If there is something within my wheelhouse, its helping actors adjust to becoming part of an existing cast of a television show. Several times per season, this is what I am called to do. Actors share a lot of the same concerns and desires coming into an existing production, so I find myself relying on some tried and true advice for a lot of the artists I work with. With network shows about to return after summer hiatus, here are four key things to keep in mind!
Learn about the show
This is kind of a given, but take the time to watch the previous seasons of the show. It will help you identify the main characters and their journeys. It will also give you a sense of the style of the show. If your character is ever discussed in previous seasons it will provide you not only with some back story but with how the existing characters feel about your character.
Be flexible with your choices
When a new character arrives to town, we are all getting to know him or her together. While there may be a specific trajectory for the character and the story, sometimes they are waiting to see all of the potential dimensions of the character when they go to edit it all together. I advise actors to be ready for what may seem to them like contradictory directions, when in fact these are options. At the core of every complex character is a full life with many levels to it. You want to be available for your director to uncover those levels in your character.
When in doubt, do what you did in the audition
If you start to feel a little uncertain of your choices on the first day, either because you have now actually read the entire episode or because other people are getting in your ear about what is coming up, be careful about changing your performance too much from your original audition. They cast you based on that audition. If they want something different after you start, they will not expect you to psychically know it. Just be ready to adjust.
Don’t overcompensate
You were hired for a reason. Do the job you were hired to do. No need to overcompensate for your lack of familiarity with the new work environment by trying to be a big part of everything. Yes, you are the new kid on the block, but all they are expecting is that you do your job and do it well. Not that you become their favorite human being, or make them laugh, or change their world. Do what you were hired to do and be really good at that.
Starting a new job is always a little nerve-wracking. Such is the life of a working actor. It’s a career of first days on the job. Each experience will be different and each one will give you insight into how to manage the next one. Be observant and learn from each experience. Allow yourself to not be perfect but give yourself a real shot at doing what you do well.
Book your next television role now by browsing our television audition listings! And for more advice on what to expect your first day on set, watch the video below.
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and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Backstage or its staff.
