So, you've decided to embark on the thrilling journey of auditions – congratulations! Whether you're envisioning yourself on the silver screen, commanding the stage, or captivating tv audiences, auditions are your ticket to the spotlight. But before you step into the audition room or set up your self-tape studio, it's essential to understand the unique language of the audition process. Fear not, aspiring actors! In this blog post, we'll demystify 10 essential audition terms that every beginner actor should know. So grab your script, polish your performance, and let's dive in!
1. Slate: When asked to slate, you'll introduce yourself to the camera or casting directors before beginning your audition. Usually containing name, height, home base, where you are filming and a full body wide shot.
2. Self-Tape: In today's digital age, self-tapes have revolutionized the audition process. A self-tape is a video audition submitted by the actor, typically filmed at home or in a designated space. Follow specific instructions provided for self-tape auditions and showcase your best performance on camera!
3. Sides: Sides are excerpts from a script provided to actors for audition purposes. These scenes or dialogue excerpts are relevant to the character(s) being auditioned for. Study them, memorize them, and bring them to life to impress casting directors!
4. Breakdown: A breakdown is a description of the characters and roles being cast for a production. Casting directors use breakdowns to communicate specific requirements and characteristics of each role to actors and talent agencies.
5. Eye-Line: Eye-line refers to the direction in which an actor looks on set or in a self-tape. Maintaining consistent eye-line is crucial for interacting convincingly with other characters or objects, even if they're not physically present.
6. Cold Read: A cold read is a performance of a scene or dialogue without prior rehearsal or preparation. Cold readings are often used in auditions to assess an actor's ability to quickly interpret and deliver a performance on the spot.
7. Off-Book: Being off-book means that you've memorized your lines and can deliver them without referring to a script. Perosnally I am FAR more concerned that you have connected to the character than memorizing your lines!
8. Self-Submission: Self-submission refers to the process of actors submitting their auditions directly to casting directors or casting websites, often through online platforms or email. Take advantage of self-submission opportunities to showcase your talent and increase your chances of landing auditions.
9. Callback: A callback is a follow-up audition or interview where actors who have made it past the initial audition stage are invited back to audition for specific roles. It's your chance to further impress casting directors and directors and secure that coveted role!
10. Range: An actor's range refers to their ability to portray a wide variety of characters, emotions, and styles convincingly. This can be age, accent, class etc and usually can be found in the breakdown.
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