Audition Ph Perfect Line Hack
Roseanne Gennett
To find success, every actor must master the art of auditioning. While prior to the pandemic auditions were often held in person, at-home auditions have now gone from a possibility to the definitive norm. Audition tapes, or self-tapes, are incredibly important in the film and television industry. However, post-COVID, even theatre productions will often hold at least around of virtual auditions before moving to in-person callbacks.
Since self-tapes are done on your own time and can be re-recorded as many times as you need, casting directors expect to see your best possible work. Your audition should be as high quality as it can be to showcase what you have to offer. Take a look at the list below for tips on creating your most successful audition tape.
Many actors will, at some point in their careers, invest in equipment to use during audition tapes. This can include lavaliers or other external microphones, soft boxes, work lights, even bounce boards. But, regardless of your equipment, always pay attention to your environment to make sure your lighting and sound quality is as good as it can be.
As with any audition, you should always strive to be fully memorized for your self-tape. Sometimes a production will allow or even encourage actors to paraphrase lines or incorporate improv. However, unless the casting call indicates to do so, you should aim to have the lines word perfect. Remember, the beauty of a self-tape is that you can always record another take if you drop a line.
If an audition comes in at the last minute and you need to keep your script in hand, be sure to hold the papers as still as possible. Rustling sounds or the paper popping up into frame can be very distracting.
Remember that acting for film & television is different than acting for theatre. Stage actors, for example, must project to be heard from the last row in the theatre. In film & tv, however, the camera can be just feet away from the actor. In this same vein, bold facial expressions can be perfect for theatre but feel like extreme over-acting on camera.
So my first point is that we should always aim to be word-perfect. The reality is this will not always be possible, maybe you have 24 hours notice and 19 pages of dialogue to get through and you have to paraphrase a little. Or maybe you just make a good old fashioned blunder. It happens!
I want to stand firm on my first point, but I also want to share a good standard rule when it comes to this question: the better the writer the more word-perfect you have to be. If you mess up even a syllable of Shakespeare, a discerning audience member will know. Shakespeare, Chekhov, Aphra Benn, Lucy Prebble. Their words are not to be toyed with.
As shortcuts of modern technology become increasingly prevalent in the entertainment industry, SAG-AFTRA members need to adapt to a growing demand for self-tape auditions, which has left many frustrated and concerned. To help demystify the process, four L.A.-based casting directors shared their expertise on an information-packed panel all about self-taped auditions. During the event, organized by the L.A. Local and held at SAG-AFTRA Plaza on July 31, attendees were able to submit questions and panelists discussed their processes for reviewing tapes, what they look for and notice, and tips to help members nail their next self-taped audition.
Casting director and panel moderator Jenny Jue began the discussion by explaining that the emergence of streaming services has led to an eruption of new programming, which has resulted in many more opportunities for actors, but also less time for CDs to review auditions, hence the need for the self-tape format. By utilizing self-taped auditions, CDs are able to see more candidates than ever before, and panelists reassured attendees that every audition received by the deadline is given a fair viewing. In fact, several panelists stated that they keep and catalogue unused auditions to pull for future roles.
Background: First, the background should never be the same color as your clothes! Otherwise, you may blend in. In addition, keep in mind that objects in the background, such as cords, fridges, animals, etc., can be distracting to the viewer, so clean backgrounds are the best. Panelists recommended looking at products such as collapsible backgrounds that can be purchased online for about $55 and can be used for every audition.
Lighting: You do not need expensive professional lighting. Remember, CDs do not see how the audition video is made, only the result. Products like selfie ring lights plug directly into your smart phone or camera, create professional-style lighting and run for around $35, with a tripod stand and cell phone holder included. Have a light but no tripod? Dig up those college textbooks; we have found a new use for them! Top your stack of books with a mug and you have just made your own tripod and cellphone dock!
Lines: While you need to follow a script, CDs do not mind if you drop a line to make the dialogue more organic to you and your performance. Pay attention to ellipses, punctuation, etc.; making sure you know how the lines are meant to be read is your responsibility. If you are confused by the tone or inflection, ask your agent for assistance. Finally, confidence in your mastery of the role adds to the vibe of any scene and, to have it, memorization and preparation are essential. Remember that one benefit of self-taping is that you have the room and time to make your audition perfect.
Eye Line: Your eye line should be as close to the camera as possible. If possible, your reader should be at camera level, so you can create the to-camera eye line easily and naturally. Also, please look at the camera and do not film in profile. Again, CDs want to see your performance, not your directorial debut. No matter what you do, do not keep looking down!
Sound: This includes two categories: the sound you make in the performance and the background sounds in your video. For your performance, be sure to speak clearly and project to ensure you are heard. However, please never scream, unless directed to do. As for background noise, it can be distracting and you should try to have as little of it as possible. In the case there is construction happening right when you need to shoot your audition and you cannot change locations, use editing software such as iMovie to remove or lower the noise.
Video Quality: Poor video quality is definitely a distraction. But there will be times, especially when you are somewhere with poor reception, that the only video you can send is one of poor quality. If that is all you can do, do it. Again, do not get too distracted by the technical side; in the end, all the CDs need are your eyes, intention and passion. One panelist mentioned filling a major role for Assassins Creed based on an audition tape taken in a hailstorm on a Native American reservation with little to no reception. It happens.
On the technical side, your slate should show your full body, a profile and a close-up. The close-up should be from the chest up unless you are showing movement, in which case the close-up should be from the waist up. Any additional directions will be given along with the request for the audition, so read them carefully. If the directions confuse you, ask your agent to ask the CD for clarification rather than reaching out yourself.
What the CDs Say: Actors should know that some casting directors edit out the slate for different reasons. Some simply do not use them in their process, while others may delete them if they do not fit the mood of a scene. A great way to prepare for either type of CD is to send your slate and audition in as separate digital files, which grants the casting agency to use the slate or not without having to edit it out themselves.
What the CDs Say: Do not wear a full costume and, especially, do not feel that you need to go out and buy one. You should never spend much money, if any, on hair, makeup or a costume for an audition. A full costume can sometimes come across as desperate and be a distraction. Similarly, props (real or pantomimed) can also be a distraction. Remember, what CDs are looking for is your performance.
Acting is a passion that requires a great amount of discipline, and learning how to memorize lines is just one of many skills that every great actor must master. While some roles may only have one or two quick lines, for some parts, it could require memorizing close to an entire script. While every actor has their own methods for memorization, there are some tried and true methods for getting lines to stick.
For current acting students, alums of NYFA, and actors trying to find their big break, auditions and performing are a normal part of life. But how do they memorize so many lines? Experienced actors like NYFA Guest Speaker Carey Mulligan address that, of course, preparation will vary from role to role. However, there are some best practices to help performers learn how to memorize lines.
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As long as America is where the show is filmed, where the winner will perform as part of the live tour or residency, etc. the name is still perfectly fitting, even with talent from abroad being more common over the years.
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