open castings - tips and advice

[Jellybabies]

hi everyone, in a few days im attending an open casting ( I cant say what its for though sorry! ) and its the first open one I've ever been to.

I was just wondering, what should i expect, and what is it likely i will be asked to do?

also does anyone have any tips or advice about how to act or what to do to stand out? for example anything in particular that you should wear?

thanks all of you!!

[pg]

It's a bit difficult to offer advice if we don't have an idea what it's for!

Here are some thoughts:

1. If it's for a commercial - wear something that is appropriate for the casting brief, if you get cast it will generally be because you look right.
2. If it's for a film - again, if you know something about the character, go to your wardrobe and think "what would I pick out of here if I were this person". If you don't know anything about the character, go in what you feel comfortable in. You don't need to be super-smart, just clean, fairly neat and not too fussy.
3. If it's for TV - think along similar lines as film.

Be prepared for a long wait, for there to be lots and lots of people and possibly very little time in front of the people doing the casting.

You will probably need to fill in a registration form and you may then be given a script to look at (so then you will have an idea of what you will be expected to do). You will probably have a photo taken before you go in to the casting. Don't worry too much about what you will have to do - they will tell you! Try to make sure you really listen to what they ask you to do and don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you need it.

Be friendly, positive and polite to everyone you meet at the casting - you never know who is going to be in on the decision making!

Good luck and please report back to NAPM about your experience!

[bruno2]

I think pg has told you everything you need to know. Good luck.

[siohip]

good luck...
Enjoy it.
am confused though why you can't say what it's for if it is indeed an open casting?

[pg]

ooohhhh... the penny has just dropped. When you say you can't say what it's for, it's because you don't know isn't it? Is it the film one from screen terrier posted in General Auditions?

If so, just go as you are , wearing whatever you feel comfortable wearing. I shouldn't "dress to impress" if I were you - you will be chosen (if you are chosen) because of who you are. If it is this one, I suspect there will be a lot of people there so make sure you take snacks/drinks, a book/something to do. As there is so little information, there is nothing you can do to prepare really!

Good luck

[siohip]

now ...that makes sense. My brain felt heat mushed yesterday and I thought I was just missing something ( not unusual!)

[Jellybabies]

yes sorry i didnt make that clear - i dont actually know what it is for! and actuallly its next week ( i thought it wasthis saturday not next saturday!)

[xebonykissesx]

Yeah, it's not for a while yet. Completely agree with everything already said.

Just from experience, you do find that it's a really tedious wait, sometimes a few hours, only to be asked a question about yourself and have a picture taken. Most of the time it goes entirely on looks alone.

Good luck!

[Jellybabies]

great, thanks for all your advice! how far before 10 do you think i should i actually get there?
so for clothing would you just suggest sort of casual clothing, in maybe a bright colour? thanks!

[xebonykissesx]

Well it says not to get there too early, however there are always a lot of people, so it might be an idea to get there early and see how many people are around, maybe go for a coffee or something before you get in the queue (theres a starbucks nearby and so on).
As for clothing, im not sure it makes much difference, just go in what you feel comfortable, if you want to wear a bright colour then go ahead but i doubt this will have much of an effect. Good luck!