Sometimes it is actually educational for an aspiring actor to be on the other side of the table to understand and experience what works for the producers and directors during an audition. For those might not have got that opportunity here are some tips to keep in mind before and during an audition from a producer/director’s perspective:

1. Bring along your portfolio and resume
To be remembered by your audience in an audition you need to handover your portfolio snippets as well as your resume to the director holding the audition irrespective of having an agent or manager. You are likely to be forgotten if you don’t have your picture on you. Whilst appearing for an audition an image portfolio and resume are equivalent to your clothes, you wouldn’t leave home without your clothes would you?

2. When asked for a choice, make one!
If given a choice by a producer to choose a scene to perform etc be assertive and make the choice as opposed to leaving it for them to decide for you. As a producer or director, they want to know more about what triggers you and what you are attracted to and they would also like to see you make a choice. Actors whilst acting have to make a lot of decisions and choices whilst emulating a character and they would like to see you do that.

3. Create an impact in those 15 seconds
You get only 15-30 seconds in front of a producer or director. You need to make sure that counts by giving your best performance. First impression is the last one! So you got to make sure yours is a lasting one!

4. Embrace the 3C’s of acting – Comfort, Charisma and Confidence
The primary job of an actor is to command attention. He has to be someone who can stand out as well as engage a crowd of atleast 1000 plus people in a cinema. For that to happen, it is important to embrace the 3C’s by being comfortable in your skin, being confident and most importantly exuding your natural charisma to charm the audience in front of you. As an actor the ones who can do it with ease in their own skin will definitely bring the same to their characters as well.

5. Avoid the last audition of the day
Casting involves a lot of energy and is not a simple process. It requires a lot of effort from a team of people and by the end of the day they could all be grumpy, tired and probably itching to go home. As a rule the actor who performs early generally gets the part hence we recommend always trying and scheduling your audition earlier in the day when the creative team is more likely to be receptive to you!

6. Lastly, let them know where to find you
Whether you have an agent or not, leave in your contact details with the team conducting your audition so they can get in touch. Creating a small visiting card would make a lasting impression too. It is also important to mention your contact details and email address on your resume so they can reach you directly. This would be helpful incase of having changed your agent or if the agent doesn’t get back to the casting director in time, they have a way to get in touch with you as well.

All in all don’t give up! There maybe some parts you would get and some you wouldn’t. The trick is to never give up and keep auditioning so you get better at it and are able to be yourself and eventually master it! As producers are rooting for good auditions as they take you a step closer to a great cast, which eventually leads to a great movie or show!