AUDITIONS .Name

Everything you ever wanted to know about Auditions and never dared asking!


Click Here for FREE AUDITIONS & CASTING CALLS Information!

 

Get a FREE acting profile, auditions and casting calls info

Useful Acting Terms: Acting Dictionary
Agents Breakdowns Cover Letter Open Calls
Auditions Calls Backs Headshots Resume
Avail Casting Managers Sides
Links Casting Directors Monologues  


Acting Agents & Managers

Representative are agents, mangers and sometimes lawyers that work on 5%-20% commission of your salary. Industry professionals such as directors, producers and casting director do not want to talk with the talent in most cases and would prefer to talk with a legal official that acts on the talent's behalf.

The representative job is to submit the talent to casting calls, to book auditions and callbacks, to negotiate a contract, and to supply the actor with all the information and tools that he needs in order to do a good job.

 

THE AGENT'S JOB:

The role of the agent is to find work for actors.  Legitimate, reputable agents will only get paid after an actor has been paid, and the rate is generally 5% - 10% of the actor's gross salary.

While it is not necessary to have an agent to get work, it would serve you well to find an agent as soon as possible.  An agent, with their industry contacts and professional resources, will be able to get you into auditions and interviews that you otherwise may not ever hear about.

In addition to their resources and help in getting you in the door, many agents will also represent you to casting directors, help you in continually developing your career, negotiate your contract for an acting job, as well as protect you and help with any disputes you may have with a producer.  For their services, agents will take a percentage of your gross salary, as well as expect you to be professional and committed to your career.

Since agents are paid only when you get paid, it is in their best interest to keep you working.  For this reason, you should begin your search for an agent as soon as possible, because it only helps to have an ally in your search for acting jobs.

Remember, reputable agents never charge any kind of fees or dues outside of their stated commission charges.  If an agent tells you otherwise, find another one. While it is possible to get work without having an agent, you will find that you get more opportunities when you have representation. 

 

THE MANAGER'S JOB:
A talent manager, also known as a personal manager, is one who guides the career of artists in the entertainment business. The responsibility of the talent manager is to oversee the day to day business affairs of an artist; to advise and counsel talent about professional matters and personal decisions which may affect their career.

The roles and responsibilities of a manager vary slightly from industry to industry, as do the commissions to which the manager is entitled. Music managers duties differ from those who advise actors, writers, directors, etc.

Most acting managers takes 10% - 20% of the performer earnings. Although your contract may be negotiable, the standard contract with a manager is 3 years.

 

You can find more about agents, acting agents, managers, acting managers, agency, actors agencies, modeling agencies, actor representation and talent here.

 

Breakdowns & Audition Sides

Find out about acting breakdowns and the audition sides

Breakdowns are unique pages offering detailed characters descriptions of acting roles. They list the name of the project, it's type (film, tv, commercial...), the characters' physics (male / female, age range, ethnicity...) and other general information about the audition (time, date, location, salary...).

Sides are unique pages, usually taken out of a script in order to help the actor prepare for the audition. The sides are the most important thing that helps the actor to rehearse the part. They are usually sent by the casting office to the actor or to his/her representative. In some cases the actor can download them himself as a pdf or word format, and print them. Many sites take money for this service.

You can more about actor breakdowns, audition sides, acting breakdowns, casting calls, movie auditions, TV auditions, theater, theatre, commercial, music video, and infomercial casting calls here.

 

AUDITION BREAKDOWN SAMPLE

Here is a sample of an audition breakdown. Always try to submit your picture only if you think that you suits the part.

 

Friday, Jun. 2, 2006, 2:53 PM Pacific

NATIONAL LAMPOON'S REEL MOVIE REVIEW SHOW
Pilot
DESCRIPTION: A spoof movie review show that lampoons movie review shows like "Ebert & Roeper" "Leonard Maltin" and "The Movie Club".


UNION
 

   Casting Director: Brigitte Burdine
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Benjamin Anderson, Dan
Laikin,Marton Varo Jr., Bo Zenga
CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Bo Bushnell
Interviews: TBD
Shoots: 17th or 18th of June (1 day)
Rate: May be deferred (neg.)
Location: Los Angeles

PLEASE SEND HEADSHOTS & RESUME TO... 11254 N. Audition address, L.A. 90046

 
[ THE HOST  ]
Male, 20-30 years old, He takes his job seriously and probably doesn't know this show is a spoof. His last job was a game show host.

