How to Achieve a Great On-Camera Audition

If you need a reminder to practice your auditioning skills, this is it. When you have an on-camera audition, whether it’s in person or on tape, you want to do your best. In doing so, there are some very helpful tips to remember and keep in mind. We’ve rounded up the top 10 to use ahead of your next audition, below:

1. Make sure you are prepared.

Do your best to be off-book…if possible. We know sometimes the day before or same-day auditions makes this quite a task. Work at knowing your lines and the context of the scene. Prep the scene by breaking it down.

2. Be positive.

Don’t let negative thoughts get into your head. Train yourself to only think positive thoughts the day of your audition. From the moment you wake up, get your mind right.

3. Prepare a fun tidbit.

Have a non-work, non-traffic, non-negative, non-complaining something to say if the CD asks about you. It should be funny or interesting, short, true, and relatable. (ex. CD: “How are you?” You: “Great! I’m planning a trip to Europe and I’m excited about seeing the Swiss Alps again!”) Do not offer your tidbit if they don’t ask or seem in the mood—read the room.

4. Ask questions.

If the CDs ask if you have questions, this is your chance to ask about things you’re not clear on in the script: pronunciation of a name or something unclear about a place, how to pronounce a sci-fi word, etc. Do not ask a question that would have been answered had you done the homework above. You can also ask what your frame is and whether you can move about the room.

5. Listen to instructions.

While you’re listening, note where the camera is and where the reader is in relation to the camera. Ask for clarification if necessary.

6. Know that casting wants you to be The One.

They would love it if you were super-prepared, awesome, and right for the job. Have the mindset that you’re there to solve their casting problem. Don’t be arrogant, just be confident in your work, who you are, and what you can bring to the production.

7. Own the room.

Control what you can control. The directors, producers, and network will either like you or not. If you do the prep and do your best in the audition for the choices you made, you have done all that’s within your control. You’ll never know why they went another way so be grateful for the opportunity, no matter what.

8. Listen to the reader.

During the scene, listen when the reader delivers their lines. Don’t just wait to give your lines—your eyes will be dead. Good reader or bad, you still have to actively listen and respond with your dialogue. Stay in the scene. Make it the best on-camera audition you can.

9. Play.

You must have an attitude of play. Be professional and don’t waste people’s time and money, but as an actor, you have to be able to open yourself up to every emotion and play. Improv classes will help you learn to be open and release that inner child.

10. Never stop learning.

Keep studying, taking classes, reading, practicing, talking to other actors about techniques, sharing, observing, supporting other actors, and be ready for the next opportunity to play in the room!