Actors often feel powerless at commercial auditions. It's understandable when they have to sit in a room with a dozen or more actors, wait up to an hour or are rushed in with little or no preparation, get confusing direction and walk out of the audition feeling like they could have done a better job. Commercial auditions are not conducive for actors doing their best. There are several actions that can be taken to help you feel confident, prepared and empowered to do better audition:
When there is copy, get it in advance. There are on-line websites that provide the commercial copy for which you will be auditioning. The material is usually available a day or two before your audition. Join the sites so that you have access to your audition material when available. The more time you have with copy in a quiet environment the better your preparation.
Arrive early to your audition. Never be late or on-time because you won't have options if they are on time. You need to get settled, focused, adjust your hair, make-up or wardrobe and review the audition material. When you are early you have options. If they are running late sign in and prepare. If they are on schedule then hold off signing in, take the audition material, leave the room and prepare until your time.
If you have questions, ask the assistant so you understand the material and what is expected to get the most out of your preparation. If you are not sure how to pronounce a word or the product name, ask. It is best to ask questions before you rehearse then to make corrections in the audition.
Prepare for cue cards. The main problem actors have with cue cards is adjusting to how the words are laid out on. It's never written out the way it is on the script, -which gets confusing. Whether you have the material in advance or get it at the audition, write the copy several times so that in each version the number of words on each line lay out differently.
With each rehearsal look at a different version so that you don't get locked into seeing the copy only the way it is on the original script. This should make it easier to adapt to however it is written on the cue card.
When doing a commercial scene, find your partner and rehearse. Especially when working with a child, - spend time getting comfortable with each other and the material. Ask the casting assistant whom you will be working with or look at the sign-in list and figure it out. Then rehearse with your partner. There are actors who don't want to rehearse. In that case, find the next one on the list and work with them. If you work well with that actor, ask the casting assistant to audition with him/her. If they say "yes", you have helped your audition. If they say "no", you'll still have had the benefit of rehearsing with someone.
When you must wait, be creative. Keep focused on your preparation and not the frustration.
IN THE AUDITION
After receiving direction from the casting director, the session director or the director, if you need clarification, ask questions. You have the right to be clear before starting. Don't ask "needy" questions i.e. "When are callbacks? Or do you think I should do it again?" Questions are only irritating when they are unnecessary.
Don't allow yourself to be rushed. If those running the session seem hassled and rude, stay centered and focused. Breath, take the few seconds you need before speaking and don't speed through your audition.
When you are unhappy with your audition or have an alternative interpretation, ask to do it again or to do second version. I suggest you politely ask: "If you have time I would like to do it again (or my second interpretation)". The worst they can say is "no". It is not a foul to ask.
At an initial audition, after auditioning with someone who is obviously an amateur, let your partner leave the room and if appropriate talk to the session director. Politely say that you wouldn't mind waiting and working with another actor. Don't speak negatively about the person with whom you just worked. The session operator knows. Often if there is time they will allow you to come back in and audition again.
These actions will help you feel empowered to do better auditions.
