Part of making it in show business is perfecting the art of auditioning. Every aspiring actor or singer has to go through the gauntlet of casting calls, sometimes hundreds of times, in order to get that one break that can launch a star. Casting calls are never easy and the high pressure environment is meant to separate the strong from the weak so producers, directors and talent scouts can decide early on who has the mettle to survive in the competitive world of show business. The more casting calls you attend the more comfortable you will be at it and by following a few tips you can be sure you nail your casting call every time.

As with anything in life, come prepared. Casting calls often include hundreds, if not thousands, of aspiring performers and all of them will be vying for a role in the next TV show, commercial or movie. Always bring an updated resume and current headshot to any casting call audition you attend. Without these important documents you will very easily get lost amid the crowd and even if you deliver a show-stopping performance the scouts won’t be able to recall your information if they don’t have it in front of them. Don’t ruin your chance before you even get it, have a professional head shot and complete resume with you at every casting call and bring along extra copies.

When attending a casting call, whether it’s an open casting call or closed audition, relax and be open to what the directors are asking for. Many aspiring actors and singers attend casting calls with only one part or song in mind and get thrown off track when asked to read for a different part or to sing a different song. Let go of your ego and be prepared for a few curve balls. Some auditions are set up to put you in an awkward situation just to see who you react and the more versatile you show yourself to be the better your chances of getting a role. If reading for a part make sure to know the gist of the whole script and if singing in a musical be familiar with the other songs as well just in case you are asked to audition for something other than what you planned on.

Another tip when attending casting calls is to act naturally. Going in with an agenda or personality plan can easily backfire. Talent scouts are interested in you, not the characters you can play or the impressions you can pull off. Whether acting or singing just be yourself and let the directors get to know you.

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