Acting : The Audition; It's not always about the read... by Shane Stanley

As an actor, I cannot think of anything more frustrating than auditioning for a role and just not feeling it. Okay, I realize having real talent overlooked for that Instagram Model who has a million followers because the brass thinks that’ll land them a big distribution deal sucks too but that’s a discussion for a later post. Let’s look at the topic of not feeling it when you audition but alternative ways to make an impact and a lasting impression. Never forget when producers, directors, casting agents, and anyone else given a voice read an actor they’re often considering several things… or at least should be. One thing for us is during the audition process is getting a read not only on someone’s talent and “are they right for the role” but equally, is this someone we want to work with? You know, spend 12 hrs a day with during unpredictable circumstances, get into an arm wrestle with their agent during negotiations, and - well, you know - go into battle with for however long they're needed on the project. It’s often forgotten by many actors that who YOU are can weigh heavy on the decision and while it’s imperative you are prepared and know your craft, jelling with the powers that be is everything. I cannot tell you how often we and so many others lean on first impressions and a performer's attitude during the audition process - not just their read. Gone, (at least for now) are the days when several hundred actors might show up to a casting call to get their five minutes in the room to give it their all after skipping work, getting prepared and cleaned up, fighting traffic, struggling to find a parking space and often hoofing and huffing up three flights of stairs to give it a shot. Albeit, taped auditions have made it somewhat easier on everyone but still, I feel there's a large part missing on the human interaction and back and forth you just don't get on tape or in a ZOOM session.

If you're submitting a taped audition, as you should already know, make sure the room is well lit and the sound is good. When you introduce yourself, do it with a friendly smile, look into the camera, and say your name, rank, and serial number clearly and with confidence, and perhaps thank them for giving you the opportunity. If possible, see if your rep (or you if you've self-submitted) can get a copy of the entire script - especially if it's for a day player role. Sometimes they'll send it and this affords you two things. 1) You can see the overall arc of the story and how your role fits in. Often, especially for day players and sidekicks, you're only sent a few pages and that isn't helpful to an actor. You won't always get the answer you want when requesting this, but believe it or not, sometimes you will. I love it when an actor whose auditioning wants to read it all. 2) If possible, give 'em two or three alternative reads on the character. You won't have the chance to get any direction or notes in a pre-taped audition so if it makes sense and you're comfortable with it, give the decision-makers some options of your range and show them that you can deliver it in a couple of different ways. This can really help but make sure the versions you give are different enough for them to see that's what you're doing. Don't just keep repeating the same performance. Also, and this is critical; make sure whoever is reading with you for the audition is into it. There is nothing worse (or more disrespectful) for both the actor and the ones watching the tape to feel the reader off-camera is giving it an effort. They don't have to be at Liam Neeson's level but take the time to find someone who gives a sh*t. It's only going to make your audition better and the whole presentation more professional.

Now, if you have the opportunity for an in-person or a live ZOOM audition, tune out the world and be there. No matter what's going on in your life, (unless it supports the role you're reading for) it doesn't matter. No one wants to hear about your problems. This isn't LAX, so leave your baggage off camera. Smile, be personable, have good eye contact, and don't be afraid to ask questions. I love when an actor takes a moment to ask how things are, how the weekend was, or even better, ask about the character or any uncertainties they might have about the role. Do yourself a favor and research the people you're reading for and get familiar with their work. Nothing throws off a grumpy soul sitting behind the casting desk more than when an actor says, "I saw your film SUCH-AND-SUCH, and really enjoyed it," or "What was it like in Bulgaria when you made THIS FILM or THAT FILM." It instantly (and innocently) disarms them and breaks down invisible barriers that come with the territory. They too can exhale and it reminds them they're human and we're all in this together. Again, it subconsciously plants seeds in their head that you're someone they will want to have around.

Now, I'm gonna touch on a topic that will no doubt be read wrong by some and ruffle a few feathers but needs to be addressed, so here it goes... Ladies and Gentlemen, I would suggest keeping the flirt levels to a minimum. Wearing provocative clothing (unless required, yeah, that still happens and I say beware) and acting seductive while getting through the salutations or coming off as loose or 'available' isn't wise. I guarantee a couple of things; one, there will be someone making a decision on who to cast and although that behavior might seem 'right' at the moment or by whomever you are in front of or looking at on ZOOM, chances are you will be offending someone or raising the hair on the back of someone's neck you may not even know is tuning in or eventually watching the session. We live in a whole new world now and besides smart producers steering clear of potential problems that can open a can of worms, that behavior can really put off someone who could simply be jealous of your demeanor, your looks, and not want that type of person on their set. I've seen both men and women in casting sessions dress or act way too provocatively which more often than not will offend someone who's got a hand in making decisions. Remember, this is a job interview. Treat it as such and be a professional. Your allure or ability to flirt will only get you so far and I don't think that's how a solid career is launched - especially in this climate and I promise you, your introduction to the team is not the time to test those waters.

Okay, let's jump into another issue that seems to always get people's knickers in a twist; your social media. I am all about free speech and being yourself. BUT, don't think for a moment that when you're being considered for a role, the decision-makers aren't trolling your social media. Think about what's available for the "public" to see and read. If your political views are brash and offend 50% of the population, that's understood but remember, you're offending half of the population. If your pictures include you drunk, sucking on a bong, pranking people, or finding the misfortunes of others funny, chances are you're hurting yourself for a callback or moving up the list. Again, this gets a lot of people up in arms when I mention it, as many disagree and think it doesn't matter, but I don't know of a team who isn't going to check you out and who you REALLY are via social media and that seems to be one hell of a tell-tale. But hey, what do I know? You can take it or leave it and do what you want. This is only my suggestion.

Getting back to the initial point of this post... how to make sure you have a greater chance with an audition especially if you're not feeling it. How often do you walk out of the room thinking you nailed it and never hear back or that you bombed and actually got a callback or better, the job? Think about what you did or didn't do in each instance. It's not uncommon for an actor to struggle with lines, arcs, and all the other things that come with studying for a role. That's something you have to accept, work on and improve in your skillset but the point of all this is to remind you so much more goes into consideration when you audition. Remember to breathe, relax and realize that it's not just always about THE read, so many other things are taken into account when making decisions on who to cast. Okay, that's enough for now and I'll get off my soapbox. Actors, you get back to work and go kick some keester. I'll look forward to watching your careers blossom.

Until next time...