Acting Tips with Graham: Auditions

Graham is a young professional actress currently working toward a BFA in Acting from Stephens College. Say hello to her on UBC and check out her Youtube channel! Click to read Graham's previous post from her Acting Tips series, Acting on Film vs Stage and Crying on Camera.

How to Construct an Acting Resume

Teri is a young actress from New York. Drop by her page and say hello!

Today's post is a downloadable PDF file. Simply open the PDF, view online, and go to File>Save As if you would like to view it again offline.

How to Construct an Acting Résumé

Improvisation Tips

Laura is a young actress on User Based Casting. Stop by her page and say hello! (Portions of this article have been edited/elaborated on for clarity.)


Improvisation Tips!

First off, improv is acting without a script (for those who don’t know). There are improv games, TV shows, and competitions. It can be really fun, but can also be really scary. I hope these tips help you to improve your improvisation technique!

1)      Never say no! Why? Because when you say no, you shut down the scene. By saying yes, you keep the scene going and the audience entertained. Want to go swimming? Of course! Are you sad? I feel like my heart is breaking! Want to marry me? I’ve always loved you! This doesn’t apply to everything, obviously, but for every no, try to say at least 5 yeses.

2)      Relax and loosen up. Improv can be really nerve-racking: trust me, I know. Just take deep breaths and keep an open mind. In most cases, you will be with a partner with a group. Remember that you’re in this together, and chances are everyone else is as nervous as you are! By going with the flow, everyone will feel more comfortable and in sync.

3)      Be creative! Have fun with it! Be weird and crazy! I once acted in a skit about a bear catcher and a girl with a strange addiction, and we were standing under a large apple juice jug. Belive it or not, that was one of my favorite skits. The premise was so unbelievably weird, but that’s what made it so funny. Think of odd and unusual situations and characters to liven up your improv. Use your imagination!

4)      Be alert. Stay focused and stay in character. Even if you’re not speaking, you can still react. Think about what you should say next. Don’t let your mind wander!

5)      Use your whole body. Walk around, jump up and down, and roll on the ground! Do a cartwheel! Skip! Pass out! Use hand gestures to compliment what you're saying. Two people just standing still can get pretty boring. Move around and make use of the space around you.

6)      Have fun! I know those two words sound lame and overused for this sort of thing, but it’s probably one of the most important tips I can give you. If you’re not enjoying what you're doing, chances are the audience isn’t either. Improv is one of my favorite things in acting, because without a script, there are no boundaries. (You can just go wild!) So listen: let your hair down and have fun! 

General Acting Advice

The following tips are taken from comments left in the now-defunct group "Do You Have Any Acting Tips?" and date from 2009-2010.


Rei 
I recommend joining up with a casting agency. They hook you up with auditions and only get paid whenever YOU are. No dues. No fees. Any casting agency that tries to make you pay in advance for their services is a rip off. You can google map the ones located closest to you. BUT CHECK THEIR WEBSITES and check their reviews. Some agencies require professional headshots which can be extremely expensive (good headshots range in price from around $300-$600). Look for ones that only require a snap shot and resume if you want to save money. Headshots are important, but if you're just starting out in the busness, you can make that investment a little later. 


Ritamc101
If you ever forget your monologue or lines, make it up as you go along. The director/coordinator respect it because they can see that you can flow under pressure.

**FOR LIVE PLAYS**

It also shows that even though you made a mistake, it seems to the audience that you never ever made one, which can at times save the show.

A Director pointed it out to me when I was auditioning for my school play. He said it was well done that I kept calm even thought I messed up, and just went with the flow. When he asked the other people at the auditions, they said they didn't even notice one mistake.


Josie
Even if your co-actor stinks at saying his/her lines and always screws them up, or misses a really important line, say it yourself (but still stay in character) and pretend like nothing happened. No one will know they messed up.


Phoebe
When you walk into an audition, walk up to whoever is there and say hello and ask how they are and shake their hand. If they film your audition and they ask if you want to do it again, always say yes unless you truly  believe that your first take was amazing. You do this because it gives you more time on the camera so when they play it back, you stand out more. And if you say yes, ask is there anything you'd want me to change. Also, always ask questions about the scene you're doing even if it's plain obvious, that shows that you're truly intrested in what you're acting. Also be in character when you walk in.


Ben
Arrive on time. Do NOT chew gum!


Kerstyn
Stages of an Audition


Phase 1. Booking- To book you need a headshot and a resume.If you have an agent/manager they will book auditions for you.
Phase 2. Audition- Most auditions are improv. They will tell you what to base it off of and do your best to fit that topic.

Phase 3 and 4 are only if they like you.

Phase 3. Callbacks- Callbacks are only if they like you. They select a few people for callbacks for that role. When I auditioned and went to the callback as was paired with someone who ws auditioning for the other role.
Phase 4. The news- This may be the best or worst. I fthey loved your call back and call you to say 
"Hey you are our new...." but they may say no. "Hello. I'm sorry but you did not get the role of...."


KC
Some Resources for Acting Tips:

• Actingbiz - Five and a Half Acting Tips Not Taught in Acting Class
• Acting Tips from Lifetips
• And of course, ActorTips.com.

