Thanks to Donise Hardy of CWLA for the following list of excellent tips
to help you with a better audition. it applies to any audition, but
especially those at CWLA


CASTING WORKS L A


AUDITION TIPS

BEFORE THE AUDITION:

ALWAYS book out with your agent, even if you will only be out one day

Have a pen that actually works together with paper next to all phones to
take down audition information at any time

Let your agent do the talking to relay all the information to you.

It is IMPERATIVE that you know the following:

WHO is the Casting Director?
WHERE are the auditions being held? (Be sure to confirm the
address/location of the auditions)
WHAT is the project? (i.e. commercial, industrial, etc.?)
WHAT is the name of my character?
WHAT about wardrobe, and makeup?
WHAT are the conflicts, if any?
ARE there call backs? If so, WHEN?
WHEN are the shoot dates?
HOW MANY head shots, resumes, and size sheets should I bring to the
audition? (Always bring extra just in case!)
ARE sides/script available?
WHAT is the rate/use?

Ask your agent for any of the above if they do not cover it during the
conversation

If you are not available for callbacks or the shoot dates, decline the
audition

Work on the sides or script before coming to audition, if they are
available to you

Make sure your car is ready to go and that you have directions

Have a MINIMUM of 15 head shots and resumes m your vehicle AT ALL TIMES

Resumes should be stapled to the upper left and upper right comers of
your headshot

Make sure to plan, prepare, and select the appropriate wardrobe for your
character

If you have any questions regarding the pronunciation or definition of
any word, check with your agent or consult a dictionary



DAY OF AUDITION:

Be sure to bring the appropriate number of head shots, resumes, and size
sheets to each audition because it varies from time to time (plus extras)

ALWAYS arrive no more than 10 to 15 minutes early, unless you need to
pick up the script/sides. If you do, come, in and request the material,
leave and return 10 to 15 minutes before your call time
When you check in, sign in, sit down, and "shut up"!

Remember that this is not a social opportunity to catch up with friends

You need to be concentrating and focusing on material

Check in a mirror to make sure your hair, makeup, etc. are presentable

Do not wear perfume, cologne or after shave to the audition

Soap, deodorant, and toothpaste work wonders!


When entering the casting suite:
Close the door quietly behind you, put your belongings on the table
provided, keep the script (if any) in your hand, walk to the mark, stand
there quietly until the Casting Director begins the audition
Feel free to look over at the client table, smile and greet them briefly

Do not engage the clients in conversation unless you are spoken to first

While standing on the mark ask any and all questions BEFORE the tape is
rolling

Please ask "What's the frame?" PRIOR to tape rolling, so you will know
your work space

DO NOT START WTIHOUT ME

When you, hear the words "Roll tape" that is not an indication for you
to do anything but continue to stand there

When the Casting Director greets you on tape, p1ease respond with
appropriateness (i.e., "Good morning", "How are you?'" etc.)

When asked for your NAME, please state your name ONLY pronounced slowly,
distinctly and interestingly

"Slate please" implies the Casting Director wants your name and agency name

Do not perform any other business (i.e. profiles, hands, etc.) unless
specifically
requested to do so and not UNTIL specifically requested to do so,
smiling throughout,
but not talking or joking around

Listen to the Casting Director for instructions and cues

After your audition is complete say "thank you" or "thanks for having me
in", pick
up your belonings and leave the room, closing the door quietly behind you

Sign out and leave

GENERAL TIPS:

DO NOT touch anyone (i.e. clients, Casting Director, camera operator)
unless that person instigates contact firsst.

Keep the interview portion of the audition upbeat, warm and friendly,
but get into proper character before you are actually doing the read by
pausing a moment.

NEVER bring anyone with you to an audition. The Casting Director might
decide to put them on tape and invariably your friend books "your" job!

The absolute rule is ONE PARENT/ONE CHILD on auditions for children.
This event is not to be considered a family outing. No grandparents,
siblings, aunts, uncles, pets, etc.!

Common sense is your best friend.