Today is a first…three on-camera auditions at three locations in 75 minutes. I got the first audition, for a pilot, on the 29th. I found out about the second, an industrial, at around 1:30 yesterday. And the third, another industrial, at 4:30. I never know when the phone will ring or for what.
Sometimes they offer an audition time range, say 11-1, and you can choose a time. Other times, especially if the audition is at one of the big three casting agencies, you’re given a specific slot and can’t switch. Because the time for the third conflicted with the second, I had to quickly see if I could reschedule. I could. I don’t know if it would’ve worked out if I hadn’t been available to take the call about #3.
I don’t want to say no to an agent and miss out on an opportunity. The bigger the job, the more I want to go. Not only do I have to be available for the audition, but also for the shoot date(s). And if there’s a callback, that too. Sometimes they’ll just say, “The callback is on Thursday,” and not give a time frame. I’m grateful for my flexible schedule. Though one shoot date may conflict with a VO booking I already have….
The three locations aren’t too far apart, but if one place is running behind, getting to the next might be a challenge. I can’t let the pressure of being on time interfere with being in the moment.
#1 is a few short lines to memorize, with a Southern accent. #2 requires the use of my ear prompter…a small tape recorder onto which I record the 2+ minute script. Then via an earphone like news anchors wear, I play the recording back and repeat what I say, trying not to lose my place or look like a deer in the headlights as I listen to my voice. Try this with radio news…repeat what the anchor says.
I’m not quite sure how #3 will work because the script involves several people. Sometimes they’ll have a reader go through it with me, other times I’ll audition with other actors. We may or may not have a few minutes to rehearse.
Stay tuned…
