Filmmaking / Directing : Should Actors Pursue Audition Pay? A Former Casting Director Worries It Would Lead To “Death Of Developmental Actors” by Maurice Vaughan

Agree @Leonardo’s take on it. My two cents is it would drastically cut opportunity for actors to even get an audition in the first place. Wherever money is involved the reigns are tightened on either side in different ways yet art is everyones birthright. EG There could many suitable candidates for Macbeth but producers can only afford to pick from a few choices. An audition is a job interview not payment for services rendered. My last auditions were in the 90’s yet I still remember a sense of freedom of expression without being obliged.

Great points, @Debbie Croysdale. You could also put your comment on RB's post so you're part of the discussion.

I think audition pay is a bad idea, you will not see as many candidates as you might usually see otherwise to save on money. Imagine getting paid every time I go to a job interview, that would be crazy and I would be going to every job interview possible and make a living off of just doing that. If you don't want to go to auditions all the time, get some good showreels put together and casting people can get a better idea of your abilities.

Thanks for the tip @Maurice Will join RB's post later when I find the time. Carrying on from my input last night (phone battery down) The selected fewer actors would most likely be forced to adhere to stricter new rules regards the actual paid audition itself. Eg pre interview for suitability, checks, more time on readings. The whole system would become more complicated such as how would it affect self employment tax forms? Etc. However in certain circumstances only I'm in favor of long distance travel reimbursed or tokens issued for public transport.

Thats a ridiculous concept. Should people be paid for a job interview? Some job interviews require 45 minute tests just to move the application forward. only rich kids would think they should be paid for showing up to an audition.

They can try - but see how long that concept will last...

Hi, everyone. Please post your comments on RB's post in the Acting Lounge where the discussion is going on (www.stage32.com/lounge/acting/Should-Actors-Pursue-Audition-Pay-A-Former...). Thanks!