Casting Calls – what are they?
If you’re new to acting you may not know what a “Casting Call” is. You may have heard of an “Audition”? Well, it’s the same thing. A Casting Call or Audition is basically like an interview for a job. The casting agent or director wants to see who will best fit the job. So, they will invite a lot of actors or actresses to come and “audition” for the part. Of course, most who come will not be “right” for the part simply because of their look, physicality or accent; or, sometimes, the director just has something very particular in mind for the role.
Almost all films, tv and theatre shows start with a casting call or audition. Whether it’s a big Hollywood production or local tv show there has to be a process where all the actors are selected for all the parts.
What happens at Casting Calls?
Usually, you’re greeted by someone who will ask you to fill out a form with your contact details, short bio and measurements (if you’re a member of AADB – you can print out your online CV – just go to your profile and click PRINTER FRIENDLY – then print that page). Then you will be given a script of the part you’re going to audition for. You’ll then be given some time to learn the script. You should learn this script as well as you can – there’s nothing worse than trying to act with a piece of paper in your hand. Always, always try to memorize the entire script. It’s even better if you ask the casting agent or director to email you the script to learn days before your actual audition.
The actual audition will usually happen in a quiet room with a camera, some lighting and the casting director. He or she will read the other part/s of the script from behind the camera. You’ll be asked to relax and then give your performance when the camera rolls. It’s not easy – but it’s a skill that can be learnt and improved on over time.
Tips for Casting Calls
- Always dress for the part. If you’re auditioning for a role as a lawyer or business man/woman – make sure you dress as a business man or woman. This helps everyone – it will help you “get into” the role and it will certainly help the casting director and anyone else who will see the casting tape imagine you in the role.
- Put on some makeup. Particularly for actresses. You want to look the best on camera and make sure it’s appropriate for the role.
- Bring your CV. If you have a printable CV with a headshot – bring it. Again it helps whoever is on the other side of that audition get a good sense of what you’ve done in the past.
- Ask about the role. If they haven’t already told you about the role – ask a few questions to get an idea how the casting agent thinks the role should be played. After your first take you should ask if they’d like to see it played differently.
- Ask for another take. If you feel you didn’t give your best – ask for another take. In other words – ask to do the scene again. Casting agents are usually happy to get a better take.
- Do something different. Sometimes doing a take that is just DIFFERENT will surprise a casting director and will help you stand out from the crowd. Don’t be crazy and throw things or take off your clothes – but try playing the scene in a radically different way. It might just work!
- Don’t waste time. Don’t ever waste a casting director’s time with excuses or problems of your own – they are usually on a very tight schedule.
- Remember: they want you to get the job. Don’t forget that the whole point they are auditioning is to find someone to fill that role. They WANT you to get the job. As soon as they’ve found the right actor they can stop casting! So relax – casting agents are on your side.
Where to find Casting Calls in Singapore
The best place to find casting calls is on AADB. The casting calls are all formatted – giving you all the relevant information, they allow actors to submit themselves and we keep an eye on the whole process to make sure it upholds professional standards.
Just go to our Casting Call or Audition page and click on the DETAILS link on any of the audiitons. As a member of AADB you will be able to Submit your profile online directly to the casting agent. This saves a lot of emailing back and forth of CV’s, bios, photographs etc. The casting director will get a link directly to your profile. It couldn’t be easier.
If you have any questions or comments – do leave them below. In the meantime – good luck with your auditions – and break a leg!