I’ve been “in the business” and auditioning for parts for more than 30 years. I’ve been a part of some great successes, and I’ve been a part of some bombs.
And you know what? Both are fine. It goes with the territory. But if there is one thing that I have found to be true over the years, it is this: If you get a part that you are right for, it will go well. And if you don’t get a part that you are right for, it will not go well.
It sounds simple, but it isn’t always so easy to tell what part is right for you. And sometimes the people making those decisions won’t see things the way you do!
But if you want to get ahead in Hollywood, you need to learn how to make sure that you get the parts that are right for your career. And one way to do that is by learning how to tell when a role isn’t right for you — no matter how much money they may offer!
As I’ve made my way up through the Hollywood ranks as an actor, I’ve learned a thing or two about what it takes to get from where you are to where you want to be. And just like any job, there is a process and a protocol to getting cast. Here are some tips to help you get more auditions, more callbacks, and ultimately more opportunities.
1) Know why you want the part:
If you’re auditioning, chances are you want to be an actor (otherwise known as “a professional liar”). Are you willing to stand out in the rain? Fight through traffic? Wait in long lines? Do it over and over again? Good. Because that is what it takes. If you think having a great agent who gets you auditions is enough, then this business isn’t for you. You have to want it more than anyone else wants it for you.
2) Know what the part is:
If your agent submits your picture and resume for a role and you are called in, make sure you know what the story is about and which role(s) they are seeing you for. It doesn’t hurt to do a little research on IM
Dear Actor,
Congratulations! You got the audition! You are one step closer to booking the job. This is, of course, very exciting news. No matter how busy you are, no matter how many auditions you have been on today, this is cause for celebration. Don’t forget to hug your mum.
Now, we need to make sure you book the job. It’s time to get prepared.
Remember that preparation is not only about learning your lines, it’s about knowing the character inside out and having a strong point of view about them. This means doing research and getting under the skin of your character by asking yourself questions like: Who do they love? Who do they hate? What makes them happy? What makes them sad? What is their favourite film and why? These are the sort of questions that will help you put together a three-dimensional person that comes alive on screen.
Once you have a clear idea of who your character is, we can start thinking about how they speak. This includes their accent as well as their vocal tone. The casting director will tell you if they want an American or British accent, but you need to work out if your character speaks loudly or softly, quickly or slowly (and
In the audition room, you can’t afford to be shy.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t be respectful, and that you shouldn’t wait for someone to acknowledge you and tell you “It’s ok, hello! We see you! Come on in.”
What I’m saying is that when it comes to auditions, if you want the part, no one is going to give it to you. You have to take it.
Being an actor is all about being bold. It’s about not taking no for an answer. It’s all about fighting for what you want. And that starts with being bold in the room.
That doesn’t mean shouting your lines at everyone like a crazy person who just broke into the building by breaking a window (although, if the part calls for it…why not?). It does mean having confidence in your choices and owning every moment of your time in front of people who can either help or hurt your career.
\* The writer of this blog is a working actor in Hollywood.
\* The writer of this blog has had supporting parts in popular television shows and major motion pictures.
\* The writer of this blog has studied at Yale Drama School.
\* The writer of this blog has studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
\* The writer of this blog has done work on Broadway and off-Broadway.
\* The writer of this blog has worked with some of the best actors, directors, writers, producers, and agents in the business.
\* The writer of this blog has been doing this for more than fifteen years.
