Actor interviews - making the most of what happens around the audition

Now it may be that during a professional audition process, your first audition or two are self-tapes that you’ve submitted online... but at some point in the process, as you get closer to being chosen, you are going to meet real, live people - in person!

You’ll likely meet the casting director and director, or maybe a producer, or other actors and personnel assigned to the project. It may be that you have to do a live audition for the panel, and they are wanting to see what you can do as an actor - or alternatively, you might be coming in for a “meet and greet” style interview.  

The person you are when you walk into that room needs to be someone who is warm and willing to interact with others. You can prepare for this in the same way that you would prepare for an acting audition. Consider these important aspects of self-presentation.

1. Know who you’re talking to. Research the company or personalities you’ll be meeting with. Google is your friend. Don’t limit yourself to just a social media search – social media won’t tell you what awards a person has won or what movies they’ve produced in the last ten years. So always research thoroughly, if you know any of the names of the people you’ll be meeting.

2. Prepare your story. Think about what questions they may ask you in advance. Inevitably, they’re going to ask, “Tell me about yourself.” Don’t just give your age and place of birth – boring! Tell a little story that they’ll remember. It doesn’t have to be your whole life story – maybe something you did that morning that reveals something about your personality, or something about your dog and how he really shows up your character. It can honestly be anything, but make it memorable – and tie it back to personal information that is appropriate to reveal in the context of an interview.

3. Be aware of your body language. Are you open or closed with your body language? If your arms and legs are crossed, you’re going to look uncomfortable. Relax. Think about your posture. Smile. Make eye contact with others.

4. Don’t speak ill of anyone. While you’re being asked questions, don’t have a whinge about your last director, even if asked, or an actor you’ve worked with before. It’s really unprofessional and will bring negativity into the room. They may be testing you to see how respectful you are and whether they want to work with you.  

5. Listen carefully. Don’t get distracted by nerves – consciously listen and focus your attention on the questions you receive, and take time to answer them fully. If there are pauses in conversation, just wait - don’t try to talk too much to fill the gaps. If they have another question, they’ll ask it when they're ready.

6. Close confidently. You can end your interview or conversation really well by making a positive statement, such as thanking the panel for the opportunity or for their time, and shaking hands where that’s appropriate. Don’t overstay your welcome. Be professional, finish well, and hot-tail it out of there! They may have lined up someone else to come in straight after you. Respect their time.

Bear all these things in mind when you meet the creative team, and you’ll present a great impression. Think: warm, calm and confident. They are checking whether you're going to be a good person to work with. Do these things, and you’ll not be forgotten afterwards.