I haven’t had a “real” audition in years.
What do I mean by that?
Usually, I “audition” as a technicality. The director knows me, the producers know me, they know my work, but they still have to follow the process, right?
Sometimes, if it’s an indie project, the audition is forgone altogether.
Here’s what people are afraid to admit in the acting world:
Auditions are not the goal.
Auditions are what you do when you are an unknown talent.
Lemme ‘splain …
The Acting Game is Not What You Think
Most actors think the acting game looks like this:
Get lotsa of auditions -> Get better at Auditions -> Book more roles -> Build Career
But that’s not quite how the real careers are made. That’s not really how the regular job market works.
It’s like trying to get rich by being really good at job interviews. Sure, it helps. But eventually you realize the people making the real money aren’t interviewing at all.
They know somebody who gets them in the door.
Think about it.
Your favorite actors have directors that love them and work with them over and over again.
That gives their career real traction.
Denzel has Spike
Samuel L. Jackson has Tarintino
Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos make some of the most bizarre and awesome films … together.
When a great director finds a great actor, they stick together … usually for the rest of both of their careers.
You are optimizing for the wrong thing
I used to OBSESS over auditions, because that was what we were told what the “job” of acting was. I’d practice my slate, to try to sound natural but articulate yet cool. I’d drill my monologues until they didn’t sound like a human was talking anymore. I’d stress about what to wear. Show up early (that’s always good). I’d do this over and over again.
It was … fine. I’d book some stuff. Get callbacks.
But I was exhausted.
Last minute self-tapes. Long hours waiting for your chance at the casting office hoping you don’t get fired from your survival job.
It sucks.
Here’s the deal.
The real reason you have to go through all of this?
Auditions are for strangers.
… and you are the stranger.
Once people know about you …
Once people know what you can do!
They just call you.
The Shift: Best auditioner to best actor
I stopped trying to be the best auditioner.
I started working on being the most prepared actor.
Did I still have to audition to get into some doors?
Yes.
But once I got in, my goal was to be the best actor they have ever worked with, so that they had to work with me again.
Case in point:
I was supposed to do this one off commercial for a credit union.
The client loved my preparation and performance (as well as the people at home watching the commercial) so much that I was signed on for a “mini-series” of commercials.
Or …
… my favorite directors who always reach out to me when they have a project, regardless if their is a “role for me” because they know they can depend on me.
So, being the most prepared actor means doing the things you do for auditions on a larger scale.
See, everybody shows up to auditions prepared. That’s the bare minimum.
They memorize their sides. They make “strong” choices for the character. They wear their “perfect” audition uniform.
But, what would happen if you showed up to the first rehearsal just as prepared.
I decided to show up at the first table read off-book …
… that changed everything.
And I know … it’s kinda insane.
Most actors don’t get off-book until week two. Some are still not off-book on opening night (we know what it’s like to work with that guy).
Here’s what I discovered happens when you show up , DAY ONE, with the entire script memorized:
- The director notices. Immediately.
- Your scene partners notice. They’re kinda annoyed because they look bad … but they’re also impressed.
- You’re not wasting brain space on what your next line is, which allows you to actually start building your character and performance while everyone else is still … reading.
- This is the big one - word spreads about the actor who showed up completely off-book to the first read-through.
Theatre communities are small.
Directors talk to directors. Actors talk to casting people. You will be discussed in the best positive light possible.
Suddenly, you’re not a good actor …
… you’re “that prepared actor who takes it seriously” …
… but doesn’t make it weird. lol (I’m pointing to those loopy method folks over there).
So, I don’t Audition Anymore …
… I get calls like: “Hey, we’re doing this show. You interested?”
Or: “I’m directing this thing and I thought about you immediately.”
Or my favorite: “I had somebody drop out. Can you learn this role in a couple of days?”
And I can. Because I’ve been doing it all along.
I’m not special.
I was not this naturally talented actor from day one.
In fact I can remember a time when I had only one line in a scene, and couldn’t even remember that.
I’m not smoking hot, or tall, or super charismatic (in fact I’m a huge introvert).
But, I am a person who shows up ready.
And in an industry full of beautiful, talented, charismatic people who show up … kinda ready ???
Being ready ready is a big competitive advantage.
Audition rich … Acting poor
Being good at auditions doesn’t mean you’re a good actor.
Being a good actor doesn’t matter if you hide it behind inconsistency.
Being a marketable actor doesn’t matter if you’re forgettable.
Being prepared makes you unforgettable.
And unforgettable actors don’t audition …
… they get offers for roles.
Exiting the audition hamster wheel
If you want to build a reputation instead of just a resume …
If you want directors fighting to get on your calendar instead of you fighting to get on their radar …
Start showing up off-book.
I promise you - it’s the laziest way to look like the hardest worker in the room.
The actual system that I use to memorize scripts stupid fast without losing my mind is now an online self-paced course!
I try my best to bring levity to the acting space. But I do take getting cast very seriously.
That’s why I named this entire project The “Off-Booked” Method, because I want to help you …
Get Off-Book. Get Booked More Often.
Alright, go memorize something.
Deuces.
See you next week!
