When you're out auditioning you will be competing with hundreds and thousands of other. Honestly you should feel fortunate just for getting an audition in the first place. When a breakdown goes out to agents and managers a casting director receives anywhere from one to five thousand photos for each role. From those they may call in one hundred actors for a first audition. So just the fact that you got an audition is amazing. Thus you don't want to blow your chances of getting the job by doing something silly. Commercial auditions are different than theatrical auditions as anything can happen and you never know exactly what to expect. But regardless of the situation these are things you should never do at a commercial audition.
1. No headshot Your headshot and resume are how you are identified and your calling card as they list all your personal attributes and agent contact information. Showing up without a stapled headshot and resume is like saying you're not serious about your job.
2. Touch the casting director Think about it, would you want to be touched by hundreds of actors each day? Not really. If they don't offer to shake your hand don't try to make the gesture. Go in, do your job and get out. Period. They don't want your germs.
3. Chewing bubblegum Fresh breath is nice and all but you need to spit out that gum before you enter the audition room. Chewing gum on camera looks miserable and will ruin your audition. The only exception is if the casting director or script specifically asks you to chew gum.
4. Excessive talking A polite "hello" or "how are you doing" is fine but much more than that or a question is too much. They have a job to do and so do you, stick to that and you'll be respected more.
5. Crashing If you weren't called in the first time there's likely a reason why so don't disrespect the casting director and decide to show up unexpectedly like no one will notice because they will and you may be blacklisted for it.
6. Show up late There is always traffic. There are always things going on. Try your best to always be on time. You don't know when their casting session is set to run. They may only be seeing people from two to three so when you show up at three thirty they're already done. Be professional and get there on time.
7. Make excuses Do not make excuses for not being prepared. There is no excuse. You should show up early to get the copy if there's one, look over the storyboard and get yourself ready. Casting directors get tired of hearing excuses. If something's not perfect just go with it and try your best. They will respect you a lot more for just coming in and doing your job.
8. Talk about acting, singing or dancing If asked a general personality question don't talk about acting, singing or dancing. Everyone in the entertainment world can act, sing and dance. It's nothing new. Show them a different part of your personality. Talk about things you believe in, your volunteer work or your favorite things to do with your free time. Be a real person.
9. Uncalled for behavior Don't be rude to anyone, it will come back and bite you in the ass. They want to hire someone who will be a pleasure to work with on set and anyone who is rude or out of hand will just be trouble for the crew.
10. Lie You'll only get caught. When they ask you if you can ice skate and blow bubbles if you can't then just admit it but say something to the effect that you're a fast learner or happen to do other things. If you lie and they suddenly ask you to do those things you said and you can't you'll look like a fool.
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