You want to be kept in the loop, without being annoying and needy.  After you’ve arrived the day of the shoot, the best advice I can give you is to listen.

Follow my six tips on how to open your eyes and ears to your surroundings:

1. Listen for where you need to be so production can find you.
2. Listen for make-up & wardrobe when they come to fit you or apply your make-up.
3. Listen to the director’s instructions for blocking the scene.
4. Listen to the director’s critique after each take and adjust accordingly.
5. Listen for when you are wrapped for the day and if they’ll need you back.
6. Listen to other actors that might mention auditions that are coming up.

Just listen so nobody ever has to ask you to do something twice.  Good listeners make good actors. Break a leg!

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

PS – You could get a personal casting consultation with me today! Click here to learn more.

1. You do know the name of the script, so read it. If it’s possible to at least read the book it is based on then do it.  You’ll be able to understand the relationships between the characters and hopefully where the scene falls in the script.

2. Practice cold reading. Take a book or newspaper or magazine and read a line, then try to quickly  memorize it.  No one expects you to know the whole scene by memory but if you can go line by line and remember what you read, then you’ll be able to perform a scene with your head up.

3. Make sure your personality shines through and you don’t sound like you’re just reading the lines out loud.  Be careful not to gesture too much with the hand holding the script.  It can be very distracting for your audience.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

PS – You could get a personal casting consultation with me today! Click here to learn more.

So what else do you need to remember besides bringing your resume, showing up early, and having the material memorized? Here are my top 3 audition tips:

1. Be fully prepared. Don’t just know all the words, really know the scene. Find out the character’s back story.  Know where the scene falls in the script and your relationships with the other characters in the scene.  Have the dialogue so well memorized that you don’t even have to think about the words as they come out.  Being natural is key.  Bring a bottle of water, change for the meter if needed, and something to keep you occupied as you wait.

2. Keep your focus. Now is not the time to make friends with the girl next to you.  Or flirt with the boy in front of you.  Think about the character and the scene you are about to perform.  Turn your phone off.

3. Don’t forget to say thank you! Make sure you thank the casting director or producer you read for.  A follow up note is always a good touch.  Keep track of what auditions you go on and who they are with.  That type of information might be helpful in the future.  And that’s what you should now focus on.  As soon as you leave the audition, it’s on to the next thing until you hear back.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

PS – You could get a personal casting consultation with me today! Click here to learn more.

Most television and film work tends to start during daytime hours, although many films have night shoots as well. Theater, on the other hand, has the majority of their performances during the evenings and weekends. Unfortunately that means you need to make a choice.

Pursuing theater may be easier to do and maintain a normal 9-5 job, but it won’t lead into big bucks or fame. I recommend theater for those who are truly passionate about the art of acting. Because really it shouldn’t be about all the extra stuff anyways. Theater can also be done anywhere, so there’s no reason to relocate to Los Angeles or New York City. You can still live in whatever part of the country you enjoy and perform at any local theater.

If you really love the television and film industry, then it can be trickier but still doable. There are many jobs out there that are looking for people to work a late shift. Look into restaurants, dispatchers, operators, call centers, assistant editors, warehouse workers, or any number of other jobs that need people to prep for the next day’s work.

I recommend looking into daytime dramas or sitcoms that are shot with live audiences for opportunities that wouldn‘t interfere with work. Daytime dramas tend to wrap up around the same time every day and late nights are rare. Sitcoms shoot once a week so you would only have to worry about rehearsals during the daytime and getting one night a week free.

And if you are lucky enough to get a day player role on a film or television series, then use those vacation days. It’ll be well worth it.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

PS – You could get a personal casting consultation with me today! Click here to learn more.

The smallest accomplishments can be considered success. A featured extra role is great because you were chosen from a pool of talent by a casting director.

So what’s the best way to get noticed?

1. Send out a cover letter with your resume that mentions your latest accomplishments, including any recent casting or upcoming performance.

2. Start your own website or join a networking site, such as InstantCast, and make your page both professional and eye catching.

3. Mail out postcards when you’re about to perform in a play or have an air date for an upcoming television show. Let people know so they can watch. Or put a note in a local publication.

4. Network. Get out there and talk to people at parties and premieres. Make an effort to meet more people in the industry. You never know who may have a contact with the “right” person.

