While most people might think the majority of an actor’s work is done on set, that’s not entirely true. In reality, actors are professional auditioners. Before you can get to a set and deliver a stellar performance, you need to be able to land the role.
When going out to casting calls in San Diego, you need to stay focused on the task at hand. It’s easy to daydream about what getting a job might be like, but you can’t let that distract you from your audition. If you can remember these tips, you can make sure you’re as prepared as possible:
Do Your Research Ahead of Time
All the casting calls in San Diego will be slightly different, so make sure you have all the relevant information about the project you’re auditioning for before you arrive. You need to be the best fit for the role the casting director has in mind, and every bit of information you can arm yourself with can help tailor your performance to be just that.
In addition to the creative information, don’t forget to get all the logistical details. Is it a union or non-union project? When are the callback dates? The shoot dates? You don’t want to land a part, only to find out you can’t accept it due to a prior conflict.
Look the Part
It’s not just enough to embody a role with your performance; you have to dress appropriately as well. That doesn’t just mean putting on clothes you’d wear to a job interview. You need to look like the part you’re trying to get. If the role is mailroom intern, you should show up in your best office-inspired outfit. If the role is skate park delinquent, then torn jeans and a baggy t-shirt will do the job.
If you’re going to a lot of casting calls in San Diego, you might find it helpful to keep a small wardrobe in the trunk of your car so you can be prepared for a variety of looks. You only have so much time in the room at a casting call, so you need to use every second to sell yourself.
Don’t Just Learn Lines, Learn the Meaning
Non-actors might be impressed by your ability to commit text to memory, but that’s not the hard part. Anyone can, with enough practice, learn to recite a monologue. What a good actor does is comprehend what they’re saying, then find the meaning within it. So if you have lines for your casting call, do your best to memorize them. Once you’ve done that, thoroughly read through the lines and make sure you fully understand what’s happening.
Check whether there are any words or terms you’re unfamiliar with, then learn what they mean. You might be able to recite the words, but the casting director will be able to tell if you haven’t bothered to figure out what they mean. Proper pronunciation of all words in your audition is essential.
With a full grasp of the contents of the lines, you can start making creative choices. In real life, people don’t tend to speak without a reason. As an actor, this is where you can infuse a role with believable humanity. No matter how large or small the part is, make sure you know why you’re saying what you’re saying.
Get All the Small Particulars in Order
If you want to book a job, you need to take your audition preparation seriously. Double-check where the casting call is and make a plan to get there. Do any vocal warmups before you arrive. Your body is your instrument, so make sure that you’re ready to perform convincingly and with clear diction the second you walk through the door.
Check if there are any specific instructions for the casting call, such as any additional items you might need to bring. They might not be evident at a glance, so don’t just skim. Bring two copies of your headshot and resume, just in case you need multiples.
Above all, show up on time! You need to demonstrate that you can be prompt, professional, and passionate about any project you’re going out for. With enough preparation, there will be no question.
Bring Your Best Self
People want to work with people they like. Use the brief time you have with the casting directors to show how professional, polite, and pleasant you can be. Bring your authentic self, don’t be too over-eager or chatty, and don’t linger too long once you’re done.
You might only be in the audition room for a few moments, but everyone in casting will be working there for hours. If you respect their time, they’ll appreciate it. Just thank them, then give them back the room. Even if you don’t book one particular job, odds are you’ll be in front of the same casting directors at other casting calls in San Diego in the future. If you can make a good impression and build a positive relationship with them; it might just pay off in future auditions.
Keep Moving Forward
Even if you go to every casting call in San Diego, there’s no guarantee you’ll get booked. It’s the harsh, brutal truth of this industry, but you can’t let it grind you down. All you can do is show up prepared, give it your all, and keep moving.
After an audition, it’s only natural to think about how it went. If some days go by and you haven’t heard back, you might start doubting yourself and your ability. It’ll be hard, but you need to force yourself to resist that worry. If you get bogged down in every rejection you face, you’ll get overwhelmed. Your career will be a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t get discouraged, take every opportunity you can get, and you’ll be on your way.
An agent can help you get auditions you may not otherwise know about on your own and can help prepare you properly for them. InnoVision Talent Agency has everything you need, from experience to contacts to extensive knowledge of the industry. Reach out today and see how we can advance your career.