So you want to become an actor? Here are a few Headshot and Audition Tips!
Here are a few quick tips to improve your chances.
First, make sure that you look just like your headshot on the day of your audition. For example, if you are a male actor and you have facial hair on your headshot then you MUST have facial hair when you audition. Nothing ticks a casting director off more than actors look nothing like their headshot.
With that being said, update your headshot ever year. Humans age, it is a proven fact. No way around it. So, you will need to update your headshot every year to keep up with your looks. Besides, a fresh photo may change the your callback and audition chances.
Never forget your headshot. NEVER! Many people assume that casting directors will have their headshot on file, or saved someone in their database. That is most likely not the case. Bring a headshot just in case. From my experience make sure to bring about 3 to 5 head shots per audition. Remeber it is better to be safe than sorry. It is important to keep in mind that you only have one shot at an audition and you want to look professional. Not like an amateur actor.
This is something people often times forget, and even overlook. Staple your resume to the back of your headshot. Not only will casting directors be able to see your beautiful face but now they have your acting experiences all in one place.
Be familiar with a project before you walk into the audition. It is crucial that you research the acting style that you are comfortable with. Are you a method actor? Or do you prefer to improv your your acting abilities. This is crucial. This will allow you to understand how to present yourself. Also, it is important to research the director, producer, and casting director for the project because at the end of the day these are the individuals that will choose you to join their project. So, the more you know about their previous projects, what they look for, etc. will definitely help you in the long run. Also, turn on your Netflix because For TV projects, watch a few previous episodes and For film projects, research and watch other projects that the producer or director have created in the past.
Define any unknown terms. As you read through scripts you will see terms or words that you have never heard of or are not familiar with. It is important to define those words and try to fully understand the character you are portraying.
During an audition, always have your sides (script) in you hand, even if you have memorized the entire scene(s). In an audition you want to recite the script word for word, you NEVER want to improvise because the writer wrote the script a particular way for a reason. For example, if a script contains a joke, and you improvise words between the joke, then the joke may no longer be funny.
Overall
- 1. Look like your headshot
- 2. Update your headshot every year
- 3. Have multiple copies of your headshot during your audition
- 4. Staple your resume to the back of your headshot
- 5. Research the producer, director, and casting director of the project
- 6. Hold your script during the audition
If you keep these tips in mind, you will definitely be increasing your chances to receiving a callback or more opportunities in the future!
