A casting call is a notice that is posted by a producer or casting director that is announcing a job opportunity for an actor; looking for parts in movies, television, on stage or even in a commercial. Typically talent agents or managers are the only people who have access to see the casting calls offered in Sydney. These opportunities are listed in a daily distribution called breakdowns. Depending on the importance of the role that is being cast, casting calls may be open to the public as well. That usually happens with productions that are community theatre or non-union films.
During the pre-production process in Sydney, the casting director, producer or director and or choreographer will select a cast for the production, this is an important part of the process for setting up for a successful production. Your agent will take and submit you for a casting call if they think you have the skills and will match up with the roles being casted for. If the casting director likes what they see, your look and experience they will then contact your agent to set you up for an audition.
With casting calls there are several stages involved. Your first audition, you will need to have an acting piece prepared, depending on the project. It may be a prepared monologue, usually those are a directed speech towards another character, this monologue should showcase your ability to play the role and if you are given sides, that will be what you use for your first audition. Sides are excerpts from the script you are auditioning for. Sides are typically performed with the director, he or she will be seated during and will read the other character’s lines off in a monotone, it is up to you to evoke the emotioned needed to portray the character and scene. Stage auditions will need you to have a song prepared, the song you chose should highlight your abilities to play the character and portray the scene.
If the actor or actress does well in their first audition in Sydney; they may get what is known as a call back, or second audition. At a callback, an actor will be required to perform the same piece they did in the first audition. However, at the call back, the casting director or director may give you direction on your performance. Oftentimes, they are testing your ability to take direction. Even if they thought you did an excellent job in your first audition, they will need to see your aptitude for working on set.
For print advertising or TV commercials, talent will be individually called into a room by a casting director, photographed with a Polaroid camera or put on video. All of the talent from that day is then viewed on a website by the clients. They might make a choice that day, the next or even a few days before the production begins in Sydney. Commercial and print casting calls occur more frequently than any other type.
One of the most important things to remember when going on a casting call is that preparation is everything. Even if you are not right for the role, you must leave a good impression with the casting director if you ever hope to be called in for another role. Acting classes and private coaching are invaluable in making your casting calls turn into leads in movies or on stage. Becoming an expert at casting calls is a sure fire way to turn your acting dreams into a reality in Sydney.
