Castings do’s and don’t’s

Getting called into a Casting Director’s office can seem scary for many people. Don’t feel scared. Some Casting Directors are nicer than others but don’t take anything personally, they are usually under large amounts of stress. Remember they are on your side and they want you to get the job! The better you are the better they are. It’s their job to find the best talent and they want you to be great!

Here are some tips and tricks do’s and don’t’s

• DON’T show up late! Do arrive 10-15 minutes early
• DON’T drag your personal life into the casting room. Whatever happened to you personally right before you entered leave it on the other side of the door. This is a professional job interview DO answer professional questions about work.
• DON’T ramble on for lengths of time or ask questions that don’t pertain to the job at hand. DO ask questions like
  • What is my framing (how far can I move)
  • Where would you like me to look/face (usually they will want you to look at the reader but everyone and every project is slightly different)
• DON’T come in costume but DO dress the part.
• DON’T wear heavy make-up, sunglasses or hats. DO wear clean make up that enhances your looks but keep it simple. DO dress appropriately to your character but leave the clichés at home.

General Advice:

1. Be prepared! If you have lines know them. If it’s a live performance like an audition for dance, singing or special abilities be warmed up stretched out whatever you need to do ahead of time. Don’t go in and “wing it”.
2. If you are lucky enough to get full script READ THE WHOLE THING! Don’t just read your part.
3. Do slow deep abdominal breathing from your diaphragm before you go into the room. 3-4 slow deep inhales and exhales will help ease those nerves.
4. Have fun! Enjoy the casting! Sounds crazy but just trust yourself and let it go and enjoy your craft when you go in the room.
5. After the casting “leave it in the room” meaning don’t over think it and move on to the next thing you have to do. It’s done and you may get the part you may not it’s now out of your hands so let it go and focus on what’s next.