Applying to any commercial audition can seem like a daunting process. We break down the process into five different steps to make it easier on you.
1) Read the Sides
The most important part in applying to an audition is reading the sides, which are typically excerpts from the script that include your lines as well as character descriptions and other pertinent information. The sides will let you know if you are right for the role and if you should be submitting yourself. Make sure to read everything thoroughly and completely so you know exactly what is expected of you.
2) Record Your Audition
If you are called in to audition, you will have to record your sides and send them in electronically. This is why it is important that your recording setup is working properly before you get started. Check out our guide to recording on a Mac or PC for more information. You will also want to make sure that your space is ready for recording, especially since this may be your only chance at getting the role!
3) Create a Demo Reel
If you think this is your big break then make sure that you have a demo reel ready! Your demo reel should include your best work from previous auditions so casting knows exactly what they can expect from you. If possible, try
There are many different steps in applying to an audition.
The first step is figuring out what you want to do. The second step is finding an audition. The third step is applying for the audition. The fourth step is preparing for the audition. The fifth step is going to the audition itself. The sixth step is a follow up from the audition (if there is one). And lastly, the seventh step is getting hired and going to work!
The following are the steps in applying to a commercial audition.
1. Register your profile with a Casting Director’s database.
2. You will receive audition information from the casting director, which will include date, time, and location of the audition. It will also include a description of the role you are auditioning for, as well as some other specific details requested by the client.
3. Read over the role requirements carefully and prepare an acting piece that will be effective for this specific audition according to the given criteria.
4. Submit your headshot and resume to the casting director in advance of your scheduled audition, if requested (this means you should have copies of both on hand at all times).
5. Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time slot, if not instructed otherwise (don’t be late!).
6. Bring a list of your availability for call backs or shooting dates (it is imperative to be prepared for this question).
7. Wait for your name to be called by the casting director or assistant (after you check in).
8. Do your acting piece once or twice and accept any additional direction from the casting director (if given any).
9. Thank everyone for their time and consideration, shake hands with those
To book a commercial audition, you must have an agent, who will submit your headshot to the casting director and get you auditions.
A headshot is a photo of your face. It is usually taken by a professional photographer and should look very natural and inviting.
You will be asked to read lines (part of the script) during your audition.
The lines are called copy.
The casting director asks you to do different things with the copy during the audition.
Sometimes they will ask you to be sad, happy, angry, or excited while you are reading the lines.
You may be asked to improvise, which means making up a scene on the spot without any preparation.
There’s no time for rehearsing before an audition, so if you’re not prepared when you get there, it’s going to show!
The first thing you should know before applying to a commercial audition is that in order to be considered for the part, you must be a member of the union. This means joining SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists).
It may seem daunting at first, but there are many great resources online that can help you with any questions you may have about joining. To find out more about joining, visit www.sagaftra.org/join.
Once you are a member, go to www.sagaftra.org/castingaccess and sign up for Casting Access. It is free and allows you to see casting notices for nonunion work that SAG has opened up to union members only. You’ll get an email every morning with a list of all the projects being cast locally and what roles they are casting for.
You’ll need to submit your headshot and resume in order to apply for each project. If your headshot is more than a year old, it’s time to get new ones taken! And if this is your first time having headshots made, make sure you find someone who specializes in actor headshots and can give you the look that best shows off your
The audition process for commercials is quite different from the audition process for other types of acting.
For starters, you’ll spend less time in the audition room and more time filling out paperwork and waiting around. But that doesn’t make it any less important. Auditioning for commercials is a great way to make some extra money without needing a huge amount of experience or training.
The commercial audition process can be daunting to beginning actors because so much of it takes place before you ever walk into the room. But if you know what to expect, you’ll be able to avoid any surprises.
If you’re looking to get into commercial acting, here’s everything you need to know about how the commercial casting process works, how to prepare for your auditions, and how to find commercial acting gigs!
Well, you’ve read the casting notice, sent in your headshot and resume, and now it’s time to prepare for the audition.
The first thing you need to do is get a copy of the script so you can start preparing for the role. If you don’t know anyone who can loan you a copy, order one from Amazon.com or try to find it on Ebay. If you’re really broke, try downloading it from a website like Script-o-rama.com.
The next step is to study the script, making sure that you understand your character’s background and motivation. Ask yourself why your character does what she does in relation to the other characters she interacts with. If there are any references to historical or pop culture events or people, make sure that you know what they are so that you’ll be able to play them correctly. Also, spend some time figuring out where your character falls in the social strata of her world so that you’ll be able to emulate her speech and mannerisms correctly.
Next, prepare your audition sides (which means pages of dialogue taken directly from the script). You’ll likely be asked to bring these with you when you arrive at the audition. After that, memorize your lines. Practice them in
CuteAct is a contributor at CuteAct. We are committed to providing well-researched, accurate, and valuable content to our readers.