Audition Tips Blog Posts

When it comes to dressing for self tapes, you don’t need to be in costume. That said, it can be handy to have certain clothing items on hand for auditions. Keeping a small portion of your closet devoted to auditioning… Read More

So you can sing, but you’re not a singer. Even if you’re doing non-musical theatre or even film, there are plenty of occasions on which you might need to sing. If you can sing but just generally, you know, don’t,… Read More

It’s no wonder that many actors find Shakespeare intimidating. There is a cultural narrative (backed by a history of exclusion and imperialism) that Shakespeare is the province of the wealthy and elitist. This was not the way the text originated,… Read More

Success is being prepared to meet opportunities when they come. And they come suddenly and unexpectedly. Success means predicting opportunities and doing everything it takes to be prepared for that opportunity when you get it. Three things you know will… Read More

In the past several years, self-taping has taken over the entertainment industry and is now the primary way to audition. And although in-person auditions have returned to the audition process in some capacity, even callbacks have shifted to virtual. That… Read More

Film and television have often served as a powerful mirror to society, shaping perceptions and values, and often nudging us toward change. Besides its historical significance, understanding this powerful dynamic provides invaluable insight into your craft’s transformative potential. No matter… Read More

Stepping onto the stage or in front of a camera, aspiring actors carry their talents, demeanor, attitude and professionalism. In the world of acting, where opportunities are often hard-fought and highly competitive, the significance of audition etiquette cannot be overstated…. Read More

Audition preparation is a vital and indispensable aspect of the performing arts world, serving as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring actors, musicians, dancers and artists of all kinds. With diligent and thorough preparation, performers can truly showcase their talents,… Read More

Award-winning casting director Sarah Finn has cast over a hundred feature films in every genre. She’s most recognized for casting the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting in 2006 with “Iron Man.” In addition to a steady flow of superhero blockbusters… Read More

The highly sought-after acting coach Howard Fine is famous for his keen insights and practical approach to the craft of acting. Over the past three decades, the Los Angeles-based instructor has led a bounty of actors to international acclaim, including… Read More

From a director’s point of view, how important is casting to a project percentage-wise? “Les Miserables” director Tom Hooper and “Zero Dark Thirty” director Kathryn Bigelow agree: “One hundred percent.” “That’s number one. And everything else underneath,” says “There Will… Read More

Michael Shurtleff was a major force in casting on Broadway shows during the 1960s and 70s. His casting work includes “Chicago” and “Becket,” as well as the films “The Graduate” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Shurtleff’s instruction on auditioning has been… Read More

Casting veteran Paul Weber has two decades’ worth of experience in the industry. The Los Angeles-based casting director started as an actor, touring with the California Shakespeare Festival before being mentored by casting director Michael Shurtleff, a major force in… Read More

Paul Weber is a Los Angeles-based casting director who has cast over 75 features and shows over the past 20 years in the industry. He’s worked with many networks and studios, and most prominently, served as executive in-house head of… Read More

How do you fill a potentially awkward moment in the audition room when you’ve run out of dialogue, but the camera is still rolling? It’s not the job of the actor to determine when the scene has ended, so it’s… Read More