Book That Gig Audition Course - Lesson 2
From Preparation to Performance
Exercise
Pick a new script that you are unfamiliar with and prepare it for only 10 minutes. Develop your character and solidify the flow of the scene in your head. Learn as many lines as you can. Now, set up your camera for a mock audition and hit record. Slate as normal beforehand and then go right into your scene focusing on keeping your eye UP as much as possible while still delivering a SMOOTH read without memory flubs. Practice this many, many times until you have the technique down.
13. Almost There…
“Slate”
The paper you created in the waiting area.
Stuff in your hands: Now that you are in front of the camera, you should be ready to go. If you have a coat, it is over to the side. Your un-used headshot is also set aside. In your hand should be…
Sides/Script with your lines highlighted. Even if you have your lines memorized, keep your script in your hand in front of you. It is a comforting safety net in case you have a brain fade and forget your lines
Microphone/Voice Projection:
Not only does the camera need to record a good image of you, but it needs to record your voice as well. Most of the time there will be either a lapel microphone clipped to your shirt or there will be a “Boom” mic over your head. Either way, your goal is to sound like you are having a conversation with your scene partner. Only project your voice loud enough as you would in any other moment with that character. One of the biggest indicators of a rookie actor is the way they project their voice. Many will try to project their voice like a stage actor across the room to where the camera is. That is too much technique and it will appear as if you are “overacting”. Fight that urge and keep it conversational. Trust the microphone. It will capture your performance. Don’t over do it!
Final Questions:
Now that you are in place ready to go, feel free to ask a clarifying question about your character or the story. A bad question would be, “So, what is this character like?” This says your didn’t do any character work and you are there to just read lines. A good question would be, “I see this character as the innocent guy/girl next door who just experienced a traumatic event. Is that how you are seeing it?” This question tells them that you have done your preparation and that you have made a decision. Once they answer you, adjust per their input and it is time to goooooo!
14. "Roll Camera"
“Slate” (the Verb)
After confirming that you are ready, they will “Roll Camera”. The first thing that you will do is to hold your “Slate” (the Noun) up under your chin, look directly at the camera lens and introduce yourself in a clear, cheerful, professional manner, “Hi, My name is John Smith and I am represented by Jane Doe Talent agency!” That is your “Slate”, the Verb! They may also ask you to add additional information to your Slate like: hometown where you currently reside, age, height, or union status. Just follow their directions and be very clear, positive, and articulate. Now that you have “Slated”, it is time drop your slate on the floor. Don’t leave the frame or try to find a polite place to put it. Just drop it.
Character, Character, Character
When you slated, you slated as yourself. Now it is time to flip the switch and become your character. At this point, the camera is still rolling and now you roll right into your audition. Don’t wait to be told to start, just start after your slate.
Where to Look:
Many first time actors feel like they should look at the camera lens for the audition. Most of the time you will NOT look at the lens. If you are auditioning for a film or television role, you most likely will be auditioning with a reader who will be to the left or right of the camera. You are to look at them and speak to them since they are playing the other character(s) in the scene. Their eyes are your “Eyeline”, or where you should look. Now, if you are doing an audition for a commercial and your dialogue is directed at the consumer, then yes, you would look directly at the camera lens. You are talking to the consumer, so talk to the lens.
15. Scene Performance
Take 1 (The actor’s take):
After you slate, roll right into your audition. Film and Television acting is about being real and believable, so this is the time to do that. During this first take, you need to bring your interpretation of the character and scene out into your performance. Go with what your gut says is “The Truth” of your character and scene. Perform this first take with all the authenticity that you can bring to the scene. You have done the research, developed the character, so go ahead and give that performance truthfully as you have envisioned it. During your scene performance, actors have the opportunity to bring the character to life. You must display your understanding of the character’s motivations, emotions, and relationships. Delivering a compelling performance that captures the essence of the character is vital to impressing the casting directors. If the nerves get to you during that take and you fumble some lines, don’t fret about it. You’ve got another take coming.
Take 2 (With direction):
Now that you have given your interpretation of the role, it is time to take some direction. Whomever is leading the audition will give you some feedback and/or direction of how to adjust your character for the next take. This can include asking actors to try a different approach to the scene, emphasizing specific emotions, or altering the dynamics between characters. Actors must be adaptable and open to direction, showcasing their ability to take feedback and make adjustments on the spot. Their direction might be something to get you closer to the type of character they are looking for or it may be in a different direction. Sometimes the direction might be vague or ambiguous like, “Try it a little more like Will Ferrell”! (I got this direction in one of my auditions.) Whatever it is, take a step back, think about how you will do it differently and like the direction that you have been given and give it a go. This time you don’t need to Slate. Just go after they say Action!
16. Graciously Exit
Thank You: After you finish your 2nd read (or last one if they gave you more), pick up your slate, extra headshot, and any other things that you brought in and thank them for the opportunity.
Seek Feedback…from the right place! We all need to be improving our craft regardless of what level of actor we are. However, asking the casting director or people at the audition “How did I do?” is not the place. It is not their job to coach you, encourage you, teach you, or give you career guidance! It is their job to find someone for the roles they are casting. It is the job of your acting coach or teacher to give you honest feedback in a positive but honest way. Constructive feedback, if received well, can help you improve your future performances. Final Act Drama’s acting coaches and mentors have years of experience working with actors to help them improve and advance their acting career. Check out the next part of your actor training with Final Act Drama at www.FinalActDrama.com .
Act like a Pro: Walk out with a smile and be a professional! This is not the place to ask for another take because, “I’m sure I will get it right this time!” This is not the place to take a victory dance because you nailed it. This is not the place to grumble and fuse about how badly you did. Walk out to your car and drive at least 2 blocks before you allow yourself to express any feelings about how well or badly your audition went.
