Auditioning for a feature film is one of the most exciting – and nerve-racking – moments in an actor’s career. Whether the audition leads to a breakout role or simply developing a good relationship with the casting director, each one is an opportunity to make a positive impression whilst doing what you love. But how do you get through it all with ease and confidence?
From preparing for the role to understanding what casting directors want, here are the essentials.
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In the UK, reputable casting sites allow actors to browse and apply directly for jobs (once you’ve created a profile).
Sign with an acting agent, and they’ll be able to put you forward for exclusive casting calls.
Regardless of whether you have an agent, it’s worth keeping an eye on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, which are used by casting directors to post open calls. Attending industry networking events can also open doors.
The process for every project – from a blockbuster to an indie – is different, but it’s likely to begin with a self-tape. At this stage, you will record yourself performing a scene (or two) and send it in to the casting director.
If you’re successful, you will be called for an in-person audition, known as a “recall” or “callback.” On small-budget projects, you may be cast based purely on your tape.
During your recall, you might be asked to perform additional scenes, improvise, or work with other actors in a “chemistry test.” Depending on the movie’s budget, a casting decision might be made at this stage, or you could be asked to attend further rounds. Actor Laura Evelyn (Last Christmas, Sex Education, Good Omens) stresses that “generally, the bigger the budget, the more people involved in the decision-making, so the more protracted the process.”
1. Analyse the script and study your character: Before you start to interpret your character, read the script (or as much of it as you’ve been given). Mine it for all the information about your character you can get, and remember that scene directions, struck-out text, and any content before or after your scene often provide additional useful detail. If you’ve only been sent “audition sides” (excerpts from the script), study them for hints about your character. Work out what’s going on in the scene: the who, what, where, when, and why. “You might have limited information…so you need to make strong decisions,” Evelyn says. “I always remind myself that no one really knows what they want until they see it. If you feel really lost, it’s probably because the character is ill-defined. Go ahead and add some definition. The casting director will love you for that.”
2. Be familiar but spontaneous: Know your lines, but keep it playful and fresh when you rehearse. Avoid falling into patterns or rhythms with how you think a line should be delivered, as this could make your audition feel over-rehearsed. Print your sides, highlighted and stapled, so that you can refer to them in your audition. Remember: A casting director wants to see your best acting, not your ability to perfectly recall text.
3. Pick the right outfit: When choosing what to wear, balance professionalism with character interpretation. Aim for something that alludes to the role, but don’t go overboard or come in costume, as that could prove distracting. For example, if you are auditioning to play a nurse, you don’t need to scrub up, but you could wear a pale blue T-shirt to hint at “hospital scrubs.” Though confidence and comfort are key, Evelyn advises: “Character first, what flatters you second.” Your outfit should enhance your audition, assisting the casting team to visualise you in the role, without overshadowing your performance.
4. Research the creative team: Look up the people you’ll meet in the audition room. The casting director will be there, but the director and producer might be too. Familiarise yourself with their films, as this can be a good conversation starter. The director’s work can also be an indicator of their typical tone and style, and you can take that into consideration for your audition.
5. Plan your journey: There’s nothing worse than putting your destination into Google Maps an hour before your audition, only to find out the train or bus isn’t running. Check for disruptions the day before, and leave early so that you’ll still be on time if there are delays or traffic.
6. Warm up: You might think that naturalistic acting doesn’t require a warmup, but it can be a useful tool for getting in the zone, easing your nerves, and emoting more freely. Allow yourself 10–20 minutes at home to warm up your voice, stretch your body, and do some gentle breathing exercises, such as inhaling for a count of four, holding for three, then exhaling to a count of six breaths. You could also do a few grounding exercises, such as a body scan, in the audition waiting room.
For a first-round meeting, you’ll likely meet just the casting director, not the director. There will also be a camera operator and possibly a casting assistant to read in the other lines. Be friendly and courteous. If nerves are likely to get the better of you, practise how you’ll enter the room and introduce yourself to the panel. As one anonymous casting director told Mandy, “We’re forming our impressions the moment you walk through the door.”
The casting director will tell you where to sit or stand, as well any action they want to see. If anything isn’t clear, don’t be afraid to ask questions. During your take, focus on listening to the other person reading in, and react naturally to what they say. “Be prepared to do [your scene(s)] twice, with redirection,” Evelyn says. “If you feel as though you didn’t nail it and are confident another go will, ask for one. At this stage, both you and the casting director want to send the best options through to the director – you’re in it together.”
After preparing so diligently, you may feel like the audition is over in a flash. And sadly, you won’t always hear back from casting directors if you’re not moving forward to the next phase. Evelyn’s top tip? “Park it, archive the emails, and move on with your life,” she says.
But when it’s gone well, you’ll hear that you’ve either booked the job (hurrah!) or are being recalled for further chemistry tests/reads.
Remember: A successful audition isn’t always about getting the role; it’s also about building a reputation as an actor who can deliver interesting, authentic takes. The casting director may well request to see you again.
Evelyn adds, “If you’re prepared, can breathe through any anxiety, and maintain a little reverence for this ‘biz we call show,’ you'll have fun, maybe learn a thing or two, and with each tape or meeting, get a little bit more confident, ready to face whatever [is thrown at you].”