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Congratulations! You're in. You have an audition and whether it's tomorrow or next week, you need to be prepared...

Whatever happens, remember you got this far. You picture stood out and caught their eye...

"Al Pacino once said, ' The audition is the work.' It's not about getting the part as much as it is about acting-and you're acting when you are auditioning. So when you go into a room and you do your audition, come out of there and say, ' I acted today.' That is really important. The audition is your chance to act; let that be the reward in itself." - Risa Bramon Garcia C.S.A. The Actor's Encyclopedia of Casting Directors

What to wear...

Ok, seems pretty simple, but there are some basic rules for what to wear and how to look when going out on auditions for camera.

- DON'T WEAR WHITE....it either drains your face or makes it look white, green, red...any possible color of the rainbow...

- Please dress age appropriate to the part. Unless asked otherwise, stick to the Gap/Old Navy all-american type.

- Don't wear anything to loud, but wear bright solid colors that will attract some attention.

- Wear your hair exactly the way it is done in the photo that got you the audition.

What to bring...

- Always have you social security number with you.

- It's usually a good idea to bring in extra headshot and resume...you never know who you might meet...

- Bring water, a pencil, sides (if given to you). Bring some snacks if your expecting to be there awhile and any other activety that may relax you...i.e. music, a book. MAKE SURE YOU LISTEN FOR YOUR NAME!

Punctuality...

You may be surprised, but this is where many actors go wrong. Not being puntual has been listed one of the top pet peeves for casting directors in The Actor's Encyclopedia of Casting Directors.

- You would NOT want to screw up your audition by being late, so PLEASE, please, leave more than enough time to get where your going. Try to get in the H.O.V. lane if it's open...

Audition Etiquitte...

Your audition begins in the parking lot...

- Many times there are important people mingling around (even outside the building), listening for divas and stage parents with kids who don't really want to be there. This means, ALWAYS BE POLITE AND RESPECTFUL. Always say thank-you and pleases because you never know who you are talking to.

- Once you get to the audition, you will be directed to some sort of "sign in center".

It is time...your name has been called...

BREATHE!!!!!!!!!!

Please remember, the casting directors WANT YOU to be PERFECT. They want the day to be over knowing they found the perfect person. Usually they are very nice and tell you exactly what to do. If not, go in there, be proud, stare into the camera (if any) and slate. Then, begin the audition piece (If any). If you weren't given one wait for directions.

Expect anything...you may be asked to scream, sing (even if you're not a singer), do a split, dance like your life depended on it...BE READY FOR ANYTHING and be ready TO GO CRAZY! Don't try to play a guessing game. If you catch them off-gaurd THEY WILL REMEBER YOU! Make bold choices with whatever you do and you will stand out.

"One of the most important things that an actor needs to know is that we're not the enemy. When an actor comes in and does well, I could get up and kiss them. And often I do." - Leslee Dennis CSA, The Actor's Encyclpedia of Casting directors

Not seeing answers or have questions? E-mail me - actsafely@yahoo.com