I’ve been casting everything from commercials to feature films since 2009, and I often get asked if I can share some tips on how to nail the perfect audition. I’m known for making people feel at ease and taking my time with each actor — but YES, I’m also very demanding. While I truly believe there’s no secret sauce in this job, I have to admit there are certain things I personally love — or hate — that can leave a lasting impression and make a real difference in your audition. Please keep in mind these are just my personal recommendations based on what works for me. See you in the audition room!
1. Print your sides, goddammit
My job is to find the perfect talent for the role, but I also need to make sure actors can take direction. When I work with actors, I often like to play around a bit — change some lines or actions — so I always have the printed sides in hand, where I also jot down notes or adjustments to the dialogue. I often ask actors to take notes too.
Some actors — especially the younger ones — show up without printed sides and start nervously scrolling through their phone or iPad, completely losing focus on what we’re doing. It’s incredibly distracting. Not to mention our audition room has a phone signal blocker to avoid interruptions, so they start to panic, compulsively tapping their screens trying to download the PDF again. No good. Print your sides.
2. Make sure your headshots reflect how you currently look
Before planning a casting call, I go through a LOT of headshots. Some of my colleagues might take a different approach and prefer to keep things more open, seeing dozens — sometimes even hundreds — of actors in their audition rooms. I personally prefer to work with a smaller, more targeted group. To make that happen, I do my homework: I go through photos, watch showreels, YouTube clips, films, commercials, and short films. I build detailed lists of potential actors, complete with images, notes, and links. Having a past as a graphic designer, I like to keep everything neat, visual, and well-organized.
But keep in mind the whole process starts with your headshots. You should treat them as your number one marketing tool. The perfect headshot looks like YOU, today, in real life. Don’t show up looking 20 years older than the photos you or your agent sent in. And if your six-pack abs have given way to a (sexy!) Jack Black-style belly, maybe it’s time to update those shots. Keep your profile and photos current — and stay away from Photoshop.
3. Keep your showreel up to date
Showreels are a basic necessity in today’s industry and are widely used by casting directors. They’re a crucial tool for showcasing your talent and skills, and — if done well — a showreel can be your key to landing more acting work. I recommend creating a new one each year, including highlights from your most recent projects. Lately, I received a showreel from 2015 from an actor I’m currently considering for a role. To me, sending something that outdated suggests a lack of enthusiasm or engagement with your craft. Always remember this industry is full of creative, passionate professionals. Show some dedication and keep your materials fresh — your showreel included.
A good showreel should be no longer than 2 minutes. There’s no need to include everything you’ve ever done — just focus on your strongest work. Stay away from clips with poor video or audio quality, and avoid scenes where you get lost in a crowd. Choose material that highlights you at your best — always aim to stand out.
If you haven’t worked in the past year, create something new. Record a scene with a friend — choose your best scene partner btw — or shoot something in your living room or at the park. While I’m not personally a big fan of monologues, they can be a valid option if you’re just starting out — but make sure your performance is concise and killer.
4. Dress accordingly, but don’t look like an idiot
If you google around for advice on what actors should wear to auditions, you’ll likely come across the suggestion to dress like the character. While that might sound logical, trust me — I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe. I’ve had actors show up in fake mustaches, heavy prosthetic makeup, wigs, tailcoats, hooker heels, just to name a few. Once, an actor auditioning for a role in a ’90s drama came in wearing a beautiful, full 16th-century period costume — he misunderstood the script. Another time, during a commercial audition, an actress walked in dressed head-to-toe as Marilyn Monroe — for no apparent reason. Needless to say, both of them were clearly nervous and super uncomfortable, and it totally tanked their performances.
Dressing exactly like the character in the script isn’t essential. Dress in a way that suggests the role, but make sure you stay comfortable. If you’re auditioning for a punk rocker, there’s no need to gel your hair into a faux mohawk — a plain black T-shirt will do. If your character is a lawyer, wear a jacket. Don’t get into costume, don’t overdress. Keep it simple.
5. Don’t mime, you’re not Marcel Marceau —use props
There are mixed opinions about using props during auditions. Some casting directors find them distracting, while others feel the exact opposite. Personally, I’m not a fan of miming — in my experience, most actors aren’t great at it and tend to exaggerate every movement, which usually leads to a goofy and confusing performance.
I always encourage actors to use simple props — like a cup, a purse, a stethoscope, or a gun. Most audition rooms already have a collection of props gathered over the years, so there’s no need to bring anything from home. I usually provide or bring in specific props myself if the scene calls for something unusual, and I tend to adjust scenes that require overly elaborate items. So please, leave miming to the mimes.
6. Learn to slate correctly
“Tell me about yourself.” A lot of actors get nervous at this point. It’s common to ask for an introduction (slate) during auditions. Some casting directors only ask actors they’re interested in to slate, while others (like myself) prefer to ask every actor who walks into the room.
Actors often underestimate this moment, but the way you introduce yourself is a crucial part of the audition. It will be seen by several people — director, producers, assistants — so take it seriously, rehearse, and learn to slate properly.
A perfect introduction should be no longer than 30 seconds and must include your name and a brief description of yourself. Never slate in character — be 100% yourself. I’m not saying you’ll get booked based on your slate, but I have to admit I tend to remember actors who deliver engaging or memorable introductions.
7. Take direction
I might sound a bit blunt here, but actors who ignore direction really annoy me. Let me explain. Every once in a while, someone walks in with a strong idea of how the character and scene should be played — and that’s totally fine. I often ask the actor how they envision the role for the first take. But when I give clear direction to try something different and they still perform it exactly the same way — once, twice, thrice — convinced their version is the only “right” one, that’s how you lose the room.
Let me be clear: arguing with the casting director about how a scene should be played is not a brilliant idea. I’m paid to assess whether you can take direction — so guess what I’ll write in my notes.
8. I don’t work with fascist scum
I’ve sometimes been criticized for this, and I know it might sound unprofessional to some — but if you’re fascist, racist, sexist, or homophobic, you have two choices: keep it to yourself, or stay home (I strongly prefer the second option). I don’t work with such scum.
I have a personal blacklist of actors I simply won’t collaborate with. Don’t like it? Feel discriminated against for your far-right views? I understand your feelings — now kindly get the fuck out. Next, please.
“I’m afraid you’re just too darn loud.
Next, please.”