Audition Etiquette: Making It Easy to Choose You

I learned my best auditioning techniques as a producer. Sitting on the other side of the table was a pleasant surprise: it completely demystified the process. Here are some tips from what I learned there, from the moment you walk in the door to the moment you leave.

One thing has changed since this was first written: most first-round auditions are now self-tapes, and in-person auditions are rare. They do still happen, especially for callbacks, theatre and commercials, and they tend to be the ones that matter most, so it is worth understanding the process properly for when a face-to-face opportunity comes along.

Manners in the audition room

Unless the casting director reaches out first, never shake hands when you walk into the room. The casting director and the panel do not want to be shaking hands with every actor who comes through the door. If they introduce themselves, acknowledge each name with a simple "It's nice to meet you all", but do not invade personal space uninvited.

Before the audition starts

The chit-chat portion is a chance for the director to get an idea of how easy you will be to work with and to be around. Do not walk in already in character; just be you. The easier and more professional you are to work with, the less they have to worry about.

Sometimes you will be given an opportunity to show your personality. Be prepared to share an interesting fact about yourself, or a hobby or leisure activity you enjoy. Bonus points if it somehow relates to the character you are auditioning for.

Dealing with audition nerves

What calms my nerves is reminding myself that I am there to help them choose the best person for the part: me. I was one of the select few actors they invited in to audition, and they want me to book the role. I am not worried about being judged on what I say; I am looking for opportunities to show that we can get along professionally. During the audition itself, I am focused on the character's choices, not on the people watching me.

What to wear to an audition

Do not come in full costume, but wear clothes reminiscent of the character or the film's genre. Consider how you will be able to move in them. You do not want to sacrifice movement, and you want the director to still be able to imagine you as another character if there are other roles that could suit you.

Working the sides

Read the sides once through to get familiar with them. Then read them as if you wrote them: what intention were you trying to give each character? Once you think you understand the scene from that point of view, pick a spot to make a bold or interesting choice. If everyone's first impression is that the character is angry and shouting, maybe you take a long pause and deliver the same line quietly and threateningly.

The director is trying to see you as the character, so think about what that character is trying to accomplish within the scene that makes them choose those particular words. Once you know what you are trying to accomplish, you will be able to speak with intention. When you get into the character's head, they will get into yours as well, and that is clearly visible from the table and through the camera.

Be memorable, not off-putting

It is unlikely your name will be remembered. You are more likely to be known as "the one with the long hair", "the one from Louth" or "the one in the yellow shirt". If you can work something memorable into the audition or the conversation, you are more likely to come up in conversation later. Just do not be too weird. No one wants to be remembered for that.

Leaving the room

When you are dismissed, pause, face the table and take a moment to thank them for their time. Do not linger, but do not run out the door either. Try to be humbly confident as you exit.

I hope these tips give you some extra confidence and insight for your next audition. Try holding mock auditions with your friends, taking turns at being the director. It helps with the nerves, and you may learn something else along the way.

The more you audition, the more natural all of this becomes, and the only way to audition more is to keep applying. Casting directors post their castings on Actorly, and it is free to join and free to apply. Create your free actor profile and start applying.