Use what you know.

Dont worry
about what you dont know.
Michael Shurtleff

Vocabulary
Cold Reading: Reading aloud from a script or other text with little or
no rehearsal, practice, or study in advance.

The casting process

While analyzing the play, the director begins to form an impression of the kinds of
characters the playwright has created. With these characters in mind, the directors
next major responsibility is to choose actors that can bring those characters to life.

Casting: The directors process of matching up characters and actors.

Casting is usually accomplished through the selection process known as auditions.
Audition: An interview for a particular role or job as an actor, consisting of a practical
demonstration of the candidates suitability and skill.
The director might ask actors to read cold (without preparation) for each part. This
could be done as a private or group reading.
Cold Reading: Reading aloud from a script or other text with little or no rehearsal,
practice, or study in advance.
Directors may also require that actors prepare (memorize) a monologue from a play.
Lastly, some directors may choose to use a combination of the two for their
auditions.

The casting process (contd)

When a production like a musical requires specific talents, such as singing
or dancing, the director might require songs or a short dance routine to
be included in the audition. Its best to find out as much as possible about
the audition before the day they take place.
Most directors distribute a proposed rehearsal schedule along with the
audition application. If you foresee scheduling conflicts, its best to make
the director aware as soon as possible.
After the first round of auditions, directors sometimes need a second or
third look at an actor. These opportunities are called callbacks. They
help narrow the selections by giving the director another chance to see
and hear the actor. They also give the director the opportunity to
combine several actors in scenes to see how they look and work together.
Callbacks: Additional opportunities for the actor to audition.

What a director is looking for

Good Auditions

Bad Auditions

The actor can interpret the

character vocally and physically.

The actor is unable to fit the role

vocally and physically.

Physical attributes gender,

appearance, height, and size.

The actor is too tall or too thin.

The actor may also be too young
for the role.

Growth potential. The actor takes

direction well and will progresses
throughout rehearsals.
The actor is definitely someone
they want to work with. Theyre
respectful & supportive of others.
They meet deadlines such as being
off-book. They are attentive and
prepared.

The actor is defiant toward the

director. They are also afraid to
make choices that would allow
them to grow.
The actor is egotistical. They are
not supportive of their fellow
actors / crewmembers. They do
not abide by deadlines and are
usually unprepared.

A successful audition: What do you do?

The first thing to know is you are always being watched!!! They notice your behavior
towards others and your respect to the audition environment before you even begin
auditioning. This is when the audition actually begins.
Secondly, be prepared. If you received sides, or were told to prepare a monologue,
work on this material as soon as you find out. Even rehearse your slate. Dont wait
until the last minute. The director will know if youre unprepared.

Sides: Refers to the specific set of lines from the script of an acting project that the
actor must learn prior to an audition.
If youre at a professional audition, have your headshot and resume ready to hand to
the stage manager or director.

Headshot: A modern portrait for todays branding needs, where the focus of the
photograph is the personality inside the person captured.
Resume: A brief account of ones professional or work experience and qualifications
Finally, commit 100% to your performance and have fun! The truth is, the director
wants you to succeed. They want you to be awesome in all aspects because it makes
their job a lot easier.

Really Bad Headshots

Professional Headshots

Professional Headshots (Teens)

Theatre / Film Resume

Whats your Elevator Speech?

An elevator pitch, elevator speech, or elevator statement is a
short summary used to quickly and simply define a person.
At some auditions, directors will ask you to share a little
something about yourself. This is what can set you apart
from the rest of competition.
Be careful though, what you say can make or break your
audition. Overall, the director just wants to know a little
more about you and your personality.
Dont go into too much detail though about your dead cat or
your crazy aunt who keeps giving you smooches every time
you see her. You want the director to like you, not to be
scared of you.

And now a word from Bryan Cranston