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 - Why Is My Attitude So Important?

Being an actor requires a lot of flexibility. In your schedule, in your creativity and in your mind. Most of our job (especially in the beginning) is like being a doctor on call. You never know when that phone will ring from your agent with an audition. It can be after you’ve already planned your day or even while you’re right in the middle of something. Our first instinct is to be annoyed. Now we have to change our plans, make some calls, disappoint someone. Actually that’s OK. For a second. Take a beat, take a breath and re-group. The audition is an opportunity to get acting work which is our ultimate goal. It’s the major part of the process until you get to that level where you are offered roles and scripts to read based on your track record.

Also, if you have a negative attitude about what you’re doing it will show up in your work and in the audition room. Directors and producers hire people not only based on their talent, but they prefer to work with people who would be pleasant to have around for those long and sometimes arduous hours on set. Someone with an attitude of gratitude.

Be prepared to “flip the script” at any given moment. Sing Patti LaBelle’s song, New Attitude if you have to, but remember what it takes to stay in the game.

When’s the last time you had to make an attitude adjustment?