Audition Tips

Qualities That Get You Noticed in the Audition Room

Have you ever wondered what exactly a casting director is looking for when you walk into that audition room? Check out this excerpt of an interview with casting director Michelle Gertz. She’s been in the business since the mid-90’s and definitely knows what she is talking about! Here’s her website.

BSM: When an actor gets in the audition room, what qualities make you take notice?
MG: I immediately notice if an actor is prepared. That means doing the research before hand to know about the project, to research all the players (ie: director, writer, producer, casting) and to have a good sense of the character and material. It is always apparent if an actor is asking a well thoughtout question or if they are just asking a question to fill time and to stay in the room longer. I always tell actors, if you do all the necessary leg work, come in prepared, make a choice, and show your stuff. You can leave and feel good about what you’ve shown us. Of course, there is that certain ’something’ that is apparent immediately in some actors. Very few have it, but those that are blessed with that “IT” factor, can usually get away with more in the audition room because they are special enough for a CD to work with. There has to be a likability in any actor. I always say, ‘how can i watch this person the whole movie, how am I suppose to care about this person on screen .’ Most of the actors that have made the best impression on me have not been cast for that particular project. It is always 2 or 3 or 4 projects down the road and that first impression lasted enough for me to continue to bring them in and to find the right part for them.

You can read the rest of this fantastic interview here.