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How to Impress a Casting Director. If you want to make it as an actor, you’ll need
to get the parts. So the first step on the road to fame is impressing the casting director.
You will need A cover letter A resume A headshot Your acting reel Custom stationery A mini
headshot postcard and a video camera. Step 1. Whether you’re submitting for a role
or just want to get noticed, it’s important to have strong marketing materials, like a
persuasive cover letter, a detailed resume, a realistic headshot, and, hopefully, a reel
that shows your acting chops. Set yourself apart from the crowd by having custom stationery
made—or make it yourself. Step 2. Assemble a packet to send to the casting director’s
office. If applying for a role, explain why you’d be perfect for the part. Include any
good reviews or press clips as well. Step 3. Follow up after sending your packet. If
you’re granted an audition, tell them you’ll be there. If you submitted your materials
cold, send a postcard that’s a mini headshot a week later. Be polite, friendly, and professional—and
never hound them! If you’re hoping to meet the casting director without an audition,
drop off your materials in person. At the very least, you might get in good with her
assistant. Step 4. Volunteer to be a reader. Some casting directors use volunteers to read
lines opposite the auditioning actor. Even though you’re not up for the part, it’s
a great way to get seen. Step 5. If you’ll be auditioning on camera, know how you appear
on film. Borrow or rent a video camera and have a friend tape your performance. Practice
appearing comfortable and natural. Step 6. Know where to look. Usually it’s not wise
to perform exclusively for the casting director running the audition. Conversely, don’t
just fixate on the person reading with you. Let your eyes wander a natural amount. And
never stare into the camera! Step 7. If you’re going to be auditioning and have received
the sides beforehand, memorize them as best you can. This will allow you to concentrate
on the work and show the casting director that you’re a professional. Step 8. Be at
least 20 minutes early to any audition. You’ll notice that other actors are sometimes late.
Not good—the director might assume you’re always late and decide to go with someone
who isn’t. Step 9. If you have any smart, useful questions to ask about the role or
what they want from you, go ahead and ask. But don’t ask questions just for the sake
of it—you’ll look unprepared. Step 10. If someone is reading another character’s
lines with you, remember to listen and react to them—even if they’re only doing it
half-heartedly. Show you can work with another actor, no matter how invested they are. Step
11. If the casting director asks you to try doing it a different way, do it. This is your
chance to show you are flexible and can take direction. Don’t end the scene yourself,
even if you’re done with the dialogue. Stay in the moment until you’re told that it’s
over. Step 12. Never apologize or in any other way comment on your work.http://www.howcast.com/images/markers/label-tip.png?1233461644
Step 13. An audition is not a schmooze-fest. Be polite and professional. Casting directors
are busy people and if you waste their time they won’t remember you fondly. Step 14.
Most importantly, be yourself. A casting director is casting your personality and charisma as
much as they’re casting the specific character, so let yourself shine through. Happy auditioning!
Did you know The classic 1950 film Sunset Boulevard was controversial for casting former
and current film legends, including Cecil B. DeMille and Buster Keaton, to play themselves.