Auditioning for TV – How To Prepare For A Great Audition

Living room - tv set with sofa

A great audition can make or break your chances of getting a job in the industry.

If you’re prepared for an audition, you’ll be more likely to land the role. If you’re not ready for the audition, you’ll likely still get a callback, but it will be to tell you that they’re not interested in your work.

The first step to preparing for an audition is to know what they are looking for. This can be done by looking at the company’s

So It’s important to prepare for your audition because it is the first step you have to take to get cast in a TV show.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TV SHOWS?

pexels karolina grabowska 6660670
  1. Docudramas
  2. Dramedy
  3. Romantic comedies
  4. Sitcom 
  5. Reality TV
  6. Soap Operas

1. Docudramas

Docudrama is a type of drama that combines elements of documentary and drama.

It is a fact-based representation of real circumstances and is usually based on historical events. 

The 9 categories of docudrama : 

  • Monologues
  • Historical
  • Biographical
  • Contemporary
  • Religious
  • Documentarized Fiction
  • Aberrations
  • Partial Docudrama
  • Fictionalized Documentary

Docudrama Examples :

Movie - Apollo 13 cover image
Movie - 127 hour
Movie - Road to Guantanamo

2. Dramedy

Dramedies are hybrids that tell a story of both comedy and drama.

It may sometimes even be a tragedy.

Dramedies don’t usually tell jokes with punchlines, they tend to fo for an emotionally raw, uncomfortable and honest moment. 

3. Romantic Comedies 

“ The romantic comedy is a genre of movie, usually mainstream, that follows a fairly consistent formula: boy meets girl, silly stuff happens, low-intensity comedy ensues, mild disasters averted, boy and girl get married and live happily ever after, the end. ”Urban Dictionary

Characteristics of Romantic Comedies :

  • Contrived Meeting
  • Polar Opposites
  • Comic Friends
  • Happy Ending

Check out the Best Romantic TV Shows on Netflix.  

4. Sitcoms

The most important feature of a sitcom is that its episodes are often closed off and finite.

As the sitcom has only a short time frame. Half-hour shows.

A Sitcom is defined in accordance to a wide variety of factors such as :

  • Content
  • Narrative structure
  • Shooting style
  • Performance style
  • Types of actors
  • Programe length
  • Scheduling

Sitcom examples :

Comedy series - Louie
Sitcom - Friends
Sitcom - Parks and Recreation

6. Reality TV

Reality television documents unscripted real-life situations.

Reality TV is one of the most popular television genres.

It offers audience participation and shortens the distance between television celebrities and viewers.

Reality TV examples :

Reality TV - Survivor
Realoty Tv - The voice
Reality Tv- Shark Tank

7. SOAP OPERA

The representations constructed by soap operas are associated with daily life and society with the context in which they are immersed.

They appear 5 days a week.

Soap Operas are used to entertain and educate. 

They are one of the most-watched genres.

Soap Opera Examples :

Series - Dynasty
Soap Opera - Home and Away
Series - 90210

TIPS FOR TV AUDITIONING

1. Get a professional Headshot taken 

Black women smiling

As you know by now, a headshot is the first thing talent agents and casting directors will look at.

If the other actors have paid professionals to take their photographs, and you just took a selfie or a low-cost photograph, it will be tossed out. 

The image quality, composition, sharpness, etc.. , matter! 

Don’t take shortcuts, find a good headshot photographer because it is the number one marketing tool you have as an actor!

2. Commitment 

Word - Do

You need to be committed on stage.

Don’t give in to fear or doubt because it will hold you back from making good choices. 

Always try to be easy to communicate with and show up before your call time.

You need to know your character, lines and be well prepared to deliver.

3. Confidence

Rectangular box with the words - Self care isn't selfish

Self-confidence comes from how you see yourself. 

In order to develop your confidence, you need to listen to your inner narrative and talk to yourself in a positive, non-judgmental way.

When you arrive for the audition; leave all your nervous or negative feelings outside.

Have good body language, smile, and try to make a lasting impression.  

4. Read the script

Understand the character, emotion, and context of the scene.

You should read your script many times and be ready. You may be asked questions about the script, so be prepared.

5.  Learn the lines 

Women sitting down and reading a book

You should have the capacity to cram all that text into your head and then regurgitate it on cue.

There are many ways you can do this :

  • Write your lines out
  • Read the lines aloud
  • Run lines with your friends or family 
  • Use a mnemonic device
  • Break it down 
  • Chunk it up
  • Take a walk or move around when your saying your lines 
  • Test/Quiz yourself 

6. Character 

Sign that reads - Questions and Answers

You need to ask questions like :

  • Who am I?
  • What characterstics, metaphors, or personifications are used to describe me?
  • Where am I?
  • When is it?
  • Where have I just come from?
  • Where have I been prior to each of my stage entrances? How does this affect me verbally and physically? What would I like to see or do when I enter?
  • What do I want?
  • Why do I want it?
  • How will I get what I want?
  • What will happen if I don’t get it now?
  • What do I have to overcome?

Websites to find auditions for TV ?

1. The Mandy Network | Jobs for actors, performers, filmmakers and production crew

Mandy is known for being; the largest, most diverse creative community for actors, film and TV crew and other professionals across many different areas.

With over 6,500 new auditions and production jobs posted every month, the Mandy Network provides industry-leading tools which empower creative professionals like you to connect and find jobs across all sectors of Film, TV, Theatre, and Commercial Production.

2. Cast Caller

Castcaller is a platform that connects actors and models with casting directors and agents.

Their platform helps their clients create a portfolio of photos, videos, auditions, demos, and resumes, and connect them to casting directors, agencies, film production companies, and more.

3. www.nycastings.com

NYCastings is one of the major established casting networks and has been in business for over 20 years.

They cast Actors, Models, Dancers, Singers, Voice-Over Artists, and live Acts all over the industries hot spots.

NYCastings is a Casting Breakdown Service used by Castings Directors, Producers & Content Creators to Cast SAG-AFTRA, Actors Equity Association & Non-Union Talent. 

4. Backstage | Auditions, Casting Calls, Jobs, Talent Seeking,   Advice

Founded in 1960.

Backstage is the worlds leading resource for actors and performers worldwide.

As one of the largest casting services,

Backstage is the premier resource for all your professional casting needs. With a vast number of roles, you can easily land auditions that fit your skillset and schedule today!

5. Casting Frontier: Auditions & Casting Calls | Casting Talent

Casting Frontier provides an easy-to-use platform to find, audition, & book top acting talent.

Casting Frontier has the largest talent databases and casting call listing service in the U.S. 

With Casting Frontier, you can easily find, audition, and book top acting talent in the U.S.

The company also provides a database of high-quality headshots for actors to use for their auditions with their profile pictures prominently displayed on Casting Frontier’s website.

Conclusion 

In order to have a good TV audition, You need to know your character, lines and be well prepared to deliver.

You need to understand the material you’re playing for.

If you have an audition to prepare for, make sure you check out this blog.

Leave a comment with your opinion or any questions you may have below…

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