Actors are trained to play characters. From when you first began to train the focus was on developing and being true to the character. With theater, film and television work, the actor's responsibility is to bring them to life. I believe it is different for commercials. Commercials are very short and the roles portrayed are targeted at a specific segment of the population. There is no time to establish a character in the majority of commercials. In a few seconds, it has to be clear whom the actors represent and their roles. Those watching must see a semblance of themselves in order to identify and be motivated to buy the product. This is why physical types and essences are almost as important as talent in commercial casting.

If you don't play characters, how do you prepare? I strongly suggest approaching the parts as ROLES YOU play. You play numerous roles in your life? I.E: Employee, boss, friend, spouse or significant other, child, parent, neighbor, student or teacher, working person or professional, etc.

Many of these parts featured in commercials, are roles you are or have played in your life. (Those for which you are physically right but haven't experienced should also be doable with a little work.) Approach your auditions using your feelings and reactions. Focus on how YOU would behave or react in the given situation not a character you create. It is easier, faster and you'll have better results when starting with the premise that "You are the Character playing a role".

TYPE CASTING

Although you play numerous roles in your life, there are some that suit you better commercially than others. Most of the time, the actors auditioning for specific roles fit designated physical descriptions, i.e.: age, ethnicity, looks, build, etc. Yet those getting the callbacks and bookings (along with their talent) have the look, personality and essence that read stronger for the occupation/role being cast. It is subjective but usually it is the general consensus of those casting. To demonstrate this; the next time you are with a group of people you don't know, play this game. Cast, as is appropriate to you, from the people you see:

Members of a Wedding Party:

Bride and groom, maid/matron of honor, best man, various family members, photographer, wedding planner etc.

Workers in a Business Office:

Boss, bookkeeper, human resource person, assistant, executives, computer technician, secretaries, receptionist, etc.

Those in a Suburban Neighborhood:

The family who has lived there forever, new to the neighborhood, residents with all the right products and those who don't, fast food delivery people, busy-bodies, those on the welcoming committee, etc.

You will see that most people distinctly fit a role or two in each scenario. If you have a friend who will play along, compare how similar you cast these strangers. You'll be surprised how you have been conditioned (by the media) to see specific types. This understanding gives you an insight into casting and helps to identify the roles that suit you best. Actors want to play a range of parts but being a strong commercial type often makes it easier to be cast in them.

IDENTIFYING YOUR ROLES

It is difficult to be objective about our image and the roles that we fit best. Start by studying yourself. Get feedback from teachers, friends and industry professionals. Watch TV and study magazine ads. See how your looks compare with those depicted in the media. When possible, watch yourself on tape. Identify the roles that best suit your look, personality and essence. For validation, run your role choices by teachers, agents and casting directors. Then work to develop the qualities of your roles in your classes and package them with your wardrobe, hairstyle and accessories. In my next article, I will address the power of "Your Packaging".

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