Congratulations! You got the part!
Now what?
Well, it can be hard walking onto someone else’s set. Nailing the audition is just the beginning. Here are five easy tips to help you look and feel like an “old hand” on set.
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When you turn up on day one, don’t be scared. It’s hard being a “guest star” on a show, especially a well-established show. But the cast and crew understand and they want you to be your best, so be polite and be prepared.
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At the table read make sure that you present the same work you did in the casting room: the performance that the casting director got from you in the recall. That’s the performance the producers saw and wanted for the role. Do not change that. Actors who give a new interpretation of the role at the table read can be, and have been, replaced.
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In rehearsals always make sure that you have a pencil with you to write down all the notes given by the director. Write them into your script and hit your mark. Unlike in theater, TV rehearsals aren’t really for the actor—they are mainly for camera and lighting, and for the producers and writers to see if the story works.
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“Run throughs” are for producers and writers, so make sure you give the energy of full performance. The run through is for them to see if the story is working. This is the last chance they have to make real changes before filming starts. Replacing actors at this stage is still an option, but that only happens if the actor isn’t able to take direction, and continues to perform against what the director is saying. If you are unsure of how you are doing, just ask the director at the end of your scene if you were giving what they wanted. Best to be sure and then relaxed to give a great performance.
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When you are filming and you are given a new direction or new lines, which will happen in comedies, take on the notes. Know that they probably already got what they wanted and now want to try something different! Remember that the director is also getting notes from the producers and writers including their own notes. If in a comedy the director gets what he wants, and you have an idea, just ask to give/pitch an alternate (alt) idea. If you have time in your shooting schedule, they will normally hear you out.
READ: “3 Major Points of Guest-Star Bookings”
The most important thing to remember is that everyone wants you there to do your best! Know your boundaries, you are the guest actor, so act like the great guest that you want to invite into your home. Be open, listen and take nostes. If you don’t know something always ask. And lastly—have fun!
The views expressed in this article are solely that of the individual(s) providing them,
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Backstage or its staff.
