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This article is from the 2005 Winter's issue of Screen Actors Guild Magazine and they asked casting directors from the SAG Foundation's Casting Access Project for tips on audtioning. This is what they said...
1) BE PREPARED - Know your craft. There is no substitute for professional training and expereience. Auditions are your way to market your skills and demonstrate your value to the industry. 2) THINK AND BEHAVE PROFESSIONALLY to everyone -- from the security guard to the receptionist to the casting director, other people in the room, everyone. An actor's personal behavior speaks volumes and sometimes begs the question, "Do I really want this person on a set?" 3) BE ON TIME - Casting takes place in a fast-paced environment and industry professionals appreciate consideration of their time and schedules. Don't waste their time, be personable and responsive, but don't talk too much or try to overstay your welcome. 4) HEADSHOTS AND RESUMES - Make sure your headshot looks like you. Ask friends, "Does this look like me?" Remember, glamour lighting, make-up, and re-touching doesn't follow you into the audition room. *Carry extra headshots and resumes. Casting inspiration strikes in the moment, so if someone thinks you're right for a role, capitalize on that opportunity. Don't rely on your agent to send one over later, have one at the ready. [NOTE: In Shanghai/China, headshots are rarely used for auditions so this may not be applicable.] 5) PRESENTATION - Make sure you can be seen and heard. Position yourself so that your face is visible (also, keep long hair out of your face.) If you can't be seen or heard, your performance is lost. *Dressing for a role is fine, but don't wear a costume. Wear something that suggests the character or the profession and let your performance do the rest. *Don't wear heavy perfume, cologne or scented oils (some people are allergic or bothered by strong scents). Ditto for distracting jewelry or accessories. Don't divert attention from your performance. 6) DO YOUR HOMEWORK - Know who you are auditioning for. By researching, you may find connections to other people or projects, and learn about the style or genre of a project or its creators. Likewise, watch TV and get familiar with the show. 7) DON'T LET ANYTHING THROW YOU - You have a right to be there. When other actors in the room don't look like you, think about yourself as "the other way to go." Sometimes casting sessions are about exploring options, so stay confident and show them how you would do the role. If you're asked to read another role or make an adjustment, take a moment, and then do your best to do what is asked of you. 8) BE GRACIOUS AND RECEPTIVE TO FEEDBACK AND RE-DIRECTION - Don't challenge, make excuses or try to explain yourself. Stay open and easy to direct. 9) AUDTIONS, LIKE SCENES, HAVE A BEGINNING, MIDDLE, AND AN END - Walk in confidently, take charge of how you want to work, do your job and get out of the room (always leave them wanting more). Once you've left the audition, let it go. You can have a great audition and still not get the job through no fault of your own. 10) CASTING DIRECTORS REMEMBER GOOD WORK - Show yourself in the best light possible by being prepared, professional and postive.
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