How to Impress Casting Directors

If you're interested in being an actor, you'll have to impress casting directors. Whether you want to act in commercials, TV, movies or plays, casting directors are the ones who cast the projects. A casting director decides which actors even get to audition for the project. For most projects, you'll audition first for the casting director. If he likes you, he will then send you on to audition again for the directors and producers of the project. They will ultimately choose who gets the role.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Audition material
• Headshot
• Resume

1. Have headshots that look like you. Your headshot should be an accurate representation of how you normally look, not a beauty shot. A casting director will be frustrated if she calls you in for an audition based on your headshot and you actually look different in person.

2. Prepare your audition material thoroughly. You'll usually have access to the material a few days before your audition. Read the material several times to ensure you completely understand what is happening in the scene. Think about what your character wants in the scene and pinpoint where you want to go emotionally with the material.

3. Memorize your lines. While it's not mandatory for your first audition, it will help you to have more freedom with the material if you aren't reading the pages.

4. Rehearse the audition material with a friend. Walk through the entire audition scenario so you are completely familiar and comfortable with reading the scene with someone else.

5. Greet the casting director warmly when you enter the audition room. Even though you may feel nervous, try to leave your anxiety at the door. If you feel insecure, it will be evident to the casting director. Confidence goes a long way towards booking the job.

6. Leave promptly once you have finished your audition. Thank the casting director for bringing you in but keep it brief. He likely has many people to see that day and time is precious.

7. Keep in contact with casting directors via mailing updates. If you book another acting job, it'll impress other casting directors. Make everyone aware of your acting successes in order to market yourself best.

Tips & Warnings

• Treat each audition as a job interview. Be professional and polite at all times.
• Avoid idle chatter at your audition. If the casting director doesn't initiate a conversation, don't talk gratuitously about your day.

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