“Use what you know. Don’t worry
about what you don’t know.” –
Michael Shurtleff
Vocabulary
Casting: The director’s process of matching up characters and
actors.
Audition: An interview for a particular role or job as an actor,
consisting of a practical demonstration of the candidate’s suitability
and skill.
Callbacks: Additional opportunities for the actor to audition.
Headshot: A modern portrait for today’s branding needs, where the
focus of the photograph is the personality inside the person
captured.
Resume: A brief account of one’s professional or work experience
and qualifications
Cold Reading: Reading aloud from a script or other text with little or
no rehearsal, practice, or study in advance.
Sides: Refers to the specific set of lines from the script of an acting
project that the actor must learn prior to an audition.
Really Bad Auditions
The casting process
 While analyzing the play, the director begins to form an impression of the
kinds of characters the playwright has created. With these characters in
mind, the director’s next major responsibility is to choose actors that can
bring those characters to life.
 Matching up characters and actors is called casting. Casting is usually
accomplished through the selection process known as auditions, in which
actors try out for the part that they want.
 The director might ask actors to “read cold” (without preparation) for
each part. This could be done as a private or group reading. Directors
may also require that actors prepare (memorize) a monologue from a
play. Lastly, some directors may choose to use a combination of the two
for their auditions.
The casting process (cont’d)
 When a production like a musical requires specific talents, such as singing
or dancing, the director might require songs or a short dance routine to
be included in the audition. It’s best to find out as much as possible about
the audition before the day they take place.
 Most directors distribute a proposed rehearsal schedule along with the
audition application. If you foresee scheduling conflicts, it’s best to make
the director aware as soon as possible.
 After the first round of auditions, directors sometimes need a second or
third “look” at an actor. These opportunities are called callbacks. They
help narrow the selections by giving the director another chance to see
and hear the actor. They also give the director the opportunity to
combine several actors in scenes to see how they look and work together.
What a director is looking for
Great Auditions
Bad Auditions
 The actor can interpret the actor
vocally and physically.
 The actor is unable to fit the role
vocally and physically.
 Physical attributes – gender,
appearance, height, and size.
 The actor is too tall or too thin. The
actor may also be too young for the
role.
 Growth potential. The actor takes
direction well and will progress
throughout rehearsals.
 The actor is definitely someone they
want to work with. They’re respectful
& supportive of others. They meet
deadlines such as being off-book.
They are attentive and prepared.
 The actor is defiant toward the
director. They are also afraid to make
choices that would allow them to
grow.
 The actor is egotistical. They are not
supportive of their fellow actors /
crewmembers. They do not abide by
deadlines and are usually unprepared.
A successful audition: What do you do?
 The first thing to know is you are always being watched!!! A director is
attentive to who attends their auditions. They notice your behavior
towards others and your respect to the audition environment before you
even begin auditioning. This is when the audition actually begins.
 Secondly, be prepared. If you received sides, or were told to prepare a
monologue, work on this material as soon as you find out. Even rehearse
your slate. Don’t wait until the last minute. The director will know if
you’re unprepared.
 If you’re at a professional audition, have your headshot and resume ready
to hand to the stage manager or director.
 Finally, commit 100% to your performance and have fun! The truth is, the
director wants you to succeed. They want you to be awesome in all
aspects because it makes their job a lot easier.
And now a word from Bryan Cranston…
Really Bad Headshots
Professional Headshots
Professional Headshots (Teens)
Theatre / Film Resume
What’s your Elevator Speech…?
An elevator pitch, elevator speech, or elevator
statement is a short summary used to quickly and
simply define a person.
At some auditions, directors will ask you to share a little
something about yourself. This is what can set you
apart from the rest of competition. Be careful though,
what you say can make or break your audition. Overall,
the director just wants to know a little more about you
and your personality. Don’t go into too much detail
though about your dead cat or your crazy aunt who
keeps giving you smooches every time you see her. You
want the director to like you, not to be scared of you.
Essential Questions
1. What is the purpose of auditioning and when does the audition
actually begin?
2. According to actor Bryan Cranston, what is your job as an actor in
the audition?
3. What two items must you bring to an audition and what “extra”
component can set you apart from the rest of the competition?
4. Complete the Audition Application Form on page 176, and create
and create a mock resume which will be turned in prior to your
audition.