What Casting Directors Want

Many actors misinterpret casting directors as the “bad guys,” since they didn’t cast them in their last six auditions. In reality, casting directors are rooting for aspiring actors more then they know! In fact, during an audition, the casting director is hoping the next person in the door is the one for the part. They just have the unfortunate job of lessening the load of unqualified actors. If an actors’ acting ability or physical body is not right for the part, that is out of their control. However, what every actor can choose to be is the type of person a casting director wants.

1.      Give the best performance you can give the first time. 

Being prepared for your audition says a lot about your work ethic and who you are as a person. No second chances! Forgetting lines is not a very promising intro. Prepare in advance, commit to the part, and deliver.

2.      Show you are easy to work with, starting with your audition.

Create a nice flow and positive atmosphere. Give short and sweet introductions, while leaving a lasting impression so you do not suck up their time.

3.      Be professional and respectful.

It’s not time to be best friends; it’s time to work! Stay focused, polite and follow directions.

4.      Take direction.

 Do exactly as you are told, nothing more, nothing less.

5.      Have the perfect balance of energy and calmness.

Don’t be so off the wall that you turn off the casting director due to lack of control or overstepping boundaries.

6.      Be personable and self-confident, not cocky.

Don’t be afraid to smile. Relax, believe and show them you deserve to be there!

7.     Acknowledge and treat everyone in the room with equal respect.

The Casting director is not the only one of importance.  They will be many other equally important faces you don’t know. Greet and farewell everyone with excellent warm eye contact.

8.      Be yourself.

Don’t put on a show or say what you think they want to hear. What they want is someone real. Stay relevant and don’t overdo it. Leave them wanting more of your performance and personality!

9.      Don’t apologize for or defend a performance or answer you gave.

Be proud of what you believe and state it in the most respectful, meek way. Do not try so hard to be accepted or to please them. No one likes a desperate actor.

10.  Be comfortable in who you are and do not try to be anybody else. Anybody else already exists. There will never be another you.

Casting Directors don’t want:

1.     An unprepared actor

2.     A desperate actor

3.     A rude actor

4.     A negative actor

5.     A hostile actor

You can do it! -Actors Nook Team