Advice from a Well-Respected Casting Director
I recently attended an online workshop with Michael Cassara, CSA, as he discussed auditions, self-tapes, and everything in between.
Some takeaways from this hour+ long discussion:
Audition Preparation: Make bold choices, and make sure actors understand the context of what they’re performing in the audition room/callback.
Self tapes:
Self tapes need to be SOLID. The quality of self-tapes is only getting better and more professional.
Make sure to have half the body in the frame of the shot
Sound and volume of reader are important. Check both before submitting
Submit early and quickly
Film for shows you keep getting called back for (I love making reels of materials for shows I have been continuously been called back for! )
Think of self tapes as “slime tutorials” - focused and IN the show (in the environment)
iPad for auditions? Use the Forscore App
Style: Style your audition for what you’re going in for. Not a costume, but a STYLE.
Audition Materials: Make a new reel every 2 years or so.
Saying you have another offer and need to know by X date is acceptable to send an email for.
Business of Acting: Keep a spreadsheet and track auditions, callbacks, and email correspondence.
(No Sweat Rep offers an audition journal for this very thing! Check it out on our shop: https://nosweatrep.com/shop)
Does all of this make sense, but make you feel overwhelmed? Not sure where to start with choosing audition material, making a new reel, or fully diving into the character you’re auditioning for?
We got you!! No Sweat Rep can help coach you through auditions (both digital and in-person auditions) edit your reels, choose custom audition material, etc!
Reach out today to get started!