How do auditions work??

Question

I have my very first film audition tomorrow...it's just for a student film, but how do they work??? I have my monolouge prepared and everything all ready. I am preparing my headshots and resumes now. Can you explain what happens after you walk in the door of the place?? Thanks in advance!!!

Answer 1

First, you'll sign in and wait for them to call you. It could be a while. Since they see many actors for any given role, be prepared to see a room full of guys who look a lot like you.

You may be asked to fill out a form with your contact information, available dates, etc. this is in addition to your resume, so DON'T write "see resume" on the card. It may also ask for your shoe size, waist, inseam, etc. This is for the wardrobe department to use if you get the part; so don't lie about your weight.

Eventually you'll be called, and you'll walk into a room with a few people sitting at a folding table. There'll be a camera there to tape your audition, so they can review it later and see how you look on camera. If you have a bag or briefcase or something with you, leave it on the floor by the door.

They'll probably already have your HS and resume; but if they ask for another, go ahead and give them one. You're not likely to need more than one.

Even on a student film, these people have tons of auditioners to go through; so don't feel too bad if they seem to rush you a bit. One auditioning technique, though, is that they may chat with you for a few moments, just to get a feel for the kind of person you are and how you come across on camera. Just be yourself if this happens.

They may ask you to "slate yourself," which means to stand on the mark on the floor and say your name into the camera. They may ask you to turn right and left as well.

You may get a chance to do your monologue (it is a SHORT monologue, right? Seriously, like 30 seconds to a minute.). Or you may "cold read" a bit from the script of the movie they're casting. If this is the case, you'll have a chance to look it over in the waiting room BEFORE they call you in. When you sign in, ask if there are "sides" to look at. But it's entirely possible that they'll ask you to slate, and that's it. No chance to show off your soul. It's all a question of time.

If you do get to read from the script, and time permits, the director may give you directions and ask you to try again. Do just that. The director may want something completely different from what you had in mind. The director may just ask you to "try something else." If you get that opportunity, seize it. Make a different choice and go with it.

If you flub a line, don't sweat it. Just pick up and move on. It's not a test of your memorization skills. If you're really going badly, and you can tell it's only going to get worse, go ahead and stop, apologize, and ask to start again. They'll usually let you, once.

Then they'll say, "thank you." Say "thank you" and leave. Don't stay to chat.

As the old cliche goes, "Don't call us, we'll call you." There just aren't enough minutes in an hour to give everybody feedback. If you don't hear from them after a couple of days then, oh well, you didn't fit the chicken suit. It's even possible that though you weren't right for this part, they may have you in mind for something else later on. DON'T call them asking if they've made a choice or anything.

Just remember: They're on your side. They *want* you to be perfect for the part, so they can send everybody home and go get drunk. But if you're not their choice, for whatever reason, oh well. There'll be other auditions.

Answer 2

Not a whole lot. For a student film, the director may just chat with you,or may want you to do your monologue or read a scene from the film with him or an assistant. That's all. Be friendly, and upbeat and energetic. If they ask you to read it again after having given you some direction, make sure when you read it again, you make some kind of change in the reading, as they are looking to see if you can take direction.
Break a leg,