Jamie Bernadette has always dreamed of being an actor. Now, she not only performs, but also directs and produces.
Submit your auditions ASAP.
“I have produced four feature films, directed a feature, and been the casting director on three features. I know firsthand that submissions are usually looked at right away; so if you submit a day or [two] after the notice is posted, your submission may never get seen.”
Study the project you’re going in for.
“I usually prepare for an audition by reading all of the character descriptions—not just the one I am reading for—and I get to know those characters so I can understand my relationship to them.”
Try not to obsess.
“In the early years of my acting career, I would audition for a part and think about it for many days and be disappointed if I didn’t hear anything back. Now, I audition and hardly think about it at all. A few days later, I won’t even recall the name of the project, usually.”
Choose what you put in your reel carefully.
“I want to see someone’s best work, not just a rushed 2-3-minute reel, so I can make a solid decision to cast them or not. I am not a fan of making a seasoned actor audition for me, especially when they have a nice reel with a volume of work to show me. As someone on the other side of the camera, I appreciate a lengthy reel so I can really see the actor’s work and base my decision off of that reel alone. I don’t want to make the actor jump through hoops for me unnecessarily by auditioning when their reel shows me all I need to see.”
Build your network with every project.
“It’s very common for me to be on a project and know at least one person. I have put in the work and have over 100 credits now, so my circle has grown by working. Do solid auditions and you will become known for being a great actor and you will get booked and work, and therefore you will come to know people.”
This story originally appeared in the Aug. 3 issue of Backstage Magazine.