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Destiny
Student
Blackshear, Georgia
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What are things I should avoid when auditioning?
How do I get into acting? What’s the best way to find an audition? What are things I should avoid when auditioning? Is there any extra advice you may have?
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James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey Destiny,
Wondering What to Avoid During Auditions?
Stepping into auditions can be both thrilling and a bit nerve-wracking. However, it's crucial to be aware of certain things to avoid, so as not to leave a bad impression or jeopardize your chances of landing the role. Here's a list of things to steer clear of during auditions:
Running Late: Always aim to be early for your audition, ideally 10-15 minutes before the set time. It not only displays your punctuality and responsibility but also provides you with a moment to gather your thoughts and settle down before the audition kicks off.
Inappropriate Dressing: Do a bit of homework about the production and the character you're auditioning for and dress accordingly. Refrain from overly casual or revealing attire, as it might suggest that you're not serious about the audition.
Unpreparedness: Ensure that you're well-prepared with your monologues, scenes, and any other performance materials. Rehearse well in advance to ensure you're familiar with the content and can deliver it confidently.
Arrogance or Entitlement: Keep in mind that auditions are a mutual process, and you're there to display your skills and learn about the role, not to demand or expect the part. Always be respectful and professional towards everyone present, including the casting directors, producers, and fellow actors.
Negativity or Complaining: Steer clear of complaining about the audition process, the material, or the casting directors. Instead, concentrate on the positive aspects of the audition and the chance to display your talent.
Distractions: Refrain from using your phone or other distractions during the audition, as it can be disruptive to the casting directors and other actors. Instead, concentrate on the audition and your performance.
Unprofessional Behavior: Avoid using slang, inappropriate language, or making unsuitable comments during the audition. Remember, you're not just representing yourself but also the industry, so maintain a professional demeanor.
So, How Do I Break into Acting?
Breaking into acting can be tough and competitive, but there are several steps you can take to boost your chances of success:
Enroll in Acting Classes: Acting classes can help you hone your skills, boost your confidence, and provide insights into the industry. Look for classes led by seasoned actors or directors, focusing on techniques like scene study, character development, and auditioning.
Participate in Local Theater: Seek opportunities to act in local theater productions, short films, and student films. These experiences can help you gain experience, build your resume, and connect with other actors and industry professionals.
Create a Demoreel: A demoreel is a video that showcases your acting skills and can be used to send to agents, casting directors, and other industry professionals. Ensure your demoreel includes a variety of scenes that display your range and versatility as an actor.
Join Acting Unions: Becoming a member of acting unions like the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) or the Actors’ Equity Association can provide you with resources, support, and networking opportunities.
Attend Acting Workshops and Conferences: Participate in acting workshops and conferences to learn from industry professionals, network with other actors, and gain insight into the industry.
What's the Best Way to Find an Audition?
There are several ways to find auditions, including:
Online Casting Websites: Websites like Actors Access, Casting Networks, and Backstage offer a wide range of auditions and casting calls for various projects, including film, television, and theater.
Agency Submissions: If you have an acting agency representing you, they will often submit you for auditions that match your type and skill level.
Social Media: Follow casting directors, producers, and other industry professionals on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, as they often post about upcoming auditions and projects.
Networking: Attend acting workshops, conferences, and other industry events to meet casting directors, agents, and other actors, and to learn about upcoming auditions and opportunities.
Recommended Reading:
“The Actor’s Audition” by Michael Shulman
“The Art of Acting: A Practical Guide for Actors” by Richard Boleslavsky
“Auditioning for Film and Television” by Patrick T. Gilligan
Remember, auditioning is a journey, and it might take some time and persistence to secure a role. Keep honing your craft, networking, and seeking out opportunities, and you'll enhance your chances of success in the acting industry.
God Bless,
James.
Wondering What to Avoid During Auditions?
Stepping into auditions can be both thrilling and a bit nerve-wracking. However, it's crucial to be aware of certain things to avoid, so as not to leave a bad impression or jeopardize your chances of landing the role. Here's a list of things to steer clear of during auditions:
Running Late: Always aim to be early for your audition, ideally 10-15 minutes before the set time. It not only displays your punctuality and responsibility but also provides you with a moment to gather your thoughts and settle down before the audition kicks off.
Inappropriate Dressing: Do a bit of homework about the production and the character you're auditioning for and dress accordingly. Refrain from overly casual or revealing attire, as it might suggest that you're not serious about the audition.
Unpreparedness: Ensure that you're well-prepared with your monologues, scenes, and any other performance materials. Rehearse well in advance to ensure you're familiar with the content and can deliver it confidently.
