One of the hardest events for a beginning singer or actor is to make that first time casting call. When you decide to follow the path of a career in the performing arts you can't help but imagine fame and fortune. Maybe a star actor or singer has inspired you to pursue your dream and in the euphoria of imagining yourself on stage or in front of the camera you forgot that the road to success is not easy. Sooner or later you are going to have to put aside the daydreaming and actually perform in front of agents and talent scouts. Nerve wracking, intimidating and frightening, your first time casting call will be a hair-raising experience but with a few tips you can survive the ordeal and be ready for call-backs and other auditions.

Like anything else, the more you attend casting calls the better you will get at it. But nothing can quite prepare you for the first audition and the only real way to deal with it is to get on line and dive in. One thing to keep in mind is that plenty of other aspiring actors and singers will also be making their first casting call appearance so you are not alone. It helps to know other people in the waiting room are just as nervous as you. Even those that seem calm, cool and collected could be in knots on the inside so take a deep breath and remember that this anxiety is all part of the process.

Some good advice to follow for a first time casting call is pretty basic. No one is expecting you to blow the roof off the place so don't be too concerned with putting on a performance worthy of an Oscar. Most important is to remember to be on time and prepared with your resume and head shot. Many times beginning actors and singers are so excited about getting an audition they forget to bring along the paperwork that is necessary for a casting director to remember you. No matter what, make sure you have copies of your resume and recent head shots to pass out before your audition.

Do not be late. Even Hollywood stars can get the boot if the consistently show up late on set and if you are just starting out the last thing you need is to act blasé about your audition. If a casting agent or talent scout is going to offer you a shot you better be ready to take it. In fact, your best bet is to show up at least a half hour prior to your scheduled time so you can work out the butterflies and be ready when the director yells "action".

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