Crying on Camera

Graham is a young professional actress currently working toward a BFA in Acting from Stephens College. Say hello to her on UBC and check out her Youtube channel! Click here to read Graham's previous post from her Acting Tips series, Acting on Film vs Stage.

Comment from Kat (originally posted 7/10/11): 

I do something similar, but for writing. I'm not sure if it works for acting or not. What I do is I lie down, close my eyes, and make myself experience the saddest moment of my novel. I'm there, I'm experiencing it, and I'm in tears by the end. If you can train yourself to live the moment through your character's eyes and to make it personal, I'd think that would help. I think Graham said something similar at the end of this video. Just try it. Lay in bed and really get involved in a scene in your mind.

Agreed about not using bad/painful personal memories. That's super dangerous and unhealthy.

Tips for Film Auditions: The Slate and the Q&A

Josie is a seasoned theater performer breaking into the acting business. She's a huge fan of Dr. Who and Harry Potter. Drop by her UBC page!

17 April 2010

So, I auditioned for this local film today, and there was a Q&A about what kind of movies you like, who your fave actresses/actors are, etc. Well, I completely blanked out and failed. I was so surprised by the questions that I ended up saying Harry Potter stuff for all of them. Major facepalm. 

Moral of the story? Be prepared for ANYTHING. Formulate a list of answers to questions such as your top five favorite movies and favorite actors/actresses before heading to an audition. (Those were several of the questions I was asked during the audition!)

The aftermath: I ended up becoming the safety/understudy (if something happened to the girl casted, I was supposed to take her place) for an 19-y/o who got the part. It was a really cool opportunity.

22 June 2012 Update

Since 2010, I have auditioned for numerous films, and although each Casting Director does their casting differently, there are some things that are the norm in the casting world. They'll always ask you

• about the film you're auditioning for, 
• what you like about it, 
• how/if you relate to the character, 
• why you're auditioning for that character

In every film audition you audition for (whether it be for commercials, television, indie films, casting offices, etc), you have to have a slate. Your slate is what the director is going to remember about YOU when he/she watches the film back, and should communicate essential information about you as well as a glimpse at your personality. For example:

"Hi. My name's John Lennon. I'm a part of Here Comes the Sun Casting Agency, and I'm 72 years old!"

You always want to bring your personality to the slate, NOT the character you're auditioning for. Bright smiles, quirky head twerks, giggles, whatever it is you do naturally, is good for the slate. If you're already in character or if you're deadpan serious, you'll come off as boring and they may not want to work with you. You also always want to give your slate while looking directly at the camera. 

When you start to do your sides, look to the person you're reading with and snap into character. If you're told to prepare the sides, try your hardest not to look down at them at all. Getting nervous is fine, and if you do have to look down, make sure it's only momentarily. You never want to stare down at the paper while you're auditioning. Ever. Even if the person you're reading with has a paragraph to read (then it's not a very good side to audition with, but that's not your fault), you want to be able to react to and interact with everything they're saying.

Questions? Let me know here or on my UBC page!

Acting Q&A With Elly

Elly is an up-and-coming actress from Florida. She has been in the Top Five for Max on UBC on numerous occasions. Her most recent role was in the FSU film 10 and 2. Say hello!

1. Do you have an agent? How did you find one?

Yes, I have an agent, but it's a very rare and fortunate situation I have. My agent came back to live here from LA and decided to open an agency. I'd suggest googling agencies in your area, but be aware that there are scams. Do not ever pay for an agent. They get paid for the jobs they book you (10 to 15% of what you make from the job, typically). Also, if they force you to work with a certain photographer for headshots, that may be a warning sign as well. A good agent will let you take pictures and classes from whomever you want, but will try to help you and steer you in the right direction. Remember, they only make money if you do.

2. How many dancing/singing/acting courses have you taken?

Oh man. I've done dance since I was four. I started with tap and jazz and kind of went all over the place from there, including modern and ballroom. I'm not as proficient in dance as I used to be, but it's a huge plus to be skilled in picking up routines of every kind, as I learned with my last role (I had to learn a band routine in only a few minutes. I think it would've been stressful if I didn't have years of dance behind me). 

I've been singing since I was seven. I've taken with quite a few different teachers, and it's hard to find the perfect teacher for you. I still haven't found one. They have to mesh with your style and not make you do what you don't want to do, you know? Otherwise it won't be enjoyable. 

Acting has been forever as well. I did theater since I was around five or six to middle school. I wish I would've kept it up, but balancing it all with school was very difficult. I got into film early in high school and have been very involved with that since. If you want to see some classes I've taken specifically, my resume is on a blog post on UBC. So, all-in-all, I can't put a number on it. I've had to take parts and classes off my resume because they were less important than new things I was adding. But as I'll explain later on, YOU MUST KEEP TAKING CLASSES. Don't let yourself get rusty. If you can't afford classes, practice by yourself. Find acting exercises, anything.

