If you want to land a role in a TV show, you need to impress the casting director and the producers. They are the ones who decide who gets a callback and who gets cast. But how do you make a good impression on them? Here are some tips to help you prepare for TV auditions and callbacks.
Before you audition, do some research on the show. Watch some episodes, read the synopsis, and learn about the characters and the tone. This will help you understand what the casting director and the producers are looking for and how to fit in. You don't want to show up for a comedy audition with a dramatic monologue, or vice versa.
Making a lasting impression on casting directors and producers hinges on exuding confidence and professionalism from the moment you walk in the room. This goes far beyond knowing your lines and making strong choices in the room. Dress appropriately, maintain eye contact and approach the audition like the role is already yours to lose. Remain adaptable and open to direction, demonstrating your ability to collaborate effectively to ensure a favorable and memorable impression will be left that resonates long after the audition is finished.
Your appearance matters, but not in the way you might think. You don't need to dress exactly like the character you are auditioning for, but you do need to dress in a way that suggests the character's personality, style, and mood. Avoid wearing anything too flashy, distracting, or uncomfortable. You want to look confident, professional, and relatable.
Follow wardrobe instructions: If they ask you to bring in some 1970's clothes then bring in what you can. Yes, they will have their own options but sometimes they'll prefer your clothes. I had a stain on my shirt for a Pringles commercial and asked if they would prefer I wear something from wardrobe but she said "no, it looks authentic." I had a friend who wore the same outfit every single time. How boring. Be a good sport, help wardrobe out. Also bring some layers. There can be a lot of waiting in the cold
One of the worst things you can do is to show up for an audition unprepared. That means you should memorize your lines, practice your delivery, and bring any materials you need, such as a headshot, a resume, and a copy of the script. You should also arrive on time, or even early, and check in with the receptionist or the casting assistant. Being prepared shows that you respect the casting director and the producers and that you take your craft seriously.
1) Arriving early: Sometimes you're needed for a specific scene and they want your "look" on screen. But sometimes they just need people to fill the background (props) and being on time is all you have. Don't be late. 2) If you're "pencilled" in to work you have to keep the day free. That's just the way it is. Don't overbook yourself. 3) don't talk to the actors unless they talk to you 4) keep a journal. This could make for a good story 5) network 6) remember their names
While you want to show that you can play the character, you also want to show that you have something unique and authentic to offer. Don't try to copy another actor's performance or style, or to be someone you are not. Be yourself, but with a twist. Show your personality, your energy, and your charisma. Be friendly, polite, and enthusiastic, but not overbearing, desperate, or fake.
During the audition, you may be asked to do something different, such as change your tone, your emotion, or your pace. This is not a sign that you did something wrong, but rather a test of your versatility and your ability to take direction. Listen carefully to what the casting director and the producers want, and try to adjust accordingly. Don't argue, complain, or resist. Show that you are flexible, cooperative, and willing to learn.
Being flexible and able to follow directions are highly sought after actor skills. Sometimes, a director may see your potential and push and guide you to get the best from your performance. Other times, they may want to see how big an acting range you have and give you direction, which enables them to consider you for different roles. If you’re unclear or uncertain when given direction, repeating back with your understanding gives you time to think and enables you to respond organically to their direction.
After the audition, you may or may not hear back from the casting director and the producers. Sometimes, they may take a while to make their decision, or they may have other candidates to consider. Don't lose hope, but don't harass them either. A simple thank-you note or email can go a long way to show your appreciation and interest. If you get a callback, congratulations! If not, don't take it personally. Learn from the experience and move on to the next opportunity.
Be humble. Be grateful. Be friendly. Be the actor that they want to have on set. Be the person that they want to work with. Be in the moment.