1)An OPEN MIND



2)The ability to LISTEN

I cant tell you how important it is for an actor to be able to

let go of any decisions they have made prior to walking into

their acting audition.

So often we the actor make choices that

we believe suit the story only to have the casting agent or

director offer an alternative way.

I know in Secret #3 To Your Acting Audition Success I alluded to

the fact that you don’t have to listen to the casting agent but

I stress here that that is ONLY if you have a GUT INSTINCT that

is telling you that your decision is stronger.

The casting agent is a vital part of the casting process they

are the ones that have sat down with the director and broken

down what it is the director is looking for.

So it is very important to LISTEN to the casting agent they are

giving you important directions that have come directly from the

client (if auditioning for a TVC), director, producer, and/or

writer.

I’ve spent a lot of time in audition rooms both in front and

behind the camera and all too often I’ve seen actors nervously

get caught up in what they are going to do that they aren’t

present and listening to what the casting agent is offering

them.

Big Mistake!

They miss the most important part of the audition – knowing what

the director wants!

It’s vital that you put your thoughts to the side for a moment

and simply listen and be present with what the casting agent is

telling you instead of trying to figure it all out in your head.

Yes you have to be on the ball and think on your feet but not at

the expense of what the director might be looking for.

So take a deep breathe, relax and LISTEN to the casting agent.

If it’s an audition where you’ve had time to prepare it’s

absolutely acceptable and advisable to come prepared with TWO

ways to play the scene.

Don’t forget it is YOUR AUDITION.

Don’t be afraid to speak up in the audition room.

Ask questions if you need clarity. And let

them know that you have an alternative way of playing the scene.

The casting agents will be impressed and the directors will see

more of your range. Go for opposite choices. If you’re going to

offer an alternative make it obviously different.

If you offer an alternative way of playing the scene and they

still don’t think it works GREAT try what they are suggesting

and you have a whole range of your work on tape for the director

to work with.

So, Remember, an OPEN MIND and the ability to let go of any

preconceived ideas, LISTENING to the important information from

the director via the casting agent, and having an ALTERNATIVE

way of playing a scene are vital to your ACTING SUCCESS. You

will leave an impression that makes you someone people want to

work with.

To Your Acting Audition Success

Leanne Mauro