Arrogance or Entitlement: Keep in mind that auditions are a mutual process, and you're there to display your skills and learn about the role, not to demand or expect the part. Always be respectful and professional towards everyone present, including the casting directors, producers, and fellow actors.
Negativity or Complaining: Steer clear of complaining about the audition process, the material, or the casting directors. Instead, concentrate on the positive aspects of the audition and the chance to display your talent.
Distractions: Refrain from using your phone or other distractions during the audition, as it can be disruptive to the casting directors and other actors. Instead, concentrate on the audition and your performance.
Unprofessional Behavior: Avoid using slang, inappropriate language, or making unsuitable comments during the audition. Remember, you're not just representing yourself but also the industry, so maintain a professional demeanor.
So, How Do I Break into Acting?
Breaking into acting can be tough and competitive, but there are several steps you can take to boost your chances of success:
Enroll in Acting Classes: Acting classes can help you hone your skills, boost your confidence, and provide insights into the industry. Look for classes led by seasoned actors or directors, focusing on techniques like scene study, character development, and auditioning.
Participate in Local Theater: Seek opportunities to act in local theater productions, short films, and student films. These experiences can help you gain experience, build your resume, and connect with other actors and industry professionals.
Create a Demoreel: A demoreel is a video that showcases your acting skills and can be used to send to agents, casting directors, and other industry professionals. Ensure your demoreel includes a variety of scenes that display your range and versatility as an actor.
Join Acting Unions: Becoming a member of acting unions like the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) or the Actors’ Equity Association can provide you with resources, support, and networking opportunities.
Attend Acting Workshops and Conferences: Participate in acting workshops and conferences to learn from industry professionals, network with other actors, and gain insight into the industry.
What's the Best Way to Find an Audition?
There are several ways to find auditions, including:
Online Casting Websites: Websites like Actors Access, Casting Networks, and Backstage offer a wide range of auditions and casting calls for various projects, including film, television, and theater.
Agency Submissions: If you have an acting agency representing you, they will often submit you for auditions that match your type and skill level.
Social Media: Follow casting directors, producers, and other industry professionals on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, as they often post about upcoming auditions and projects.
Networking: Attend acting workshops, conferences, and other industry events to meet casting directors, agents, and other actors, and to learn about upcoming auditions and opportunities.
Recommended Reading:
“The Actor’s Audition” by Michael Shulman
“The Art of Acting: A Practical Guide for Actors” by Richard Boleslavsky
“Auditioning for Film and Television” by Patrick T. Gilligan
Remember, auditioning is a journey, and it might take some time and persistence to secure a role. Keep honing your craft, networking, and seeking out opportunities, and you'll enhance your chances of success in the acting industry.
God Bless,
James.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Destiny. It's nice to see that you are thinking about many facets of becoming an actor.
You get into acting by taking classes and meeting all of the people in your town who are doing productions. You may not find anyone in your town, but you can explore nearby locations. Jacksonville, FL is 85 miles from you and Atlanta is 237 miles. It would be a good idea for you to begin locally since you probably cannot relocate to New York, Los Angeles or Atlanta. There does not appear to be theatrical acting opportunities where you live, but you may want to check with Blackshear's Information Center at (912) 449-7000. Ask them if there are any local acting troupes - ones that may not have a physical building but do shows at venues around the area. If not, consider starting one yourself.
Another good place for contacts is the San Joaquin Valley College. I would visit there in person and see if they have acting classes. Also look at websites of State colleges that are close to where you live. Keep taking acting and audition for all productions in high school, too. There are some good videos that you can watch about auditioning. You can find a substantial amount on You Tube. If you are serious and keep up with what is being offered for auditions on Actor's Access, you may want to consider eventually moving to New York or a major city where you see most of the work being cast.
My advice for doing well on an audition is to smile, say positive things and give an opening night performance. Yes, you read right. The people auditioning you do not know you and you have to show them your level and range of acting skill. Project the qualities that make them feel that they'd like to work with you. Never say anything negative about yourself, your audition or ask how you were. When you're starting out with little experience and training, sometimes each audition is a lesson. Make sure you have photos that look like you and project your type (ie. earthy, etheral, glamorous). Never try to project yourself as anything you aren't. Also, type up a resume with all of your acting experience and education in acting. There are really great examples of acting resumes on line. Simply type in Acting Resumes or Resumes for Actors and a few will come up and you'll see the resume format and what information should be provided.
If you are going into acting, additional advice would be to take care of your physical and mental health. Your body is your instrument and you will be selling your look and voice when you audition. Be unique. Do not try to be like anyone else - be yourself. I also advise that you explore why you want to go into acting. Your discovery of this is one that will ground you and allow you to be realistic as you know what acting is and what your purpose in the field will be.
