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KIDS, CAMERA, ACTING!
Professional Training for Film/TV, Voice Acting & Theatre
WHERE YOUNG TALENT DISCOVERS ITS VOICE - AND THE INDUSTRY TAKES NOTICE!
647-998-9584
The audition is your opportunity to showcase your abilities and skills. Whether you are just starting out and it is for a commercial or non-paying job or you are submitting for a large role in a union project, ALWAYS put your best work in front of the camera. I can't tell you the amount of times I have heard, "It's a long shot, so we are just going to throw something together. We probably won't get it anyway." If you want to attain the level of success that you are striving for, you need to put in the work and dedication required.
Rushing an audition preparation will affect the quality of your performance and risk you leaving a bad impression. Remember, the casting teams that see you will have other projects in the future and you want them to want to see you again. You may not be right for "this part" but you may be for another one they are casting. Ensure you ALWAYS commit to giving 100% every time.
This industry and career path you have chosen is a challenging one. And it is a long game. There is no plan that you can outline and no time frame on when you will land that first big role or get that part on a tv show. You may have 4 auditions in one week or you may go months without a single one. But, when the opportunity does come along to get yourself in front of a casting team - BE READY!
Self-tapes are the first impression the casting team will see. Always read everything thoroughly. The last thing you want is for them not to watch it because it doesn't follow their outlined instructions or the quality is poor. A plain backdrop, appropriate lighting and clear audio, free from background noise, will enhance the focus being on you.
Be prepared. KNOW YOUR MATERIAL. If you don't, this will come across. Unclear eyelines create a disconnect and are distracting. Bad lighting and audio or the incorrect framing of things can all be a hinderance to the Casting Team that is watching your tape. If you are unsure, ask your agent. They are there to help you showcase your best work!
AUDITIONING & SELF-TAPE TIPS
READ EVERYTHING: The breakdown, the sides, the self-tape instructions, ALL OF IT. Your audition is more than just what you film. Ensure you know exactly what the Casting Team is requesting - they provide details for a reason.
COACHING SESSION SET-UP: If you are looking to get the most out of your session, you need to understand that good coaching will include character development and performance techniques. Have a place that is conducive to being able to focus and have room to move, if needed. Have your sides printed and be ready to take notes.
KNOW YOUR MATERIAL: This does not mean memorize every word before the coaching session but make sure you have gone through the character descriptions, (not just your own) and are familiar with the storyline and what is happening in each scene. This includes knowing any stage directions and circumstances that may affect the choices you make for your character.
SUPPORT: Be in the room. While some young actors may be distracted with others present, it is important the person supporting them be there to understand the process and prep that is being done. You will be the one working through it with them when the time comes to record and they need to know that you are a team!
MANAGE YOUR TIME: Audition turn around time can be short. It's not always easy to fit it in your schedule and commit to the time it takes to prepare a strong submission. However, throwing something together quickly because you have other things to do, will affect the quality of your submission and leave the Casting Team with a negative impression. Give yourself time to prepare properly and allow for the time to review your notes and material after the session, before you record your self-tape.
AUDITION COACHING & PREPARATION
To maximize the work you will do with a coach, you want to ensure you approach any session, fully prepared to work on the material.
START CONNECTED: The first 5-10 seconds really matter. Grab their attention with a physical action or emotional connection that establishes a strong sense of character and your understanding of the material.
BE CLEAR: Establish very clear eyelines, including one for each character and one for focused locations when your character is reacting to something specific or is in thought or "considering". Stay connected.
BRING THE SCENE TO LIFE: Visualize where you are and what is around you. Make your character's circumstances believable and be connected to them. Remember - our circumstances have an affect on our behaviours.
COSTUMES & PROPS: Hinting at the costume, hair, etc. can help you connect to the character, potentially helping them see you in the role, but the use of props is not necessary. If props add to the connections and don't adversely affect or distract from your performance and they haven't specified NOT to use them, then you may want to consider it.
LIGHTING & SOUND: Ensure that your recording set-up is well lit and the audio is clear. Self-tapes can easily be done at home. A plain backdrop, (grey or blue is a good option) and a ring light can go a long way to ensure a quality submission.
FOCUS: Be in the moment. Stay focused on your scene partner, your reader, your visualized images. Listen and stay in the "now".
LIMIT TAKES: Don't over-analyze. Trying to achieve your version of "perfection" can ruin the organic naturalness in your performance. Don't throw out a take for a slight error - it may be your best take. As long as you are not missing a key element in the story.
END STRONG: Leave the audience with a strong, clear choice. Don't stop acting just because the last line has been delivered. Make a definite choice and stay connected. (Eg. walk out of the frame with intention, have a moment of realization, etc.)
SUBMIT EARLY: Strong, early auditions can set the bar and leave an impression.
SELF-TAPE TIPS
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