 

[ FRAT BOY MOVIE REVIEWER ]
Male, Caucasian, 20-30 years old, This 6th year senior has never opened a book or watched a movie that didn't have an explosion in its plot. He thinks Quentin Tarantino is a god and 'Citizen Kane' is a club in Hollywood. He's a white boy but at times he's a wanta-be gangsta.

 

[ THE CINEPHILE ]
Male, 20-30 years old. He thinks his opinion is the only one that counts because he's far more educated about "the cinema". He's seen "Pride and Prejudice" (all 3 versions) over 100 times. Fey, possibly gay. Hates Star Wars. (Think "Lloyd", Ari Gold's assistant on "Entourage"). Submit all ethnicities, particularly Asians)...

 

 

 

AUDITION SIDES SAMPLE

EXT CAR PARK - CALLE OCHO MIAMI - NIGHT

CAMERA SWOOPS DOWN through the trees as a taxi pulls up in front of a mobile restaurant (Lonchera)in the car park. The area is roped off with festive lights and has clearly been the favorite local hang out for some years. Family and friends gather outside in groups around makeshift tables and chairs. The salsa music blares, kids are chasing dogs, and plates are piled high with Miami’s best Latin food. The action centers around ENRIQUE AND MARIA TORRES who are in their late forties. It’s their restaurant, built with their personality and sweat, over the years. The taxi pulls right up into the car park and GLORIA steps out of the cab. She’s hesitant, not completely recovered from her dog-food experience at Gama Gamma an hour ago.

INSIDE THE RESTAURANT WAGON

ENRIQUE sees his daughter and breaks into a big smile -- he calls out to his wife.

ENRIQUE

Well look who’s here.., our little chiquita Mia’s back.

MARIA

Yeah? something’s wrong.

ENRIQUE

No! Why does something always have to be wrong?

She just come back to see her parents. She loves us.

MARIA

Go find out what’s wrong, I’ll take care of these orders.

Enrique throws down his apron, steps out of the wagon’s kitchen, and greets his daughter with a big smile and a hug.

ENRIQUE

Bombon de chocolate, estas de vuelta!

GLORIA

Hey daddy.

ENRIQUE

It’s so good to see you.

GLORIA

Thanks, I need a hug right now.

Maria looks over at Enrique from the kitchen and gives him that “I told you so” look.

ENRIQUE

Here, sit here at the family table. You want something to eat?

GLORIA

No! Nothing to eat!

Enrique is taken aback by her response and tries to comfort his daughter.

ENRIQUE

Hey, hey, hey, you don’t like our food anymore?

GLORIA

No that’s not it, I love your food. That’s why I’m here.

ENRIQUE

But... you don’t want to eat any of it?

GLORIA

No! I’ll throw up if I eat anything.

Gloria looks up at him with big eyes about to cry. Enrique sees he needs help.

ENRIQUE

OOh...Maybe your mother can help.... Maria?

She’s beside them in a flash, Mothering Gloria.

MARIA

Hello baby. Come here, tell me all about it.

Enrique watches them go to another table.

ENRIQUE

OK. I guess I’ll take care of those orders...

 

Headshots, Resume & Cover letter

Headshots - An 8 x 10 sized photo of an actor's face. Used in order to submit the actor to a specific role. Up until not so long ago the proper photo was in black and white. Today the photo can be a color one, and in some cases shows more than the actor's face. Some headshots shows 3/4 body shots, and there are some that show full body shots. But study shows that for best results, the clearer the face and the eyes are, you are more likely to be called to an audition.

Resume - An actor's resume should list his physics (height, hair color, eye color...), his credits (projects he has done), his contact info (usually the agent or manager), and his skills (sports, languages, hobbies).

Cover letter - A cover letter should be a personal letter (not general) that addresses the director, or casting director, in order to tell him in a few more words why this specific actor is right for this specific role.

You can find more about headshots, resume, cover letter, acting headshots, actors pictures, and acting resumes here.

