How to Behave in a Producers' Session Audition
If you've made it to a producers' session audition, you are just one step away from booking the job. For film and television roles, your first audition is generally with the casting director. If the casting director likes what you do, he will send you on to a producers' session. In this session, you'll be auditioning for the producers of the project, as well as the director and, oftentimes, the writers. These people then choose the actor who actually books the job. Producers' sessions can either be the same day as your initial audition or a few days later.
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Instructions
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Wear the same outfit you wore to the initial audition. The casting director sent you to producers because she liked what you did and how you looked in your first audition.
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Bring your head shot and resume with you to the audition. Even if you already gave the casting director one at your initial audition, it's customary to bring another head shot and resume to the producers' session. Keep a few extras on you in case multiple people in the room want copies.
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Keep the audition material in your hand. Even if you've memorized the scene, hold the pages to safeguard against a memory lapse.
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Greet everyone politely and briefly when you enter the room. Their time is valuable, so don't launch into idle chatter. If they initiate a conversation, you can be personable and interact freely with them. If they don't, simply proceed with the audition professionally.
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Perform your scene in the same manner you did in your first audition. The producers' session is not the time to try something new. You will upset and possibly embarrass the casting director if you do something drastically different than you did in your first reading. If the casting director gave you any direction in your initial audition, you should incorporate it into your performance for the producers.
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Listen carefully to any direction given after you are finished with the scene. Oftentimes, the director may give you redirection and ask to see the scene again. Incorporate his notes into your performance. Sometimes he merely wants to see that you can respond to direction well.
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Thank everyone in the room once you have completed your scene. They will likely thank you for coming in to read for them. This is your signal that the audition is over.
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Leave promptly. Don't ask to perform the scene again. If they needed to see it again, they would ask for it. Never apologize for your performance. Remember that you are a professional.
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Send the casting director a thank you card. As casting directors are the gatekeepers to producers' sessions, it's important that you maintain contact with those who like you. By expressing your appreciation for the session, you will keep yourself fresh in his mind.
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Tips & Warnings
Stay present mentally. If you are nervous, you may be prone to drifting off mentally. Instead, focus on each person in the room and what is being said to you.
Do not initiate a handshake with those in the room. A handshake takes up time and potentially spreads germs. Most producers and casting directors avoid handshakes, simply due to the large number of people they are seeing each day.