I hope that this is a bit helpful. I think that you will do well because you know the right questions to ask. I wish you all the best on your journey. May it be fun and rewarding for you !
You get into acting by taking classes and meeting all of the people in your town who are doing productions. You may not find anyone in your town, but you can explore nearby locations. Jacksonville, FL is 85 miles from you and Atlanta is 237 miles. It would be a good idea for you to begin locally since you probably cannot relocate to New York, Los Angeles or Atlanta. There does not appear to be theatrical acting opportunities where you live, but you may want to check with Blackshear's Information Center at (912) 449-7000. Ask them if there are any local acting troupes - ones that may not have a physical building but do shows at venues around the area. If not, consider starting one yourself.
Another good place for contacts is the San Joaquin Valley College. I would visit there in person and see if they have acting classes. Also look at websites of State colleges that are close to where you live. Keep taking acting and audition for all productions in high school, too. There are some good videos that you can watch about auditioning. You can find a substantial amount on You Tube. If you are serious and keep up with what is being offered for auditions on Actor's Access, you may want to consider eventually moving to New York or a major city where you see most of the work being cast.
My advice for doing well on an audition is to smile, say positive things and give an opening night performance. Yes, you read right. The people auditioning you do not know you and you have to show them your level and range of acting skill. Project the qualities that make them feel that they'd like to work with you. Never say anything negative about yourself, your audition or ask how you were. When you're starting out with little experience and training, sometimes each audition is a lesson. Make sure you have photos that look like you and project your type (ie. earthy, etheral, glamorous). Never try to project yourself as anything you aren't. Also, type up a resume with all of your acting experience and education in acting. There are really great examples of acting resumes on line. Simply type in Acting Resumes or Resumes for Actors and a few will come up and you'll see the resume format and what information should be provided.
If you are going into acting, additional advice would be to take care of your physical and mental health. Your body is your instrument and you will be selling your look and voice when you audition. Be unique. Do not try to be like anyone else - be yourself. I also advise that you explore why you want to go into acting. Your discovery of this is one that will ground you and allow you to be realistic as you know what acting is and what your purpose in the field will be.
I hope that this is a bit helpful. I think that you will do well because you know the right questions to ask. I wish you all the best on your journey. May it be fun and rewarding for you !
JOHN German
90
Answers
Bluffton, South Carolina
Updated
JOHN’s Answer
Hello:
Some information that could be helpful.
"Casting Frontier posts dozens of great open acting roles every day connecting actors & performers to casting directors and content creators. Actors and performers can apply to open acting jobs & auditions for casting in films, TV shows, commercials, digital content print and more!":
https://castingfrontier.com/
"For Actors at every stage of their career.":
https://actorsaccess.com/
"Backstage has the most jobs, the best tools, and expert advice to help you get cast.":
https://www.backstage.com/
If not seen before, this networking platform may welcome more beneficially rooted guidance - https://www.stage32.com:
"But Stage 32 is not only about networking, it’s also very much about education. Years back, when I was looking for some screenwriting guidance, I was amazed to see find such a lack of quality education and, for that matter, educators, online. I had my fill of unqualified instructors doling out either base or simply incorrect information. It became my mission to rectify the situation and to give creatives around the globe access to top-notch education. I couldn’t be more proud to have accomplished just that.
Today, Stage 32 works with over 600 industry executives and has been recognized by Forbes magazine as the leading source for educating film, television and new media creatives through our Next Level webinars, classes and labs.".
Grateful for your roads.
God Bless,
John German
Some information that could be helpful.
"Casting Frontier posts dozens of great open acting roles every day connecting actors & performers to casting directors and content creators. Actors and performers can apply to open acting jobs & auditions for casting in films, TV shows, commercials, digital content print and more!":
https://castingfrontier.com/
"For Actors at every stage of their career.":
https://actorsaccess.com/
"Backstage has the most jobs, the best tools, and expert advice to help you get cast.":
https://www.backstage.com/
If not seen before, this networking platform may welcome more beneficially rooted guidance - https://www.stage32.com:
"But Stage 32 is not only about networking, it’s also very much about education. Years back, when I was looking for some screenwriting guidance, I was amazed to see find such a lack of quality education and, for that matter, educators, online. I had my fill of unqualified instructors doling out either base or simply incorrect information. It became my mission to rectify the situation and to give creatives around the globe access to top-notch education. I couldn’t be more proud to have accomplished just that.
Today, Stage 32 works with over 600 industry executives and has been recognized by Forbes magazine as the leading source for educating film, television and new media creatives through our Next Level webinars, classes and labs.".
Grateful for your roads.
God Bless,
John German