 

SAMPLE HEADSHOTS

THEATRICAL      

COMMERCIAL      

 


SAMPLE RESUME

Below is just a sample resume and can be customized for your level of experience. If you do not have experience, be sure to begin a resume with your stats, then skills and any other useful information. If your character has name, it is always better to put it's name than the credit (Co star, featured, etc)
YOUR NAME
AFFILIATIONS (if any) such as SAG/AFTRA
 
Height: 5' 10" Representation or other contact information
Weight: 160 lbs. 8686 Any Road
Hair: Black San Diego, CA 92008
Eyes: Blue Telephone: 760-599-5400
Film    
Titanic Mike 20th Century Fox
Over the Hedge Supporting DreamWorks
Star Wars Featured Lucas Films
Hart's War Lead MGM
     
Television    
Lost Guest Star ABC
Jew Tales Co Star MoonQuake
Alias Mr., Kahn CBS
     
Theatre    
Catch that man Lou Theatre of the Arts
Mental case Bob Elite Theatre
Lovely Tom Tom The Clash Theatre
     
Commercials    
Nike Athlete B.B. Productions
Ford Narrator Mobile Video Productions
     
Training    
Dan Sam Stage and Screen Los Angeles, California
Bobby Rid Auditions Techniques New York, New York
     
Specials Skills    
Basketball, African Dancing, Martial Arts, Mime, Extreme Biking, Rock Climbing, Hip Hop, Singing, Stunts, Basketball, Football, Diving

  

SAMPLE COVER LETTER

Your cover letter really depends of the purpose of your submission. If it is to a casting director you may point to a specific skill that might get you the part. If you are writing to an agent, then mention that you're seeking a new representation.

Mike Anderson,
1234, West 87 Street,
Queens, NY, 12123
(212)-456 5890.

Date: 31st May, 2006.

Mr. John Smith,
National Acting Talent Unlimited,
257, Park Avenue South,
New York, NY 12345-6789.

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am an actor new to the city. I grew up in Chicago and just graduated from the University of North Carolina. I just booked a recurring u/5 on 'Days of our Lives', and I also got a call back for The TV show 'LOST'. I also recently completed a run on a play at The Complex Theatres called 'Justice'.

I would to love to have a meeting with you and discuss our possibly joined future business relations. I enclosed my latest pictures and resume, and I can also send you a reel of selected scenes.

Sincerely,

Mike Anderson,
New York.

 

 

Open Castings & Casting Calls

Open casting, free casting call, auditions for actors, acting jobs, film search, and movie audition

Casting calls are jobs description generate by a director or a casting director based on their character's breakdown. Until not so long ago all casting process was done by mailing and messenger services. The envelopes contained a cover letter, headshots, and resume of the actor sent by his / her representative Once the casting director viewed the packet he / she would call the actor's representative to schedule an audition. Usually following a successful audition will come a callback

If the actor delivered a good convincing performance in his callback(s) he / she would most likely get the part or would be on avail

Open casting call is a free invitation for actors to show up and tryout for a role in an open audition. The actor would either get sides upfront, like on a regular audition, or will be required to do a cold reading, which mean getting the sides a few minutes before the audition, or even just when he walks into the audition room.

Today, more and more casting calls are posted online, therefore the all casting process is done online. Many sites take money for this service. You can find more about open casting, free casting call, cast, auditions for actors, acting jobs, film search, movie audition, actor forum free of charge here.

 

Auditions & Acting Auditions

Auditions - Interview for actors conducted by a director or a casting director in order to determine if the actor fits the role. The actor should prepare a monologue or in most cases read from the project's sides.

Usually after a successful audition, the actor would be asked to come again for a callback.


To learn more about acting auditions or to find actors and models, for modeling jobs and casting calls, you can register for free, and  tryout our services. Act now and showcase your talent, or generate an actor search. Actors and casting directors are welcome to use our site for free.

You can find more about auditions, acting auditions, acting, actors, model, models, modeling jobs, calls, cast, free, try, tryout, act, talent, actor search, casting director free of charge here.

 

AUDITIONS TIPS

Ask any casting director what matters most when an actor shows up to an audition. Most will say, "They need to be prepared." (Showing up on time can't hurt either.)

