to the actor's performance. Actors should listen carefully and try to make those adjustments to the best of their ability. For example, if an actor is reading a script in a very dark way and the casting director says, "I'd like to see you portray this character as someone who is lighthearted," do it. This shows the casting director that an actor can be directed and that the actor is versatile.
After adjustments have been made and performed, the casting director will thank the actor for his time and the actor will exit. The casting director will also usually let the actors know when callbacks are during this time.
If the casting director is filming the audition, he will tell the actor where to look while he is performing. -
After the audition is over, an actor's agent or the casting director's assistant (if the actor doesn't have an agent) will call the actor and let him know if he has received a callback (a second audition).
At a callback, actors have been narrowed down to the actors who best fit the role and are strong actors for that role.
A decision is usually made in terms of which actor books the role shortly after the callback audition, unless there are three or four callbacks, which can happen.
