How to get a Casting Director’s attention.
Trying to stand out when you don’t know if anyone is taking notice can take it out of you after a while. But there are certain things actors can do to know that they are putting their best foot forward, and leaving a good impression on casting.
When hoping the Casting Director, or whoever is watching your audition, will notice you and remember you, there are a few important things to remember:
Authenticity wins every time. It takes great courage to be unapologetically yourself. It is not easy for everyone to tap into and it can often be the version of ourselves that escapes us. This is why watching it is always so engaging and exciting, especially to Casting Director’s who watch people pretending to be other people for a living. Honesty is very moving, and can be very rare. That’s why a character you resonate with will always shine through in your work.
Change it up. Always honour the script and the circumstances that are written into it, but anyway that you can bring another version to this role is going to make you different from all the other auditionees. It can be your willingness to experiment that makes your audition stand out.
Back your choices, but be willing to throw them away if you get asked to take it in a different direction. You can also offer them two options — especially for self-tapes, when you don’t get the chance to receive immediate feedback in the room.
Your costume should give a nod to the world of the character. Casting Directors like seeing your version of this person, so what would they be wearing? This can be hard to figure out on your own, so ask advice if necessary. It can be very transformative to wear clothes or shoes that you personally would never wear. I go op-shopping for items for my “costume box,” affordable clothes and shoes that I store away just for auditions.
Be sure you can seen and heard. Casting Directors want you to blow their socks off, but they need to be able to see what you’re doing. It doesn’t have to be a professional set-up. Remember an authentic moment is more powerful than an expensive set up.
Aim for what suits you best. Trying to be something that you aren’t is easy to spot. Especially for people who audition actors as a living. For advice on the roles you have best chance of being seen for, book a Consultation with me. This service provides archetype guidance and a scene or monologue in your ideal age range and genre.