3. I read somewhere you were in a film. How did you find this kind of job? What were the auditions like?

Yes (soon to be more hopefully)! Look to see if colleges nearby have film schools. That's where to start. They're always in need of actors who will work for free. Especially if you have an Arts Academy or something similar anywhere close. Audition wise, I did it over the internet by recording me doing the sides they sent and sending via yousendit.com, but all auditions are different. You can't ever depend on something to happen or not happen at an audition. Taking improv and audition workshops are a great way to handle this mystery.

4. What tips to you have for a newbie?

Do your research. Don't rely on anyone but yourself to find you jobs. Practice your craft. You never know when an audition will come up. Find classes to take, whether they're with a local theatre group or an acting coach. The fees add up, but to stay on top of it you have to keep practicing. You won't improve any other way. 

Also, watch movies and plays to see how others act. Watch their choices and think about what other choices they could've made instead. Why'd they make these choices instead of anything else? HOWEVER, never base your performance on someone else's. You can get inspired by them, but never imitate. Be yourself because that's what people want to see: something different and fresh, not the celebrity they already know and are sick of. Also, it's taken me years to come to terms with, but know that a lot of getting parts is pure luck. When I was growing up, there were NEVER parts for kids my age. It is all about TIMING and luck if an audition for a character you might fit comes your way. And even then, you're never guaranteed a part until you're on set about to film!

5. Is it better to get a professional headshot or not? I heard some agencies want you to look natural while others want to see you at the best.

You want to look natural AND your best, that's why you go to a professional headshot photographer. It's not like they just pick up a camera and take a picture. Photographers take many classes and some even went to school to do what they do. Most people think a picture is a picture, but it's not that simple. Often times a headshot will finalize a job for you over another actor. Photographers know how to bring out your personality in a photo--its their job. If you want to be serious about acting, you better have good headshots. It's more than important.

KEEP IN MIND: THIS IS NOT EASY. I've been working my butt off for years, finding my own jobs, finding my teachers/agents/etc., and it's just starting to pay off. It takes a lot of time and a lot of dedication. You may say you love it, but your love will not out last the time and money it takes to pursue acting. It's just a fact.

Q&A: The Acting Business

Raina answers your questions about the acting business! Visit her profile on UBC and feel free to ask her additional questions about acting here.


A lot of people have been asking me for advice about agencies, managers, SAG, auditioning sites, the audition process, call back process, acting techniques, how to make a resume, headshots, the best acting coaches, personal experiences, etc. Here are your questions, answered! 

Q: What are some good places/things/fundamentals to get your film career started?


A: Start by taking legit classes. They look great on a resume, and you can learn a lot from them. My favorite is Margie Haber. They help you become a better actress, plus they have connections. I would also try and get a manager and agent. They can help get you really good auditions. Also, spend some of your free time looking on the internet for auditions (but make sure they aren't scams!) Try to go on as many auditions as possible, and keep working on getting better. It's better to get only one audition and be amazing than it is to get 20 auditions and not have worked on your monologue.

When I was auditioning in New York, I took classes from Alice Spivak (who I recommend).


Here are some SAG affiliated agencies.

http://www.carrycompany.com/info.htm

http://www.ddoagency.com/submit_to_ddo.php

http://www.take3talent.com/

http://hannswolters.com/?page_id=42

http://carsonadler.com/SeekingRepres.html

Be sure to submit to them about once every two months.

Q: Suppose I want to take acting classes. One place is cheaper and apparently pretty good, but there's another place that, while REALLY expensive, goes to Los Angeles to do showcases and 
stuff. Which one should I go for?

A: If you think that you'll learn just as much from the cheap one, I would go with that. Showcases are really cool, but there's no guarantee you're going to be noticed. Go with what your gut says. They're both probably good. If you don't go with the showcase one, I would try to get an agent the traditional way!

Q: How would you go about finding services that are reliable? (whether they're acting classes, auditions, or talent agencies). I know there are a lot of scams out there, so I was wondering how you would find good, reliable information.

A: For agencies, check the SAG website (http://www.sag.org/content/find-agent). Any agencies that are on there are legit, although they might not necessarily be good agencies. Being a SAG affiliated agency basically tells you that they're not a scam, but it doesn't guarantee that they'll get you auditions. So look at the SAG agencies in your area and do some reaserch. Find reviews. 

Remember: If you have to pay for an agency, RUN AWAY. Agencies get their money by getting you roles. If they get their money by making you pay, they will not care about getting you roles! With acting coaches and managers, look around and try to find reviews online.

Q: What are the requirements to become a part of the SAG?

A: In order to become SAG yourself, you need to be in a SAG production. This makes becoming SAG extremely difficult because usually SAG productions cast SAG people. You need to be lucky enough that there's an open call for a SAG production, or that you have an agent that gets you a SAG audition.

Q: On many local listing sites, you can find a lot of people who can take professional pictures of you for free in return for being able to build their photography portfolio. Would this be okay for a headshot?

A: Of course! A headshot should look professional, look like you (not some glammed up version of you), and be a good photo of you. If the person who's taking your photo takes good photos, it doesn't matter whether or not you paid for them. [Use your best judgment with ads such as these, and bring a parent!]

Original questions and answers edited for clarity.