Acting : Start or end of open auditions by Rochelle Nichole

Rochelle Nichole

Start or end of open auditions

Do you think it makes a difference if you show up at the start or end of an open audition (assuming you have a great audition and could be a great fit for the part)?

I feel like on the one hand, if you go at the start and you do really well, its possible they could make their decision early on....on the other hand, if they weren't ready to make a decision, they could easily forget about you by the end of the day with so many other people to see.

Or if you go in at the end of the call - they could have already made their selection about someone else that was perfect for the part and continue on as a courtesy....or if they didn't make their decision - and you do really well - you could be fresh in their mind for consideration vs the person they saw first thing at 8am who did equally well.

Thoughts??

(yes, I also posted in "anything goes" because I want to get as much feedback as possible!)

Stephen Anthony Bailey

A good audition is a good audition. Something to think about is casting director fatigue. After a while everyone looks the same. But when someone walks in that's perfect it doesn't matter when they come in to read. I've loved people from the top of casting before...it doesn't matter. Only the work matters.

James Razzi

True. Also true is that a casting director already has a certain type and look in his mind and if that person walks in, he/she can practically walk away with the role even if they didn't do really well. Although they tell you in acting 101, that an actor should be able to play any role, that simply is not true. Even if he was 20 years old, can Woody Allen play Romeo?

Sam Borowski

I think it still boils down to performance at the audition, look (if you fit the look of the character) and how much the director, casting director and producer like you. (One prominent episodic director told one of my actors that he takes into consideration if he wants to spend 12 hours a day on a set with this person if he hires them. I think most filmmakers feel the same way, so attitude, work-ethic and personality all come into play, I believe. I've seen people with talent lose out on work, because they make everyone on the set miserable and are not easy to deal with.) When you go to read - I truly think it's hit or miss. Personally, I don't hold a lot of mass auditions. I cast behind the scenes for both name actors and up-and-comers. I guess I know enough of both that there is no need to hold auditions. Usually I only do so when there is a part that is just tremendously difficult to fill. I'm definitely not the norm, though. Most filmmakers would like to see as many actors as possible.

Annette F Hummell

I agree with Sam, but believe you should show up early. It looks like you're a go-getter and love your craft.

Shawn Speake

Hey, Rochelle! I'm an actor - creds on profile.... You're overthinking. Killing the audition is all that matters - regardless of when. Hope this helps

Royce Allen Dudley

Having sat behind the casting table numerous times for numerous things I can tell you that the last people will be recent on a CD's mind, but someone else may have already made a big impression and in fact for an open call people have been known to leave early and have an assistant take the last few as a courtesy. At the end of the day there's no trick... the key to audition is to show up.

Rochelle Nichole

Thank you all for your feedback - it's always helpful to hear from you! :)

Samantha Desman

I tend to book more often being first or close to.

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