Sometimes it can be tempting to lie about your weight, age, and acting experience. In the long run, however, this is a really bad idea. The most important thing to remember when talking to a casting director is… be honest. Wasting a casting director’s time, as well as your own, is never good for anybody.  So what information should you share and what is best kept secret? Read on for my next four acting tips.

1. If you’re a model then all of your measurement information should be made available. For actors, during the audition process you should be fine with height and a basic dress size for women or jacket size for men.  Once you’ve been cast and need to be fit for wardrobe, all other measurements are no longer secret.

2. Never lie about where you live. Don’t respond to ads for New York City locals if you live in Florida.  It’s a waste of a phone call when most likely the casting director is looking for someone available within the next 24 hours.  If you’re planning on being in the area already then put that in your cover letter.

3. Don’t exaggerate your abilities. If casting is looking for a skilled tap dancer and you’ve taken one class, you’re probably not the right fit.  Expectations will be high when you walk on set or into a rehearsal space so don’t put yourself in an awkward situation.

4. Your personal life is off limits, unless you want to share it. If an AA meeting is being shot and you have a history with alcoholism, don’t feel like you need to share that information to get the part.  Roles will be chosen based on auditions.

Keep these in mind at your next audition and you’ll have an upper hand for sure!

By: Casting Director Renee Godbout

Tags: Casting Director Renee Godbout