What to Expect from a Callback Audition

The first thing you may be thinking is: Why have I been called for a second audition at all? In simple terms, the first audition helps the casting team identify who may be right for a role. A callback (and any further auditions that follow) gives them the chance to look more closely at those actors and, eventually, make a decision.

Depending on the production, the casting director may want to see how you approach a scene or song, how you respond to direction, or how you interpret the role you’re auditioning for. Remember: Your performance isn’t assessed entirely in isolation. The team will also consider how you may fit into the wider cast and how you work alongside other actors.

But most of all, a callback is a positive thing! Something about your initial self-tape or audition has made the team want to see more of you. It isn’t a guarantee that you’ll get cast, of course, but it’s certainly something to feel good about.

Every casting process is different, but you can probably expect a few things at a callback. 

• You’ll probably perform again. You may be asked to revisit the same scene, monologue, or song from your first audition, or you could get more material to look at. Approach it how you did before and prepare well if you get it in advance.
  
• You may meet more of the creative team. Your first audition may have involved just a casting director or nobody at all if you submitted a self-tape. At a callback, you could meet other people involved in the production, including the director, producer, or members of the writing team. This is your chance to meet them and get a feel for whether you’d like to work with them, too, just as they’re getting to know you. 
• You may read with other actors. Some callbacks involve chemistry reads, so you may be asked to read with another actor. The trick here is not to overthink it; you can only control your performance, so focus on that – and reacting in the moment! 
  
• You could be given direction. A director likely will look for adaptability, so you may be asked to read a scene slightly differently on the day. See it as a chance to show what else you can bring to the role. 

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It can feel more intense when you’re in the room for a callback. You’re in a smaller pool of actors going up for the part – which seems that bit closer – and that may get your heart racing! But that doesn’t mean you need to spiral. 

In general, one of the most valuable things you can demonstrate at a callback is your ability to take direction. Casting directors want to know that you can respond to new ideas. But don’t try to be anyone other than yourself; the casting team has offered you a callback for a reason.

1. Revisit your original audition.

Start by looking back at the material that got you this far. If you submitted a self-tape, watch it again. Whether you delivered your last audition to a camera or in the room, think about the choices you made regarding your scene study and what felt natural. Also, consider the things you did well and the things you could develop further. Unless you’ve been given notes that suggest otherwise, it’s a good idea to deliver the scene as similarly as possible in the callback. The casting team clearly liked what they saw!

2. Do your homework.

Go over any information you have on the script, your character, and the creatives behind the project to cement your understanding of it. If you have access to the full script, get reading! Think about how your character acts and why that may be. Don’t just rehearse your lines; find the motivations behind them.

3. Be ready to take direction.

Doing your homework is important, obviously, but so is being prepared to approach a scene in a different way. If you receive the material in advance, try playing it different ways when you’re rehearsing. What happens if you change the energy or shift your character’s attitude? That agility will help you feel prepared to take direction on the day.

4. Prepare for the unexpected.

You can’t prepare for every possibility, but you may well be asked to perform material you haven’t prepared. Basically, be ready to be flexible and don’t be too attached to one idea of a character or a segment of script.

5. Be yourself – and stay professional.

The basics are important too. Arrive on time and be polite to everyone. If you’re unsure about practical details, such as what to wear or what to prepare, ask the question before arriving on the day. 

Most importantly, remember that the people in the room are not looking for a reason to catch you out. They want to find the right person for the role – and while you’re in the room, they’re gunning for that person to be you. So own it.

After your callback, the casting team may make a decision straight away or invite a smaller group back for another round. But it could also be a while before you hear anything. If that’s the case, try not to panic! Casting can involve several people meeting to make a final decision, and that can take a few days or even weeks. If you have an agent, they will usually be the person who tells you the news. 

You may be disappointed if you don’t get a role after a callback, but try to see it as a step in the right direction. After all, you were that bit closer to landing the role!