Search

It is tempting to dismiss the person you meet first in a casting experience, the casting assistant.  That is the hard working person who keeps the office running and can be responsible for answering your questions about a role you are auditioning for, as well as rescheduling an appointment if you call in and are running late.  The casting assistant is the back bone of the casting office as well as your direct link to the casting director or casting executive.

Also keep in mind that the casting assistant will likely be the casting director next year, so get to know them by name, be polite and appreciative, and don’t blow future auditions by miscalculating the value of the assistant and their access to the casting director on your behalf.  If you mistreat them, make no mistake, that information will get to the casting director, and no matter how well you auditioned, that will be considered in hiring you or calling you in for future roles. Read the rest of this entry »

Commercial and Theatrical auditions are often quite different in terms of content and acting style.  Theatrical auditions refer to those projects that are filmed or video taped for theatrical purposes on television and for films.  These may be independent films, tv shows, reality shows, major motion pictures, daytime dramas, or other theatrical projects.  The word theatrical does not refer to live theater, stage or plays.

Commercial auditions often refer to industrial films, slide shows, or the commercial for products you see advertised on television or the Internet.  There is a separate area of commercial work that is “print” which means stills taken for ads and catalogues.  There is also a distinct difference in expectations by the casting panel regarding how these auditions are performed.

The styles of acting are much different in these two mediums.  Commercial acting is much broader, more animated and often uses more facial expressions and what is sometimes called “mugging”.  It is often a more physical kind of acting.  Theatrical acting is more natural, less broad, and more realistic.  It can be comedic or dramatic, but again, requires a more natural style.  These basic differences are often subtle, but must be learned and mastered.

Hello Actors!! 
As we start our blog as a new feature of our Auditioning website, and add information and tutorials on State-of-the-Industry news and expectations for the actor, I am wrapping my mind around the “chatty” nature of blogging.
I have a small design business that involves computerized machine embroidery.  I visit many sites for education and supplies and many sewers/designers blogs, but have never actually set up a blog for myself or my own website. Read the rest of this entry »