TV Auditions
at Explore Talent
TV Auditions
 TV auditions are very similar
to Film and Theatre auditions. The main difference
is time. Television is always under a time constraint.
A script is written in a week, and that next week
it must be cast, in order to film the week after that.
A large part of television is guest cast and speaking
extras, since there are a limited amount of recurring
roles on television shows, episodic character casting
is what most TV auditions are for.
Casting directors understand
that sometimes when auditioning a TV role, the actors
may have had only a couple of days to review the lines.
Some don't. This is why, no matter how much time you
have to rehearse before an audition, KNOW YOUR CONTENT.
It is alright to read straight
from the pages during your audition, but if you have
memorized your lines, try to look up and show your
face to the casting director. Sometimes you will be
reading a scene with a casting assistant. Most of
the time, these assistants are not actors and may
have no energy. Just do your best and worry about
your delivery, not theirs.
When entering the room, slate
(introduce) yourself and the part you will be auditioning
for. If the casting assistant did not take your head
shot in the hall, someone will take it in the audition
room. Be brief in your introduction and wait for the
casting director to be ready. In most TV auditions,
the people you will be auditioning for will be the
casting director, an assistant, usually the executive
producer of the show, or the writer of that specific
episode, and maybe a camera person if they are rolling
tape. TV auditions always run tape so casting directors
can review auditions afterwards or show an actor to
the EP if he/she was not in the room. An EP puts a
lot of trust in the casting director because the EP
will not always be able to attend every audition due
to their other writing and producing responsibilities.
After your performance, thank
everyone in the room and exit quickly. Wait outside
for a couple of minutes incase the casting director
wants to see you again. Then sign out and leave quietly
and professionally. If you had a bad audition, do
not let it show to the other candidates. Always look
confident entering, leaving and during an audition.
The big difference with TV
auditions is not only the time to cast, but also the
time for an actor to prepare for a role. A casting
director may see your headshot and ask you to come
in the day of the audition. If this happens, stay
calm and know that the casting director is aware that
you have just received the content that day. Just
read the lines and do your best. You've obviously
been called in because they like you so prove that
you can adapt to any situation and blow them away
in the audition. |
