Be Smart - Pe Prepared

Knowing your lines are just part of the things you should have prepared for the audition.  Amazed as it sounds people don’t know what they are even auditioning for sometimes.  It baffles us when someone comes to an audition and doesn’t have a clue.  Playing dumb and being dumb do not make for a good impression on anyone in casting.  So when I say prepared it is an overall statement.  This is your life and career so take control of it.  Your agent can only do so much.  Know the who, what, where, why’s of the project and industry.  And know your lines folks.  My dog ate my homework excuse is for the kids commercials we cast, not the adults. 

Too many auditions are blown by people not knowing their copy, understanding their character and making smart choices.  So preparation also means continuing your education with classes and working at your craft daily.  Because it is clear to us when you don’t work at it.

Slating & A Personality Question

The purpose of the slate is to introduce yourself to the client. It is the very first time they see you and I cannot stress enough how much first impressions count! Smiling and appearing warm and friendly shows a director that you’re likable.  So look alive people and be attentive and personable.

We generally start on a wide shot if it’s a group, and on a close-up if it’s an individual.  Because we start on a group wide shot, it’s best to pay attention to the Session Director so that you’re not looking off into space or doing anything strange when they start videotaping the slate.  This doesn’t reflect well on you and you would be amazed at how many people space out during a slate.

Unless we ask you for a specific slate, all we need you to do is tell us your name. We do not need you to tell us your agency. If you’re a guy and have facial hair, you should let us know if you’re willing to shave.  And just a helpful hint – the Director has probably heard all of those “I’m also willing to shave” jokes so we don’t advise going there.

Sometimes a question is asked after a slate to get the actor’s personality.  Make your answers short, witty if possible, don’t be forced or look for cheap laughs… it’s important not to lie or exaggerate as that will read through or bite you in the ass potentially.  Like telling us a great story about your current sweet lovable dog, and then when the director asks you to bring them in because he has a creative idea, you have to borrow your neighbor’s Pitbull that snips at the creatives.  ‘nuff said.

An Audition Note

Time and time again actors think that it’s okay to suddenly stop, in the middle of their audition, and say “I’m sorry, I have to start over.”  This is a Session Director’s or Casting Director’s pet peeve. If you were performing in front of an audience, would you suddenly stop and say “Damn, sorry, I screwed up. Let me start over.”  Nope, that wouldn’t go over too well.   Doing this is not fair to your fellow actors in the scene because maybe they had the best read of their life and won’t be able to repeat it.   Let us be the ones to stop you, ask for a retake, adjust for the mistake if we feel it is warranted.  Maybe the mistake was great.  Believe me, we want the best out of you during your time with us.  We are on your side and are giving notes to make you look good.   In addition, wait until your audition is finished to say stuff like “Oh f*#& that was the worst I’ve ever done,” or to scratch your bottom or do something odd after a take because we may still be rolling on that as well.  So basically, WE stop you, don’t stop yourself… just pick up the scene and try to finish it if possible.

Improvisation In Chicago

Many clients come to Chicago to cast because we are the improvisation capital of the world and they are looking for great improvisers.  Some of the most talented and successful comedians have come through Chicago’s improv circuit, including John Belushi, Chris Farley, Mike Meyers, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Eric Stonestreet and hundreds of other actors, writers and producers. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard actors say “Well I’m a dramatic actor and don’t need comedy skills” or something similar. Think Meryl Streep ever said that? Gone are the days when an actor doesn’t have to be multi-dimensional. Think about the film “The Artist”. When talkies arrived, he didn’t have a place in the acting world. Do you want to be a dinosaur? All forms of acting require the tools you learn from the art of Improvisation – listening, affirming, being present/in the moment, and supporting your fellow actors are just a few things. No one can teach you how to be funny, but you can learn how to react in situations that require quick thinking, wit and how to trust yourself and rely on others. Ever been asked to do a cold dramatic reading? With an improv background, you’d have confidence and the ability to go with the flow and if you make a mistake you’ll know how to cover it. And it makes you much more fun to be around on set. Make a director laugh and they’ll want to book you and hang out with you all day or for weeks, etc.  So get out there and take some improv classes with an understanding of how it relates to on-camera projects.  BIG NOTE:  Understand that subtle goes a long way in auditioning.  Just because we say improvisation or ad lib, doesn’t mean to go all Fozzie Bear with it.  

Communication With Your Agent

This one baffles me how bad communication can get sometimes between talent and their agent.  Everything from auditions, questions on things such as bookings that pop up suddenly, and confirming of all things (auditions, firsts, bookings, etc).  I can’t tell you how frustrating it is when we call out schedules and people don’t get back to their agent within a timely period… or at all.  Why would an agent continue working with and for someone who doesn’t get back to them in a timely manner?  It’s just unprofessional conduct. This is a business and if you want to be a part of it, just check in when they call, email, etc.  The only reason you should not return their call or email is if there is an emergency (yes, that happens to us all) or you are booked and on a set shooting.   Otherwise you should just check out with your agent so they won’t expect to reach you. It is common practice that you have one hour or less to confirm an audition or booking… that is the timeline. People have lost more bookings because of not getting back quickly to their agents – I can count at least 1000 (yes ONE THOUSAND) bookings that have been lost because of this over my 20 years.  Keep the relationship healthy and work at communication with them.  It will pay off… I promise.  Amen.

What To Wear For An Audition

First, know what you are auditioning for.  Don’t overdo it, but understand how you should look.  If they are asking for business casual, don’t come in t-shirt and shorts.  If you want to look like a homeless person for a Walmart ad that is fine, but more than likely you won’t get the role.  So don’t waste your time, be prepared… have extra clothes in your car for actor emergencies.  Seems simple enough, but people shoot themselves in the foot all the time with bad choices.  And when 80% of this is first impressions, and creative people sometimes don’t think beyond their initial vision, dressing for the role makes a difference for the ad folks and writers, directors, producers.  Don’t overdo your hair and make-up as well.  And always wear clean – hole free underwear.