The Official Newsletter Of The New Collective LA Acting Studio
The In Person Casting Session
Remain Open & Arrive Early
Recently, many actors I work with have had the chance to experience in person auditions again. While self-tapes and virtual auditions are now the norm, there’s something special about the energy of being in the room. However, for some, it’s been a long time since the last in-person audition, and others may have never experienced one at all.
The key to navigating these auditions starts with your approach: remain open and arrive early. Every casting office has its own vibe—some are relaxed and welcoming, while others can be tense or chaotic. It’s essential to take care of yourself before entering the space.
Arriving early may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s crucial. Make sure you leave enough time to find the location, park, check in with security, and locate the right elevator or suite number. Many actors make the mistake of rushing in late, stressed, and frazzled—don’t let that be you. Have you ever seen an actor in the lobby, obviously running behind, looking frazzled and full of drama? Or worse—has that been you?
When you enter the audition, stay open. Remember, you're there to share your work, not to get caught up in the stress of the situation. Keep the drama in your character, not in the audition room.
Notes Are Good
If the casting director gives you an adjustment, or a note, it doesn’t mean that you did something wrong. Think about it: if they didn’t think you were good for the role, they would simply say, “Thank you,” and move onto the next actor. It also doesn’t mean that it’s bad if they don’t give you an adjustment. But a note is actually a good thing—it means they see potential and are testing whether you can take direction, which is an important skill for working with a director.
They Want You To Win
Casting directors dream of going home knowing that all of their problems of finding the right actors for their project have been solved. They want each actor to show up empowered, with their joy of acting and in command of their craft. Many times, actors project their fears and doubts onto the casting director. We unconsciously make them into critical figures from our past. But casting directors are on your side—they want to see you shine. Reminding yourself of this can help quiet your fears and doubts.
Crickets
"How did I do?" "Why no feedback?" "Why didn’t I get a callback?" The silence after an audition can feel deafening, but it's important to remember that no news does not mean no success. Casting often doesn’t provide immediate feedback, and just because you don’t hear anything doesn’t mean you didn’t do well. It’s part of the process. The real goal is to build a relationship with the casting team. If you've ever been called in for another project by the same office after a previous audition, that's your feedback. It means you are building trust. So, don’t get discouraged by the silence—focus on what you can control: your love for acting and your continued growth in your craft.
By staying open, arriving early, embracing notes, and understanding the nature of the process, you’ll not only improve your in person auditions but also build long-term relationships with casting directors who will want to cast you in their projects.
