Auditioning
Auditioning Etiquette for
TV, Film, and Commercials
 No matter what part you may
be auditioning for, or how established you may have
become as an actor, there will always be rules of
etiquette that an actor must follow during the audition
process. The three main phases of an audition are
the arrival, the audition itself, and your exit.
Always arrive at an audition
fifteen minutes early. Casting is a hectic process,
and things are always changing, so it is always better
to be early than late. Do not dress in any costume
unless asked to, but dress in attire that best suits
the role you are auditioning for. When you first arrive,
report directly to the casting assistant. Once you
have signed in with the casting assistant, wait patiently
for your turn. Be quiet and respectful to the casting
assistants; any rudeness will surely be mentioned
to the casting director. If you have received your
"sides" (pages which will be read in audition) rehearse
to yourself and wait for your name to be called. Do
some exercises that will help you relax, like deep
breathing, or closing your eyes and visualizing your
scene. The main goal in the waiting area is to stay
loose.
When called into the audition
room, enter the room, smile and introduce yourself
to the casting director. Hand the assistant your head
shot with your resume attached to the back. Announce
the audition piece you will be performing and begin
when you are ready. Do not wait for the word "action"
or any other sign from the casting director. They
are most likely tired, bored and irritable. Just be
confident and begin your audition after you have introduced
yourself. Thank the casting director when you have
finished and exit immediately.
Once you have finished your
audition, wait an additional two minutes in case the
casting director wants to bring you back in to read
again. After two minutes, sign out with the casting
assistant and leave quietly.
Auditions will become easier
to deal with the more you attend. The most important
etiquette when auditioning is to simply be polite.
Ask questions quickly if you have any, and even if
you are having the worst day of your life, act like
it's the best. Be on time, be efficient and don't
ask when you will find out about the part. The big
line with auditions is "Don't call us, we'll call
you." Just leave confident and keep auditioning. |