These should be obvious, but it's surprising how many actors make a bad impression with something as simple as inappropriate behavior. It can knock you out before you step into the ring. Remember: Casting directors already have the job — you don't. So you need to prove yourself to them, not the other way around.

Other suggestions we heard from CDs: Avoid unnecessary chit-chat. Don't linger in the room for too long after you read. Stay away from using most props. And avoid making physical contact with the casting director during your audition.

A feeling of desperation is another sure way not to get a callback. Never view an audition as nerve-wracking nightmare, or make it look that way. Consider each audition an opportunity: A chance to perform for an audience — albeit a small one. Or walk into the audition saying, "No matter what happens, I'll do the best I can today." Remember: The casting director is not here to judge you harshly; he or she simply wants to find the perfect person for the role. That could be you.

Actors sometimes seek out coaching for auditions, but primarily for large film/TV roles, or for admittance to an MFA program. Many believe it is worth the expense — if only for the boost in self-confidence. In last-minute emergencies, actors even resort to phone coaching, although that's not an ideal situation.

However, with or without coaching, one trap to avoid is too much preparation. Read the sides carefully but don't freeze your approach — you may be asked to change it. Longtime coach and acting teacher Craig Wallace says he never sends actors out 100 percent set for the audition. "If you're over prepared, you have no flexibility," he says. "And you don't know what 50 percent of the process is until you walk into the room.

"You can't have the piece controlling you. You have to leave room for the circumstances of where you're going to be."



Callbacks & Avail

Callback - After a successful audition the casting director will call the actor's representative in order to schedule a second audition. This process is called a callback and sometimes can take up to 5 times until the casting director makes up his mind. Many times when the choice is hard to make, the actor will be put on avail.

Avail - Means that the actor should be available to work in the dates of the shoot. It is almost as if you have a 50% chance to get the role. Many times the casting director will just use you as a security in case something will fall with his first choice. But anyway you look at it, it is a good thing.

You can find more about call, calls, callback, callbacks, audition callback, audition callbacks, avail, actor availability here.

 

Casting Director

Casting Directors are the middleman between you and the part. It is up to them to decide if you are good enough to stand in front of the director & producers in your final callback. 

Ask any casting director what matters most when an actor shows up to an audition. Most will say, "They need to be prepared." (Showing up on time can't hurt either.) These should be obvious, but it's surprising how many actors make a bad impression with something as simple as inappropriate behavior. It can knock you out before you step into the ring. Remember: Casting directors already have the job — you don't. So you need to prove yourself to them, not the other way around.

Other suggestions we heard from CDs: Avoid unnecessary chit-chat. Don't linger in the room for too long after you read. Stay away from using most props. And avoid making physical contact with the casting director during your audition.

To learn more about casting directors or to find auditions and casting calls for actors and models, you can register for free, and  tryout our services. Act now and showcase your talent, or generate an actor search. Actors and casting directors are welcome to use our site for free.

 

Acting Monologues

A monologue is a speech made by one person speaking his or her thoughts aloud or directly addressing a reader, audience or character.

HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD MONOLOGUE:


MONOLOGUE SAMPLE

 

THE VEGETARIAN

Gayle
The other day, my mom was cleaning a chicken....you know, the dead kind - the kind you eat. Notice, I say "you". That's because I don't eat dead chickens anymore. I don't eat live ones either, of course. I just don't eat chickens. Not after seeing a perfectly shaped chicken just sitting on the kitchen counter getting its last tiny feathers plucked out, just before getting cooked, cut up into pieces and eaten for dinner. It's easy when it's chicken salad - or even chicken cutlets - if you just never think about where it came from. But, I mean there it was - it looked just like a chicken - just like the kind you see on a farm or in a petting zoo. Except this one was bald. Bald and dead. I just decided right then and there that I couldn't do it. I told my mom "starting right now, I'm a vegetarian!" Without so much as a blink she said "So, should I make you some spinach for dinner tonight?" "What do you mean?" I asked her. It had never occurred to me that vegetarians actually eat vegetables.


 

© 1998 Jill Abusch, Barbara Orwick at The Play Group Theatre for children and Young Adults

Actors - Casting Calls - Audition Sides - Movies - Acting Auditions - Auditions - Casting - Disney Auditions - Acting - Links

Auditions .Name