Your marvelous acting talent won’t get you far if you don’t have the proper acting audition etiquette. Casting directors will surely remember anyone who behaves in an unruly manner, so it’s your best interest to act like you’re already a professional.
It may be difficult to pull off an acting audition etiquette for every audition you’re applying, but it’s totally worth it in the long run. Leaving a good and lasting impression even if you didn’t get the part will establish your credibility as an actor. So here are some guidelines on how to have an acting audition etiquette.
Prepare everything before the audition
Always be prepared for all your auditions! This is a basic yet incredibly important acting audition etiquette. You need to have your piece, acting portfolio, résumé, and other requirements ready days or even weeks before the date of the audition.
Some of you may be wondering why you need to get all the necessary requirements so early, this is because you need to have all things organized and to avoid hassle. Having a haphazard and messy preparation is not a good acting audition etiquette.
Dress appropriately
Dressing appropriately is another critical acting audition etiquette. A good first impression can have a huge impact on your acting audition, which is why you need to look smart and appropriate. To be on the safe side, you can go with a business casual since you will look respectable without looking too overdressed for the audition.
Don’t be late!
Another important acting audition etiquette is to be on time. Being late can negatively affect your image as an actor. It’s best to arrive 15–20 minutes before the start of the audition so you have plenty of time to prep yourself both physically and mentally.
Talk with the other auditionees and be kind to them
You’ll probably see other audtionees as “competition,” but that doesn’t mean you have to be antisocial or hostile toward them. Be friendly and try to connect with them.
This is another acting audition etiquette that can actually benefit you. There is a possibility that you will be working with them in the future, and they might be good people who will recommend you other auditions
Be courteous and do your best when you enter the room
You might think that the audition begins when you start showing your acting skills to the casting team, but in reality, it already started when you entered the room. Practice proper acting audition etiquette by smiling and being polite.
The casting director started evaluating you when you made your presence known. It’s also an acting audition etiquette to be direct to the point when introducing yourself and your piece.
Pay attention to the instructions given
This is a crucial part of your audition and a presentation of your acting audition etiquette since the casting group will determine if you can execute the acting directions flawlessly. Make sure you to pay attention to every detail of the instructions given to you.
If you didn’t get some of the instructions, just ask for clarifications or questions. It’s better to ask than pretend that you understood the directions and perform the wrong acting piece.
Adapt to the situation
There are times when things just don’t go as planned like when you thought you’re doing a solo piece for the audition, but it turns out the casting director changes his mind and pushes for a group act. This is when your acting skills will be put to the test on how you can easily adapt to the situation. Easily adjusting to situations is a great acting audition etiquette.
Take criticisms like a professional
Whatever the criticism, may it be constructive or a harsh critique, take it as a lesson and be civil toward the casting group. This acting audition etiquette can improve you as a person and actor. Just smile, don’t hold a grudge, and be sure to thank them for the time and opportunity given.
Have a positive attitude
Don’t be disheartened when you didn’t receive a call after the audition, there are other opportunities waiting for you! Just be sure to apply in as many auditions as you can so that there will be plenty of options.
Having all this acting audition etiquette for every audition you’ll apply for may prove difficult and draining, but it’s incredibly important to practice this.