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• You get the call. A director wants to audition you. Fantastic! The first thing to remember is to get as much information about the audition as possible. You will need the address, including postcode, where the audition is being held. A name and contact number for either the casting director or his/her assistant on the day. Make sure they have your contact number for the day.  Ask whether there will be sides sent out, and when you can expect them by. If they don’t arrive, chase them up! Check whether the director wants you to dress a certain way or use a certain accent, or if they have any other requirements. Finally, make sure you double check the time, address and both your and their contact information.

• The sides have arrived. Time to get rehearsing! But be careful, quite a few actors fall into the trap of over-rehearsing, which can make your performance routine and lifeless when the audition itself rolls around. Make sure you are familiar with the lines (memorize them if possible), so that you can focus on the performance rather than the script. When rehearsing, try and play it a different way every time to keep the performance fresh. Try to think about the scene you’re creating from several perspectives.

• As the motto goes: be prepared. Know where you’re going ahead of time. If possible, visit the place beforehand so you know where it is. If that’s not feasible, check a map, plan your route and look for landmarks to tell you you’re in the right place. Before you leave make sure you have your sides with you and that you’re dressed appropriately. Make sure your phone is on and charged in case the director needs to get hold of you.  Leave plenty of time for the journey and any delays. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early - you can always entertain yourself for a little while.

• When you arrive, relax. Nerves and anticipation can become overwhelming, so keep as calm as possible. If you have someone with you, talk about something unrelated to the audition. If you feel yourself tensing up, focus on relaxing your jaw. It’s an odd but effective trick: relaxing your jaw makes the rest of the body follow suit. Try to avoid doing any ‘last-minute rehearsing’ as it will probably only make you feel rushed and uncomfortable. Be confident that you’re prepared and ready to do your best.

• The audition itself. Greet the director by name, introduce yourself, and be friendly and confident. Make eye contact when you introduce yourselves, as it will make you easier to remember. If you’re acting with someone, make sure your focus is on them, don’t watch the casting director or stare at your script. If you feel your first attempt wasn’t good enough, ask if you can go again. You may be turned down if they’re on a tight schedule, but it’s always worth asking.

• Finally, make sure to find out how and when they’ll contact you if you’re successful, and whether they will contact you at all if you aren’t. Usually you will only be contacted if you are being offered a callback or have won the role, but as always it’s worth calling and making sure. 

In addition to this advice, it may be worth considering attending an Approval Workshop. Actors who attend a Workshop can get some experience of what it’s like being in front of a casting director, ask questions about the audition process and potentially achieve Approved status for their profile. Approved actors are significantly more likely to be invited to audition by casting directors as they can see you have already shown a certain level of talent. For more information please call our helpline on 0845 366 6523 or email us at officemanager@thecastingwebsite.com