SERIOUS ADVICE TO ACTORS

Are these directed at anyone specific? They sound like they are to me.

Certainly not at any union members... where this wouldn't even be an option.

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and a suggestion to about resumes and headshots submitted via email save IT WITH YOUR NAME not some random file name. it makes it easier to save and retrieve

Best ...you are absolutely right. Although as a director i am not vendictive (sp) which is why i am trying to provide sound and serious advice. All actors need to understand that yes they are important components to the the theatre but not the only component and that the director works to coordinate these and everytime some one flakes it makes it that more difficult for everyone. But after a while yes even i get tired of people who brush off a show.....not wise...and not a good move if someone other than the director is watching.

Ugh...ACTORS.

:0)

I never hate actors more than when I'm stage managing or directing...but I know that the minute my actor hat comes on I become officially RETARDED. It's impressive, really.

But yes, many people learn really unprofessional habits early on. But a lot of the time those people are people without manners in general, and we call those people RUDE.

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Well, since we're on the subject, what the hel* are directors REALLY looking for in an actor? For example, at a musical audition, how important is acting to the song if you're a strong singer and how important is singing if you're a strong actor? I think alot of actors' frustration comes from not knowing what to do--is this song overdone? Does the director hate Jerry Herman? I'm not the type to accept and then back out, though a similar thing happened to me once: I got offered a show for peanuts here in NYC but had also auditioned for a show also in NYC that I really wanted to do--I told the 1st director about the other possibility, and she seemed to understand and cast someone else. And of course, I didn't get the other show. Lesson learned. But seriously, I'd like to know what you all think.

i can tell you from my creative process what i look for. but i have found from experience most other directors dont work this way.
first and foremost i look for committment to what you are doing..song or monolouge. and yes acting in a song go hand in hand, personally if your notes are perfect and i dont believe you understand the words..it makes no diff tome. remember songs are only monolouges set to music. there is a beginning a middle and end.
i look for willingness to work..to try. many actors that i have auditioned recently seem to act as though i dont understand my craft..and i do. but i also understand and make it clear to any actor that my process is a team process. TREAT the director WITH RESPECT.

Audition Choices...if you chose a song or monolouge you are committed to and some director says they didnt cast you because of your choice then consider yourself lucky. he doesnt know his craft. Auditions are not about the monolouge i like but what shows you off best..and if that is Jerry Herman..than so be it.
I personally do not look for the perfect actor, but the actor who will grow and be the best in the character i cast them in.

and good for you for being honest. better to be honest than to lie and then quit.then you just get a rep. remember many times final casting will be impacted by availability. and thats just not your fault.

glad to hear you arent letting these places get you down.
and the answer. one actor looked at me in an audition call back (mind you i have been doing this for 22 years) and said. are you sure that you know what this character is all about. that is a quote

I've always wondered what would happen if I just asked to cold read instead of performing a monologue--how do you think that would go over?

lildogs---You did the right thing, even if you think you screwed yourself up. You left a good and honest impression, and that counts for a lot. It will be remembered. I've seen casting directors years apart from audition to audition, and they still remember you. That's their job.

Directors (and casting directors, producers, etc.) would have to be crazy to think that you are only auditioning for their show. This shouldn't have to be spelled out for any of them. There are other theatres and other jobs, and lots of actors are out their looking for them. If they want you, they will pursue you. Do your best, respect the director and the production at the auditions... But you aren't expected to put your life and career on hold waiting for the phone to ring. Make your choices and keep moving forward. Hope that helps.

And WindyCityActor---Very nicely put! Good advice for all.

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It's been my experience that those individuals responsible for casting the production really don't care what you use...so long as you commit to the material, and that it shows you off to your best advantage.

Of course, if you are auditioning for a classical play....or if the theatre has specific requirments, you will need to honor that.

One of my best auditions was doing one of "Maggie the Cat's" speeches from "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," and I'm a 40ish, 6'3" guy!

If directors (especially in Community & High School Theatre) casted the best person for the role - the world would be a better place!

I have to disagree. Perfume...wear it..dont bathe in it.
two: Your audtion begins the minute you submit your headshot and resume
three: i dont want to love you. i want you to love your work and respect the process. i can dislike you and still appreciate that you work your ass off and really pull through.
and my casting issues are not on the shoulders of the actor.they are on my shoulders..if the actor is close to the role..then it is my job to teach/direct and assist them in getting the best performance out them that can be gotten.