Audition Preparation

What to Bring to an Audition:

Audition application forms:

  • A from for the actor to fill out upon arriving to the audition space (they can be custom made but they should at least ask for the actors name, agent, the role they are auditioning for, their availability during your shooting period, union affiliation)

Audition Forms (For Director / PM / DP):

    • Actor marking sheets used to grade the actor during auditions
      • Having headshots in order of auditions in a single document that you can make notes on throughout the auditions (you will not remember anyone by the end of a long day! Have references)

Director’s Audition Homework:

    • Character breakdowns and back story’s = knno your characters inside and out, what are you looking for in your character

Feel Comfortable Redirecting:

    • Tips for re-directing , 2nd and 3rd takes:
      • Be concise and clear
      • Don’t over direct or give too much direction
      • Give them small adjustments example: Play the scene this time as if… (a) your house is burning down (b) your in love with the person you are talking to (c) hate the person you are talking too etc.
      • Each time you give a new direction try and get a different performance= test the actors versatility…if they are playing the scene very lightly, give a direction that will see if they can play the scene more seriously and dramatically etc.
    • Remember spend no more than 10 minutes on each person! If after 10 min you are not getting the performance you want, chances are they are not right for the part.
    • Is there such a thing as too short of an audition? = Answer NO. Experienced actors are aware and trained that auditions can be anywhere from 1 min-20 min. If your not getting what you want, or you know right off the bat there not right, let them finish the scene and then thank them so they can go.
    • Call backs: Most student films do not have call backs because you are not paying the people. If you are really stuck between a few actors, sometimes call backs are necessary. That’s why recording your auditions are really important = help you make decisions later.
    • Acceptance and rejection etiquette: Send emails (1) week after auditions to everyone who auditioned, thanking them and informing them if they got the part or not. It is the least you can do and its the courteous thing to do, especially for independent and student films where there not getting paid. Besides it doesn’t take long to do

Audition Preparation