Audition Techniques for Film and Television
Expert-defined terms from the Executive Certificate in Acting for Film and Television course at London School of International Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Audition Techniques for Film and Television #
A comprehensive glossary of terms
1. Accent #
A particular way of pronouncing words, associated with a specific region or country. Actors may be required to use an accent different from their own to convincingly portray a character.
2. Audition #
A tryout for a role in a film or television production, where actors perform a selected scene or monologue for casting directors and/or producers.
3. Callback #
A second or subsequent audition, often involving more in-depth readings or screen tests with other actors.
4. Cold Reading #
Reading a script or lines aloud without prior preparation, often used in auditions to test an actor's ability to quickly grasp a character and their motivations.
5. Character Breakdown #
A detailed description of a character, including their personality, background, relationships, and objectives.
6. Cold Reading Techniques #
Strategies used by actors to quickly analyze and perform a script during a cold reading, such as identifying the character's objectives, relationships, and emotional state.
7. Commercial Audition #
An audition for a role in a television or online commercial, often requiring specific skills such as comedic timing or physicality.
8. Dialogue #
The conversation between two or more characters in a script, requiring actors to listen actively and respond authentically.
9. Direct Address #
Speaking directly to the camera or audience, often used in monologues or interviews.
10. Monologue #
A speech given by a single character, often used in auditions to showcase an actor's range and emotional depth.
11. On #
Camera Audition: An audition that is recorded and reviewed by casting directors, allowing them to assess an actor's on-screen presence and charisma.
12. Preparation #
The process of analyzing and memorizing a script, researching the character and their background, and practicing the lines and delivery.
13. Scene Study #
The practice of breaking down and performing a scene from a script, often used in acting classes and workshops to improve audition techniques.
14. Self #
Tape: A recorded audition submitted by an actor, often required for out-of-town or remote auditions.
15. Slate #
A brief introduction of oneself on camera before performing a scene or monologue, including the actor's name, agency, and any relevant experience or training.
16. Stanislavski Method #
A technique developed by Konstantin Stanislavski that emphasizes emotional truth and authenticity in acting, often through the use of sense memory and imagination.
17. Subtext #
The underlying meaning or emotion in a script, often unspoken or implied, that actors must interpret and convey through their performance.
18. Table Read #
A rehearsal where actors read through a script together, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the dialogue, structure, and pacing of the story.
19. Tape Marks #
Small pieces of tape placed on the floor to indicate where actors should stand or move during a scene.
20. Typecasting #
The practice of assigning roles to actors based on their physical appearance, personality, or previous work, often limiting their opportunities for diverse or challenging roles.
21. Voiceover #
A recorded narration or dialogue that is played over visuals, often used in documentaries, commercials, or animated films.
22. Warm #
Up: The practice of stretching and practicing vocal exercises before an audition or performance, to improve focus, flexibility, and breath control.
23. Wardrobe #
The clothing and accessories worn by actors, often chosen to reflect the character's personality, social status, or occupation.
24. Casting Director #
The person responsible for selecting actors for a film or television production, often working with producers and directors to find the right fit for each role.
25. Crew #
The team of professionals who work behind the scenes on a film or television production, including camera operators, sound engineers, and lighting technicians.
26. Director #
The person responsible for overseeing the creative and technical aspects of a film or television production, guiding the actors' performances and shaping the overall vision of the project.
27. Producer #
The person responsible for financing, organizing, and coordinating a film or television production, often working with the casting director and director to ensure the project stays on schedule and within budget.
28. Rehearsal #
The practice of running through a scene or script multiple times, allowing actors to refine their performances and build chemistry with their co-stars.
29. Screen Test #
A recorded audition where actors perform a scene with other actors, often used to assess their chemistry and compatibility for a particular role.
30. Set #
The physical location where a film or television production is shot, often featuring elaborate sets, props, and lighting equipment.
31. Slate Shot #
A close-up shot of an actor's face as they introduce themselves on camera, often used in self-tapes and on-camera auditions.
32. Sides #
A selection of pages from a script, often used in auditions to allow actors to focus on a specific scene or dialogue.
33. Understudy #
An actor who learns and rehearses a role as a backup, often in case the primary actor becomes unavailable or unable to perform.
34. Video Village #
A group of directors, producers, and crew members who watch and review the filming from a monitor or screen, often located in a separate area from the set.
35. Wrap #
The end of filming for a scene or a production, often marked by a party or celebration.
36. Zombie Audition #
A type of audition where actors are asked to perform a scene without any context or direction, allowing the casting director to assess their instincts and creativity.
Additional Resources : #
Additional Resources:
The Actor's Guide to Auditioning by Joanna Merlin #
The Actor's Guide to Auditioning by Joanna Merlin
Audition #
Everything an Actor Needs to Know to Get the Part by Michael Shurtleff
The Art of Acting by Stella Adler #
The Art of Acting by Stella Adler
An Actor Prepares by Constantin Stanislavski #
An Actor Prepares by Constantin Stanislavski
The Screen Actor's Handbook by Stephen Book #
The Screen Actor's Handbook by Stephen Book
The Actors's Guide to Getting Work by Katie O'Brien and Paul Clayton #
The Actors's Guide to Getting Work by Katie O'Brien and Paul Clayton
The Art of Auditioning #
Every Actor's Guide to Landing Roles by Karen Kohlhaas
Auditioning for Film and Television #
The Complete Guide to Commercial, TV, and Film Auditions by Tricia McKenzie
Challenge #
Choose three terms from this glossary and create a one-page scene that incorporates each term in a meaningful way. Share your scene with a friend or mentor and ask for feedback on how well you incorporated the terms and conveyed the meaning of each one.