Audition and Forget it: Feel free to second guess yourself, evaluate, cry, scream, celebrate, whatever you want to do as long as you are by yourself. Once you get to your next location, FORGET IT! Move on with your day! Don’t torment yourself or dwell on the audition any longer. This is what actors do, we audition! Don’t call your agent later to see if they heard anything or, heaven forbid, reach out to the casting director. FORGET IT! If they want you, trust me, they will find you. If you overlook this concept, this business will chew you up and spit you out, run you over, scoop you up, put you in a blender and feed you to the dog!
17. After the Audition: Follow-up Etiquette
Following an audition, actors should adhere to proper follow-up etiquette. This includes sending a thank-you note or email to express gratitude for the opportunity, reiterating interest in the project, and remaining professional and courteous in all interactions. Be sure to mention the project and role that you auditioned for as well as something helpful that you received from the audition opportunity.
Here is a sample thank you email.
Dear [Casting Director’s name],
Thank you for the opportunity to audition for [Project] on [Date of audition]. I really like the role of [Character], and it was a pleasure being able to read for you and your team.
I especially appreciated the note you gave me after I performed [Character]. It really helped me see the scene in a whole new light, and gave me a different perspective about [Character] trajectory in the script. Working on [Character] with you and the team made me even more excited about this project.
Thanks again, and I look forward to hearing from you in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
18. Additional Readings and Callbacks
Good news! You are still in the running. If this project is big enough and the role is a significant one they may have you come back in for a Callback. If casting directors are interested in further exploring an actor’s potential, they may request additional reading with existing members of the cast to see if the chemistry is what they are looking for. This indicates that the actor is being seriously considered for the role. Callbacks provide actors with another opportunity to showcase their skills and solidify their suitability for the project. Wear the same wardrobe that you wore the first time. They liked it and they will remember you better.
19. Handling Rejection
The casting process can be very arbitrary and ambiguous. It’s not personal! Rejection is an inevitable part of the audition process. Actors must develop resilience and a positive mindset to handle rejection effectively. Reflecting on each audition as a learning experience, focusing on personal growth, and maintaining a support network can help actors navigate the emotional challenges of rejection. If you had a great audition and they don’t select you. Don’t expect a nice note saying, “Good job, you’ll get em next time!” You might have been neck and neck with the actor that they ultimately chose and you will never know it. Don’t beat yourself up!
Personally, I have had great auditions and never heard a peep. I’ve had awful auditions and still got cast for the role. I have had great auditions and got cast. I have had bad auditions and not cast.
Sometimes they are subconsciously looking for a blonde, and you are a brunette. Sometimes they want tall and you are short. Sometimes directors will choose someone that they have worked with in the past just for familiarity. You never know what is in the mind of the director and why they chose one actor over another. It’s not personal and you can only control the quality of your audition. Bring your best and rest in an audition well done. Every time you audition, you learn something. You also have the opportunity to build relationships. If you stay consistent and keep auditioning, the jobs will come.
20. Dealing with Competition
Competition in the film industry is fierce, and actors must learn to handle it gracefully. Instead of viewing other actors as rivals, actors can shift their perspective to see them as potential collaborators and sources of inspiration. Supporting fellow actors and focusing on personal growth can help mitigate the negative effects of competition.
Surrounding oneself with a supportive network and engaging in self-care practices can also contribute to maintaining confidence and motivation.
21. Handling Feedback
Receiving feedback is invaluable for an actor’s growth. Actors should be open to constructive criticism and use it as a tool for improvement. It is important to listen attentively, remain receptive to feedback, and apply it to future auditions and performances.
“You can’t learn to act unless you’re criticized. If you tie that criticism to your childhood insecurities you’ll have a terrible time. Instead, you must take criticism objectively, pertaining it only to the work being done.”
Sanford Meisner
22. Additional Audition Techniques and Situations
Self-tape Auditions:
In recent years, self-tape auditions have become increasingly common. Actors record their auditions and submit them digitally. This technique requires actors to set up appropriate lighting, sound, and framing to create a professional-looking audition. Self-tapes offer actors the opportunity to showcase their skills without the pressure of performing in front of casting directors. All of the same principles apply from In-Person auditions to Self-Tape Auditions. You just have to be the one to deal with the technical steps of:
Lighting
Sound / Microphone
Video Recording
Video Editing
Submission and File transfers
Cold Readings:
Cold readings involve performing a scene or a portion of a scene without prior preparation. Actors receive the script moments before the audition and must quickly analyze the scene, make character choices, and deliver a convincing performance on the spot. Cold readings test an actor’s ability to think on their feet and make strong choices in a limited timeframe. Look down, Look up, deliver!
Improvisation:
Some auditions incorporate improvisation as a way to assess an actor’s spontaneity and creativity. Actors are given a scenario or a general outline, and they must improvise the dialogue and actions in the moment. Improvisation allows actors to showcase their ability to think quickly, adapt to unexpected situations, and create compelling and believable characters on the spot.
23. Continued Preparation and Training
Even after an auditioning, actors should continue their training and preparation. This includes honing their acting skills, attending workshops and classes, and staying updated on industry trends.
“Study, find all the good teachers and study with them, get involved in acting to act, not to be famous or for the money. Do plays. It’s not worth it if you are just in it for the money. You have to love it.”
Philip Seymour Hoffman
By continually improving and expanding their repertoire, actors increase their chances of success in future auditions. The film actor audition process is a demanding and intricate journey that requires thorough preparation, adaptability, and resilience. From understanding the script and building the character to executing audition techniques and navigating the audition room, actors must approach each step with dedication and professionalism. By developing strategies to overcome challenges, maintaining confidence, and continuing their growth, actors can maximize their chances of success in the highly competitive film industry.
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