Terri A job interview is a two-way process: while you are interviewing the candidate, they are interviewing you to determine if the position is the right fit for them. The same holds for casting calls.
While you’re trying to select the right talent, those auditioning are trying to determine whether they should accept the role, so you must be courteous and professional. Here are a few dos and don’ts to help you attract top-tier talent for your upcoming project:
Stay on Schedule
Do Arrive Early
Have you heard the saying, “To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, to be late is to be forgotten”? Arrive at least 15 minutes before your casting call is scheduled to start, allowing you time to settle in, prepare, and make an excellent first impression with the auditioning talent. It also helps you adhere to a tight schedule so you can see as many actors as possible, increasing your odds of finding the right person for the job.
Don’t Run Over Time
There are two main types of auditions: open casting calls (often referred to as “cattle calls”) and invite-only auditions, in which each auditioning actor is scheduled for a particular time slot. The latter frequently runs much more smoothly in terms of crowd control.
Remember that if you choose to do an invite-only audition where each actor is assigned a specific time slot, sticking to that plan is essential. Many actors are on tight schedules and may have several auditions lined up on a given day, or they may be working actors who have to run to an audition while on a lunch or dinner break from their day job.
To ensure they stick around, adhere to a strict schedule, and avoid running over into another actor’s time slot. While you don’t necessarily need a timekeeper present at the casting call, you should watch the clock closely and be respectful of everyone’s time.
Do Allow Time for Questions
If you’re providing sides prior to the audition, be mindful that some actors may have questions about the character or script, so allow for time to answer any questions about the role or project. Providing this clarification before an actor’s audition will increase the likelihood they interpret the role as you envision.
Give Direction Well
It’s important to provide direction during these auditions. Here’s a few tips on how to do that:
Do Give Feedback
You may have heard an actor described as taking direction well. This means the actor understands the direction given and can make appropriate adjustments. To take direction well, an actor needs someone who gives direction well.
Be specific about what you’re looking for, and guide the actor through adjustments by providing context or other details that may help them deliver what you need. Be patient with the actor as they work to understand your vision for the role and incorporate your feedback into their work.
Don’t Criticize
You should never be critical of an actor’s performance. Remember that acting requires a great deal of vulnerability. Actors have to be able to tap into a range of emotions and be at their most vulnerable, often in front of a room full of strangers. On top of that, many actors find the auditioning process to be a nerve-racking experience. So give direction, but avoid talking down to an actor or insulting them. Instead, provide constructive feedback that builds trust and inspires the actor to deliver.
Don’t Give Line Reads
To give direction well, avoid telling the actor exactly how you want a line said (line reads). Line reads are dictating, not directing. Instead of giving the actor your interpretation of a line, provide them with guidance that encourages them to come up with their own interpretation of the role. Providing guidance rather than a specific dictation on how to deliver the line gives them the freedom to portray the character from a place of authenticity. It encourages them to show their creativity, often inspiring a more convincing performance than a generic line read would.
Be Honest
Do Outline Expectations
Communicate the nature of the project and outline expectations for the role. Ensure the actor understands and is comfortable with what is required if cast in the project. Both parties should be up front and honest with one another, so facilitate an open dialogue about what the job entails and be transparent in addressing any questions or concerns that arise from the discussion. Be respectful of any boundaries the actor communicates during the audition.
Don’t Make False Promises
Avoid making promises you may be unable to keep. For instance, you may be tempted to tell an actor who has wowed you with their audition that they’ll definitely be hearing from you soon. What if you find another actor late in the process who fits the role better? Or perhaps someone associated with the project doesn’t agree with your casting choice.
Refrain from making false promises. Instead, you can give a general timeframe for when you will follow up with actors moving forward in the casting process.
Do Follow Up Quickly
Actors often audition for multiple projects simultaneously. If you are interested in a particular actor, move quickly. Otherwise, they may accept another role that conflicts with your project. As soon as possible, invite the actor to a callback or offer them the job so that they have an incentive to keep your project dates open on their schedule.
Of course, before you hold a casting call, you must find talent interested in auditioning for your project. Enlisting the help of a reputable talent agency, like InnoVision Talent Agency, is an excellent place to start.
Once you’ve built your own reputation for professionalism, it’ll be easy to attract talent who will line up to work on your next project, and your casting calls will be a breeze!