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Workshop #1

WORKSHOP ON “AUDITIONING TIPS”

The 1st of a series of AFTRA-ACNO (Arts Council of New Orleans) Workshops attracted about 90 New Orleans performers of ALL ages, colors and sizes.  The University of New Orleans was the setting for this much-expected event.

The workshop, presented by New Orleans casting director Tommy Staub, was a success and a clear message of the need for more training for local actors.

AFTRA and the ACNO partnership is the result of the organizations commitments to improve the professional standards of the New Orleans production market at a time when the Louisiana tax incentive legislation could attract bigger and more productions to the New Orleans market.

AFTRA would like to acknowledge the support and cooperation of Martha Little and Gene Meneray from the ACNO and David Hoover from the UNO.

Here are some clips of what casting director Tommy Staub had to say about the auditioning process:

Always ask your agent or the person contacting you what the audition is for, when, how much will the job pay, whether there are lines or sides.

• Rehearse in front of the mirror
• Be prepared
• Show up on time
• Bring current/updated head-shots with your name on the picture and your credits/resume/info attached to the back (include your agent, number where you or your agent can be reached, measurements and other relevant details about you, whether you are a member of AFTRA/SAG/AEA, avoid misleading statements.
• Do not bring family, friends or significant other along
• Turn off cell phones
• You may dress up for the part
• Don’t overdo the make up
• Don’t wear large pieces of jewelry
• Not necessary to bring props
• Don’t wear wigs – bring them along to try on if okay with casting director
• Don’t discuss how much you will be paid with others at the audition
• Indicate if you are available for background work (extra work)
• Listen carefully to directions/information given (VERY important)
• Don’t be afraid to show what you know if it’s okay with the casting director
• Give it all you got on the 1st try
• Look at the camera (if long hair, pull away from face without obstructing view for the camera)
• Don’t ask for a 2nd chance
• Find out when call back audition and job will take place
• For commercials, be prepared to act (react) in a compressed/minimal amount of time
• Be certain you don’t have conflicts with other commercials for competitive products you have appeared in the past
• Have fun in the process
• Don’t take rejection personally