Ask A Stage Goddess - So What Do I Do At The Callback?

Congratulations for getting one step closer to booking that job! We’ve talked a lot about clothes and the video below addresses why you should go in looking exactly the way you did for the first audition so let’s talk about the process.

If you ever get a script before an audition, read it! It gives you so much more to work with and a clearer picture of how your character helps to tell this story. Read your sides over including stage directions for more clues on how to enhance your character. Like I’ve said before now is not the time to come up with something completely brand new from your first audition but sometimes little subtleties can make a big difference. Make strong choices and also be able to make adjustments. The team wants to know that you can hold your own and take direction. 

In the waiting room stay focused and avoid small talk with your fellow actors until after the audition. You’ll be to notice the same faces from audition to audition. You become friends with your peers over the years, however now is not the time for a reunion party. It is rude to those in the room and a distraction from what you are there to accomplish.

There are often a lot more people in the room at the callback. Producers, writers and of course the director. It is very serious business. This is not the time to chit chat, showoff or be cute (as my mom would say). The casting director will probably read with you and you may notice that they are more serious at this level. You’re trying to get a job and they’re trying to keep theirs. Remember they want you to succeed and even if you don’t book, they look good if you “do good”.

Stay focused, do your research and be prepared.

Try to be unattached to the outcome. Do your best and move on.

Some will, Some won’t, So what…..Next!

Ask A Stage Goddess - I Booked It! What's Next?

Congratulations you booked your first acting job!! Now the real fun begins.

Here’s what you can expect next:

You’ll get a couple of calls from production. One to check your email so they can send you a script and one from wardrobe to get your sizes for the clothes you will wear for your character. They will probably also set up a wardrobe fitting at that time.

When you get your script, read it! When you get to set, know your lines like the back of your hand. No one has time to help you with your acting. That’s your job. You will quickly find out how many people are involved for a particular production. They are all doing their specific jobs simultaneously so you have to be able to hold your own. There’s lighting people, set decorators, assistant directors, production assistants, producers, hair stylists, make up artists, background players, script supervisors, transportation and of course the director and your fellow actors. Just think of the credits at the end of the last movie you saw. It took all those people to tell this one story and you’re all working together.

Continue to develop your character but don’t create anything drastically different than what you did to get the job. When I was on the set of the movie The Terminal, I thought I would just try something big and crazy in one of our rehearsals and Steven Spielberg looked at me and said, “Carlease, you already got the part.” I will never forget that! As a matter of fact, the best training is on-the-job training. Acting & audition classes cannot truly prepare you for what you will experience in a sound studio or on location. I often suggest doing background work for my rising star clients (especially the young ones) who are just starting out because I think it’s beneficial to know what to expect on a set. It’s a whole new world of make believe but for the hours you are there it’s your reality.

Keep your work ethic high. Be remembered for being pleasant, professional and talented, so you will continue to book more fabulous acting jobs.

Ask A Stage Goddess - What Do I Wear For My Commercial Audition?

 The above video pretty much says it all but I would like to give you some specific examples of what it means to dress to suggest the character at a commercial audition. 

This photo is an actual audition notice from my commercial agent. In addition to all the details necessary for the audition, pay rate and usage of the spot, you will see Role Name, Role Description and Wardrobe. These 3 things will inform you on what to wear.  

In this case it’s OFFICE ATTIRE. This could be a dress, pants, skirt & blouse with a blazer or sweater for the women and slacks, button up shirt and tie for the men.

For UPSCALE OFFICE ATTIRE which could depict an executive, boss or manager, a nice business suit would be in order.

For NICE CASUAL I would wear the outfit I'm wearing in the video which includes gray pants and black boots. Men could wear nice slacks with a button up shirt (tie optional).

For CASUAL like a neighbor, a shopper or friend you could wear jeans with a nice shirt, T-shirt, or button up shirt for the men with no tie. I see a lot of guys with open plaid shirts in this category.

For UPSCALE CASUAL I have worn a nice black jumpsuit with a colorful scarf or body chain. Men could wear nice slacks with a jacket, shirt, no tie.

There are many more wardrobe categories and the region where the commercial will air can play a part in your choices but this should give you an idea of how and what to pick from your wardrobe. Ladies make sure your hair style matches the feel of the character, go light on jewelry in all cases, and apply your make-up accordingly. For all actors choose colors that look good on you and make sure you look neat and clean (unless otherwise stated).

If you were in a commercial as yourself what would you be wearing?