It’s hard getting the opportunity to audition for a TV show or film. I’ve talked with many casting directors and been told that they could receive more than 500 headshots and résumés for each role they cast. These numbers will vary from job to job and the type of role being cast, but it’s not unusual for only a few dozen actors to be granted an audition. So, just getting the audition is winning and should not be taken for granted. Then, if you’re fortunate enough to have your audition submitted to the networks, streaming service, or director, you still could be one of a number of actors being considered for the job. From there it gets narrowed down to only one person getting cast. To book even a day player role is really hard. Landing a recurring role, is like a dream come true.
When you’re auditioning, there’s an essential question you need to ask. If you don’t know the answer to this question then, if possible, try asking the casting director. The answer can change your audition. It did for me and helped me book a recurring role on the Netflix show “House of Cards.” The question is “What’s my relationship with the other character?”
The character I was reading with in my audition had not been in any previous episodes. I knew nothing about the character and I had no information about what my connection was with her. Before auditioning for a TV show, it’s essential that actors watch the show. This will give you more details about the style of the program. Is it a comedy or a drama? Are the actors a bit over-the-top or more grounded in their performances? And it will help you know who the characters are on the show. If the character is new like in the case of my audition, then you should ask this question.
How to Act for the CameraAfter asking the casting director about my relationship with the actor I was reading with, I learned that my character, Michael, worked for Ellen Burstyn’s character. I made an adjustment to my read after getting that important information. This is crucial knowledge that will greatly affect and help your audition.
Another key lesson that was reiterated for me during my experience landing this recurring role was that actors need to remember to never give up. If you’ve had a number of auditions for the same project or casting director and never booked, it means the casting director really likes your work. I auditioned for “House of Cards” 15 times over two years. After some auditions, I was placed on hold, sometimes there were callbacks, but I was never the perfect person for the role. Then, on my fifteenth audition, a recurring role happened.
The important thing to remember is that when you get offered the chance to read a second time or more with the same casting director, that means they really like your work. Not booking the job is not necessarily a statement about your audition or your skills as an actor. It means you were not the perfect fit for the role. We never know why we get and don’t get cast. We have complete control over our audition and no control over booking the job. What’s important to realize is that a casting director will never invite you to read for another role unless they really liked your audition. It’s OK to feel sad, disappointed, or frustrated after not getting the booking. We are human. But, don’t look at it as a negative statement about you or your skills. All casting decisions are business decisions, not personal ones. Never take anything in this business as a personal statement about you.
How To Audition for NetflixA few other tips for auditions. If you’re submitted, or submit yourself, for an audition, it’s essential that you know how to shoot the audition from home. Make sure you have learned and practiced how to create a home audition that looks and sounds great. It’s crucial that your face looks sharp and your eyes are clear. Have nothing distracting in the background, make sure the sound is clean, your reader can be heard, and that you have your eyeline in just the right spot. In addition, make sure you slate and label the audition exactly as requested. On top of that, you need to have the acting skills to give a powerful read. For a TV audition, as I mentioned earlier, don’t forget to watch at least a few episodes.
So if you want to land a recurring role, remember these tips. Make sure you’re getting submitted or submit yourself to the people casting. Have your home studio in place so you can shoot powerful home auditions that casting directors will love. Research the show and practice auditioning for TV shows by grabbing sides or scripts from online sites. You want to make a great first impression with a casting director so be prepared to give a strong read that looks great. And, know, that if you are asked to read multiple times, that is a very positive sign!
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