Casting Notes for Actors: Thanks Ellen
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
Audition Wisdom: Practical Lessons for Actors
I love jotting things down—especially the kinds of insights about auditions and the acting business that you know you’ll want to remember later. Whether it's in a journal, copied into my notes app or scribbled on the side of an insurance form while I'm on the phone, it all works for me.
Fifteen years ago, Ellen Jacoby gave a workshop in her office in Miami about the 'biz.' Ellen has been a casting director for 40 years, finding actors for films such as Cape Fear,True Lies, and The Birdcage. During the two hours, this CD generously gave of her time. I made tons of notes, then copied them over the next day and stuck them in a word file. I found them recently in a folder marked 'Go Through This.' They are still great reminders of how to be a professional in the acting business.
Professionalism & Mindset
Memorize your SAG number
When leaving a voicemail, always say your name
Everything touches you, stay professional
Present yourself in a positive light. If you don't book a job, get the lesson from it
If you are positive, you ill come across as positive
No bitching when signing in. The girl at the desk will remember that.
Happy for the opportunity, happy that you're there
Give it your best because you never know
Lessons you learn are the ones that cost you the most
This is a business. You have to put your whole self into it. And mean it
You walk in that door, it's a risk
Learn to leave the negative outside
Leave your non-artistic life outside the room (I heard this valuable piece of advice in a recent class)
Preparation and Craft
Come in with the sides learned
You need to memorize the scene. You might not have time to memorize dialogue. Memorize thought process.
Acting is reacting. Listen and react to what the person is saying.
If the person reading with you is boring, you still have to work it. Always give it your all.
You can't waver. They see that if you do
You can always say 'Can I have a few minutes?'
Everything you do has to be for a reason on camera
Own it, get comfortable
"Leave your non-artistic life outside the room."
Presentation and Self-Tape Technique
Make sure the lighting is good
Lighting In front, not behind you
Everything to make you look like a professional
Know your frame
The space is yours, use it
Watch your hands-they make sound effects
When you use your hands, it's energy you're taking away from yourself.
Find softness. Make us smile, make us want to ask more about you
When you are self taping, people near the camera are louder. You have to be softer. Project your voice
Don't 'air' do anything (no air quotes)
You have to be in control of your audition
Talk About Yourself in the Room
When you're in the room and they ask you: Tell me a little bit about yourself
Short, sweet and something interesting, not on your résumé
Something that nobody else has
Has to sound fresh and not rehearsed
Ultimate goal: Make someone smile and ask you a question about what you just said Whatever makes us smile and chuckle is good for you
Find softness. Make us want to ask more about you.
Callbacks and Introductions
Go into the room and take your mark. Don't shake hands unless they extend theirs
'I'm represented by (Agent)'
'I'm reading for the role of senior flight nurse'
Career Awareness
IMDb--Keep it updated
Never ever tell your age. Give them a span of nine years, for example: 38-47 (Ask your friends and family
Perspective for the Actor
Don't be dejected when you don't get the part. If you got that far then you're really good. You're confident and you're someone that they want to work with.
Some lessons fade with time, but the best audition wisdom stays with me—quiet reminders of how to walk into the room prepared, trust my work, and leave knowing I’ve done my best.
