Anything Goes : Audition Etiquette by Ron Ferguson

Sounds like a great chance to teach her how important and fun the personal side of the business can be. If she's going to do well, she's going to need to learn how to let her personality just express itself naturally when she interacts with people in power. Remind her that the best thing is to enjoy the experience, which means, keep it fun and light, for everyone (yet always professional). For instance, she could say as she thanks them, "Just in case something crazy happens and I don't end up getting to work with you on this, could you do me the honor of signing my copy of your book? I read it several times. Fell in love with it the first time." Or you know, whatever her natural, fun personality happens to think of. Teach her that she is as much an important component to their project as the book was (if she happens to fit what the film and its director require). So she has every reason to be confident. As long as what she says is honest, and not contrived to impress. You're a great dad for supporting her in her journey!

Thanks, Paul. Your comments are extremely helpful. :)

Let us know how it goes!

What great advice, Paul. I love that. Yes, let us know how she made out. :)

So far so good. Seems like the tide is in favor. That's not bad, I believe the author would gladly sign it. All the luck and best to you and your daughter.

All the luck and best to you and your daughter.from www.mohanproductions.com

This is absolutely an appropriate gesture. I do it all the time when crews are in my home filming, or I'm in a studio. And I make sure and get their signature in one special media copy I have of my own book. Also, asking afterwards allows an additional moment together with the casting director (or whomever) so it'll be the last impression your daughter leaves with them.

Fan flattery can only help your daughter... after taking care of business first. To me, it'd be an ego-stroke for the casting director/author... yet by not mentioning it first, it doesn't conflict with the audition's motivation. Then by getting the autograph after . . . she shows she's aware of the author's material and took the time to purchase it... which put money in the author's pocket... so a feather in her cap, and it'd be an exclamation point to end the audition with in a subtle way.

If she's polite and brings her own Sharpie, no problem. Totally correct about doing it after the audition and not making a big deal about it to anyone else in the waiting room. If for some reason the author says no, then prepare her to say "no problem". Now...after the audition (which went great b/c you had an Audition Game Plan http://www.performertrack.com/webinars-home-pw-gameplan-od.html Free Video) don't forget to do your follow-up and make mention of the appreciation for signing the book. Here's a great free video on the Audition Follow-up (note it's not a Thank you) http://www.performertrack.com/webinars-home-pw-follow-od.html. ~Kristina 90sec. Comedy Demo Reel http://twitpic.com/ckbeai

As an author, I'd have no problem signing a book in the room if it was after the audition and things were winding down. It wouldn't affect me positively or negatively. I can say though, in college I was in a jazz band that afforded us the chance to gig with the big artists coming through town. I found in that situation there was always a backlash when I'd get an artist to sign an LP. They immediately stopped seeing me as a professional and a peer and relegated me to fan status which didn't bode well for getting call backs and invites out with the band afterwards. The film industry is a different animal from the world of jazz but just know that the flip side of the coin does exist in some corners. I wish her the best and hope it works out wonderfully.

It should be fine, and she should trust her instincts if she gets there and changes her mind. She must bring her own pen and be ready right at the start. Auditioning is an art, and she's developing her own style. Bring the pen, be ready to jump, and then call the shot when you're there. My daughter is also on the actress track (at the very, very beginning, :-) ). One of the best piece of advice an actress gave in an interview was to remember that auditions are about networking. Early on she rarely got parts she read for, she was contacted later for another project. Be professional, be present, and be yourself. So do you have any advice for my daughter? :-)

Hey Jennifer. Love your side note. If you have any specific questions you'd like input on, start a new thread and let me know. Also, check out the 2 free webinar links I included in the post. So helpful and so much good info. Make sure you are on the newsletter list http://www.PerformerNation.com so you get invites to free events, seminars, articles, etc. BTW actress track (ActorTrack was upgraded in 2008 to PerformerTrack. It's 100% online and so intuitive and easy-to-use. There's a $30 credit for former AT members who want to upgrade to PT. No pressure walkthroughs available just email info@PerformerTrack.com.)

It isn't bad advice. It is rare that the author is casting -- not your everyday situation. Gauge the situation and instruct her to be as gracious as possible when she asks for the signature at the very end. Let your daughter know this is not usual protocol at an audition, as everyone there is a working professional, on the same (future) team, including other actors auditioning. Also, remind her not to mention it to other actors there. Best of luck.

Well, two weeks have come and gone since the original post. My daughter had her first real audition yesterday. (Whew! Glad that's over!) After a bit of trouble getting started in the day, from what she said the audition went extremely well. She was a bit nervous about the whole thing in general as well as her accent (she's recently moved here from Germany where she grew up), not fully understanding American culture, etc., etc. So much for a 19 year old to process at once. The audition was for a movie based on the book "Beyond The Soul" by Slaughter Brown. The casting director(s) were both co-authors of the book. They noticed her accent immediately and one asked where she was from. When she told them, one of the CD's apparently was excited and began speaking to her in German; he spent 6 years in I believe she said Berlin. Then relaxation and comfort set in. They chatted a bit after the audition was over and she asked them if they would autograph her copy of the book which they were happy to do. They asked if she actually read the book, and she told them "Yes, all of it. If you write a sequel, I know it will be a hit also!" And so the journey continues ...

That sounds absolutely perfect! What a great first experience for her. Congrats to you both. I foresee a bright future for her. As always, keep us posted. :-)

vry nice