Auditions
Dr. Diane Howard
Always be careful in working with talent and casting agencies. Don't give money or credit card
numbers up-front. Do not pay to meet, read, or
audition. If you believe that you have been the victim of a scam, you can
file a complaint online with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/. The State Attorney General should also be notified. Mastercard has free
information on Scams and Flim-Flams at 1-800-999-5156. A watchdog group at www.fraud.org/internet/intset.htm also
keeps track of several illegal money-making schemes.
The Better
Business Bureau advises caution when dealing with talent/modeling agencies.
See http://www.license.state.tx.us/databases.htm
for
Legitimate, Licensed Talent Agencies
in TX. Also see www.DoNotPay.org.
See http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/model.ht
for information on modeling and talent scams. To search for the license of a Texas
Talent &/or Modeling Agency, see http://www.license.state.tx.us/LicenseSearch/.
From Dan Eggleston, Austin, TX- ...Please remind everyone that it is
ILLEGAL to charge someone for audition information or to
obtain a booking...Companies like this one will tell you that they are charging you for
your "web presence." Don't fall for this!!!
From Ken Farmer's PAG Notes, 2/07- ...When you go in for an
audition, there is usually a slot on the sign-in sheet asking for your
social security number. Do not, I repeat, do not, that's NOT, N-O-T, write down
your social security number on that sheet!!!
By law, only your employer or a governmental agency has the right to see your
SS# and you aren't hired yet...
Warning from Dan Eggleston-
If you come across something like this, the odds are likely 100% that it's a
scam.
Here's their "pitch." You will have instant access to amazing casting calls
with parts that are right for you - parts you can
apply to right away so you can get started immediately. You will get your own
unique Talent Profile, including
photo, so I can find parts that are right for you, and others can spot your star
potential.
You will be eligible to participate in our Superstar Talent Search, where you
can win incredible prizes
like a personal consultation with a Casting Director. You can access this all on
the Web any time you
like or you can even choose to have parts sent to you! If you are ready to be
discovered, there is simply no
easier way to get started. And it is absolutely free. A credit card is required
to ascertain your interest,
and will never be charged unless you choose to continue the service beyond the
Absolutely Free
period. You have my Iron-Clad 100% Guarantee. As your virtual casting agent, I
am in a fantastic
position to help you launch a career in show business. What's better, I can do
it right now, Absolutely Free,
if you respond immediately by accepting my invitation here. 10/03/07
I recommend the following considerations for preparing monologues for auditions:
- Choose a piece that you can uniquely and
powerfully deliver well.
- Do not choose a monologue that is common or
overdone. (In most cases, I would suggest avoiding monologue books. You can find scripts
online; however, I think it would be best to look for material with which you are already
generally familiar.)
- Choose something dramatic from a short story, novel,
or drama. (It does not necessarily have to be from a play script or screenplay. It could
be something you have formerly performed on stage or for performance of literature events
for forensics competitions.)
- It is usually not wise to perform something that you
have written yourself, but it could be something that you have adapted.
- I have performed my autobiographical scripts of
Martha Washington that I have developed from her letters for auditions with good directors' responses.
- Develop a monologue portfolio of material that is
ready for auditions.
I also recommend that you take classes and
workshops that prepare you for performing
cold readings, scripts, monologues, improvisations, and
interview auditions.
I suggest the following tips for auditioning for the
camera:
-
Read the audition materials, posting, sides, instructions...carefully
-
Do
your homework: Study the client (find information, photos... online), study
the characters for whom you are auditioning,
prepare to give the general appearance and impression of the character,
learn your lines and those of the other characters, prepare the character
(develop a back story, secret, motivations...)
-
Fully prepare the required number of attached headshots/resumes and size
sheets
-
Do
not wear cologne to the audition
-
Arrive on time but no earlier than 15 minutes
-
Sign-in with a an energetic smile
-
Look for sides/copies, if you have not received them in advance
-
Look for extra instructions, descriptions, storyboards for the project
-
Be
quiet and pleasant in the waiting area
-
Walk confidently into the audition in character and stand behind the mark on
the floor
-
Confidently and positively slate/give your name (and agent if asked and you
have one) to the camera
-
In Camera-Interviews, answer questions to the camera with enthusiasm but to the point
Best Wishes,
Dr. Howard
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