How To Impress a Casting Director

Assemble a packet to send to the casting director’s office. If applying for a role, explain why you’d be perfect for the part. Include any good reviews or press clips as well.

Follow up after sending your packet. If you’re granted an audition, tell them you’ll be there. If you submitted your materials cold, send a postcard that’s a mini headshot a week later. Be polite, friendly, and professional—and never hound them!

Volunteer to be a reader. Some casting directors use volunteers to read lines opposite the auditioning actor. Even though you’re not up for the part, it’s a great way to get seen.

If you’ll be auditioning on camera, know how you appear on film. Borrow or rent a video camera and have a friend tape your performance. Practice appearing comfortable and natural.

Know where to look. Usually it’s not wise to perform exclusively for the casting director running the audition. Conversely, don’t just fixate on the person reading with you. Let your eyes wander a natural amount. And never stare into the camera!

If you’re going to be auditioning and have received the sides beforehand, memorize them as best you can. This will allow you to concentrate on the work and show the casting director that you’re a professional.

Be at least 20 minutes early to any audition. You’ll notice that other actors are sometimes late. Not good—the director might assume you’re always late and decide to go with someone who isn’t.

If you have any smart, useful questions to ask about the role or what they want from you, go ahead and ask. But don’t ask questions just for the sake of it—you’ll look unprepared.

If someone is reading another character’s lines with you, remember to listen and react to them—even if they’re only doing it half-heartedly. Show you can work with another actor, no matter how invested they are.

If the casting director asks you to try doing it a different way, do it. This is your chance to show you are flexible and can take direction.

Never apologize or in any other way comment on your work.http://www.howcast.com/images/markers/label-tip.png?1233461644

An audition is not a schmooze-fest. Be polite and professional. Casting directors are busy people and if you waste their time they won’t remember you fondly.

Most importantly, be yourself. A casting director is casting your personality and charisma as much as they’re casting the specific character, so let yourself shine through. Happy auditioning!