Audition for a TV Commercial

Actors of all ages, looks, shapes and sizes are necessary to help brands and companies sell and promote their products. Television advertising is still a popular way to influence consumers, so actors are constantly sought to play roles in television advertising. You do not have to be a professional actor or model to audition for a television commercial, but having a little experience in front of the camera will help you. Audition for a TV commercial by showing up prepared, delivering your lines perfectly and leaving a good impression with the director.

Steps

  1. Get all the audition details. Your agent or the casting director should provide you with information on the role you are auditioning for.
    • Dress according to the role. You may be instructed to wear something specific. If not, wear what seems appropriate. For example, if you are auditioning for a commercial that features a mom serving her kids lunch, wear something casual.
  2. Study the product or service you will be advertising. This will help you understand the purpose of the commercial.
  3. Arrive to the audition early. This will give you some time to collect yourself and get comfortable in the studio or location that your audition is taking place.
    • Get reliable directions so you arrive at the right place. Use a GPS system on your phone or in your car. If you are taking public transportation, make sure you have the route mapped out.
  4. Bring a headshot and resume.
    • Make sure everything is current. Your resume should list all of your relevant acting experience and include contact information. Your headshot should look like you and be professional.
  5. Treat everyone at the audition respectfully. It might be hard to tell who is the casting director and who is the janitor.
    • Be polite to your fellow actors as well. You want to make a good impression on everyone you meet when you audition for a commercial.
  6. Pay attention to the audition process. You will likely sit in a waiting room full of other actors until your name is called.
    • Follow all instructions. You will be quickly dismissed if you try to argue for any kind of special treatment or allowances.
  7. Present yourself professionally. Once your name is called to audition, introduce yourself clearly.
    • Stand where you are instructed to stand, and listen to any instructions on how to move. There may be a photographer taking pictures of you, and you might be asked to walk or sit depending on the commercial script.
  8. State your name. If you are asked to "slate," this means saying your full name.
  9. Say your lines. As soon as you get the direction of "Action" or "Go" or anything similar, say the lines that were provided to you before your audition.
    • Read directly from the script if necessary. Sometimes, your lines will be provided moments before your audition, and you would not have had any time to learn them.
    • Read from cue cards if they are provided. Many auditions for TV commercials use cue cards instead of scripts. These will be large posters will your lines on them that someone is holding up.
  10. Prepare to improvise. You might be asked to deliver your own lines based on the product or service the TV commercial is promoting.
  11. Thank everyone when you are finished. Leaving a good impression means being polite to everyone from the casting director to the receptionist who checked you in.
  12. Keep a thick skin. TV commercials are often looking for a very particular look when it comes to their actors. If this audition is not the right part, keep trying.

Tips

  • Remember that you are selling something. TV commercials depend on personality more than acting skill.
  • Acting is not always that simple, but you must try your best. Become your character. If your character is from a different time period, try living like them for at least a week.
  • Get an agent. If you want to make a career out of acting in TV commercials, an agent can help you find auditions and keep you connected to directors and producers who are looking for actors. Keep in mind that having an agent means you will have to pay that agent around 10 percent of anything you earn from acting.

Warnings

  • Do not make a fuss. Never touch anything when you are in the studio for your audition. Do not smoke, chew gum or eat during your audition. A bottle of water is usually acceptable, but nothing else.

Things You'll Need

  • Headshot
  • Resume

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Sources and Citations

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