AUDITION CHECKLIST   Tips from Casting Directors Donise Hardy, Beth Sepko and Jo Edna Boldin:   BEFORE THE AUDITION   §          Always book out with your agent, even if you will only be unavailable one day. §          Have pen and paper next to each phone to take down audition info. §          Let your agent do the talking to give you information rapidly; remember that your agent has many calls to make. §          Always make a list of any matters you need to discuss with your agent before making the call, in order to be concise and not forget anything.   On the phone with your agent:   1.      WHO is the casting director, director, producer?  Get relevant names if possible. 2.      WHERE are the auditions to be held?  Confirm address.  (If you receive a callback, be sure to confirm that address as it may be held in a different location.) 3.      WHAT is the day and the date of the audition?  Callbacks?  Shoot dates? 4.      WHAT is the project?  (film, TV, commercial, industrial, print, music video, etc.) 5.      WHAT is my character?  Get description if possible. Wardrobe, hair, makeup? 6.      WHAT are the conflicts?  Do not accept any audition if you are unavailable for shoot. 7.      WHAT are the rates/usage? 8.      HOW MANY headshots, resumes and size sheets should I bring?  (You should always have at least 15 extras in your car!)  Staple headshot and resume back to back, making sure they are the same size!  This may not be done in the casting director's office! 9.      ARE sides available?  Script?  If available, have it emailed, faxed or go pick it up at your agent's office!  Work on the material in advance.  Check definitions and pronunciations.   IN THE LOBBY   §          Enter the office fifteen minutes before your call time.  If you need to pick up sides or a script, go in early, get the material and leave the office, coming back at the appropriate time. §          Sign in with assistant.  Be considerate!  They are busy!  Sign in, sit down, shut up. This isn't social hour. Focus on your audition. §          Check sides for changes. §          Have headshots, etc. in your hand, not in your briefcase. §          Check for changes in shoot dates.  If you have conflict, call your agent before you audition. §          Check callback dates with the casting assistant, NOT in the studio! §          Be presentable.  Depending on the part, good grooming is a must.  Don't wear perfume, aftershave or cologne...some people are sensitive. §          Don't bring friends or family to your audition. For children, ONE PARENT/ONE CHILD is the rule. §          Ask the casting assistant any questions you may have pertaining to the audition. §          Get rid of your chewing gum. §          Check your wardrobe, hair and makeup before the audition.   IN THE CASTING STUDIO   §          Have your sides or script in your hand.  Place your belongings in the space provided or on the floor out of camera shot. §          Greet people in the room with a smile and a simple "Good Morning/Afternoon".  Don't engage in conversation or initiate handshakes, etc. unless others initiate it. §          Go to the mark without being asked.  Ask pertinent questions before the tape rolls and be specific.  Not "what are you looking for?" or "when are the callbacks?" §          Let the casting director lead the session.  "Roll tape" is a camera cue, not yours. §          Listen. §          Do not argue with the casting director if given specific direction for your read.  Do what you are told to do. §          Don't slate unless asked.  If a casting director asks for your name, state it distinctly.  If the casting director says, "Slate, please" that usually means both your name and agency. §          Don't perform other business, such as hands and profiles, unless asked.  Don't do anything until directed to do so. §          Ask for preference for reading to reader or camera.  Film auditions are almost always to the reader. §          If asked to read the scene again, listen carefully to directions and try to make adjustments asked.  Hold onto sides until the callbacks have occurred. §          When the audition is over, say thank you and leave promptly.  Sign out with the assistant.   POST AUDITION   §          Follow-up questions should be directed to your agent.  NEVER CALL THE CASTING OFFICE unless they have called you first.   GENERAL RULES   §          Have your name on the lower right and agency logo on the lower left of your headshot. §          This is a job interview; treat it like one. §          Leave sex, politics and religion at the door together with any and all problems you may be having. §          Make sure your car is filled with gas, your tires are properly inflated and that you have accurate directions to the casting suite. §          During callbacks, you are usually expected to wear the same wardrobe, hairstyle, makeup, etc., unless specifically asked to change anything. §          Keep names and addresses of all parties involved. §          Write thank you notes for auditions and certainly for jobs you land!  It's called "Marketing"! §          Keep all conversation non-controversial, light and happy.  Don't go negative on anything! §          Be a professional.  §          Do not ask casting directors to sponsor your charitable causes (or buy your kids' school candy, girl scout cookies, etc.)! §          The casting directors want you to be brilliant and are on your side.  You wouldn't have the audition if they had not requested you.    You are already a winner - keep it in mind!