5. Organize your own one man show or group theater performance. Get together your actor friends and put on your own showcase. If a good part doesn’t come to you, make it happen on your own. Once someone sees what you can do, there might be more opportunity out there.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

PS – You could get a personal casting consultation with me today! Click here to learn more.

What happened to Jennifer Grey after she got a nose job? She almost completely disappeared because the physical attribute that had so defined her…was gone.  So, here are 5 tips on how to take good care of yourself and never risk your greatest asset right before an audition or shooting:

1. Watch your diet and exercise. Splurging every now and then is fine, but maintain a weight that is shown in your headshots.

2. Don’t try any extreme sports and risk bodily harm, before an important audition or shooting.  Being careless with yourself will mess things up now and leave a bad taste in production’s mouth.

3. Wear sun block when you are out in the sun. Make up can’t cover a burn covering 75%  of your body.

4. Take good care of your skin. Break outs can mostly be covered up by make up but sometimes it can look a bit thick and noticeable.

5. Do research before altering your hair or body in any significant way. If you have an agent or manager, talk to them about it first.  Make certain you are making yourself MORE marketable and not less.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

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

So when you suddenly decide you want to be actor, don’t get on the first plane to Hollywood. Taking things step by step will not only buff up your resume but it will also give you a chance to see if acting is your true passion. Here is a simple ladder to climb.

Step 1: Take an acting class. It’s the best way to get your feet wet and learn some useful skills at the same time.

Step 2: Find local acting work. Get involved in community theater or find out if any nearby schools have film programs and are in need of actors for their student productions.

Step 3: Research local productions. See if any small budget films or commercials are shooting in your area and get work as an extra. You’ll quickly discover what a real set is like, even if it is on a smaller scale.

Step 4: Consider relocating. Once you’ve taken classes, worked in theater, and experienced acting on camera, then take a look at either New York City or Los Angeles. Both cities have a lot to offer, so make certain you go over the pros and cons before considering a move. And if you decide that acting is just a hobby, then that’s fine too. Continue to work locally and enjoy it.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

PS – You could get a personal casting consultation with me today! Click here to learn more.

As a casting director, I know when someone is just going through the motions. That’s not who I want to hire. I want to find someone who really wants the role and will invest themselves in making it a memorable performance, even if it’s just a featured extra in a scene. Here are 5 ways to make sure you stand out:

1. Show me you want the role. I want to be certain you are going to show up early, know all your lines, be the utmost professional, and make this role your own. So how do you prove you want it?

2. Research the role. If it’s a film adapted from a book, at least read the summary and take special note of the sections involving your character. If you get the role, make sure you read the whole thing.

3. Be a professional at your audition. Look your best. Arrive early. Have your resume and headshot in hand. Memorize your monologue or sides.

4. Connect with the producer, casting director, or director. Make eye contact and smile when you enter the room. Show you want to be there. Ask questions, although don’t go overboard.

5. Send a thank you note. You would do it after an interview for an office job so do it after an important audition as well.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

PS – You could get a personal casting consultation with me today! Click here to learn more.

Many people assume that Talent Agents and Managers do the same thing.

A manager has more of a personalized relationship with an actor than an agent. Because of that, managers will always have fewer clients than agents. They often classes and assist in putting together headshots.

Managers will also make all your important networking connections. For their services, managers will usually receive a 15% commission.

So what exactly can agents do for you?

Agents, on the other hand, are often the ones dealing with contracts and getting the deal signed. Talented agents will work hand and hand with casting directors finding the right fit. They might send more than one actor to an audition because they are working with a larger pool of talent.

Agents also tend to know more about the ins and outs of the industry and what production companies are gearing up for their next shoot. Often times managers are former agents, and therefore can assist in a variety of ways.

The best managers and agents are well connected in the entertainment industry and have the pull to get you into the right auditions. Productions often prefer to work with talent that has gone through one of those channels. Getting discovered still happens but a helping hand can really work wonders.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

PS – You could get a personal casting consultation with me today! Click here to learn more.

Acting is sometimes a lonely occupation. And it’s definitely an occupation that is easy to give up on and leave behind when things aren’t going your way.

But when they are going your way, all you really want to do is share that joy with your fellow actor friends. We all need support in life’s difficult pursuits and acting is no different.

Words of praise make a big difference. It pushes you to keep going. You also realize that you’re not on this journey alone. So when a friend is in a play, make sure you go. Tune in on whatever night your friend has a walk on role on a television series. Go see the film your acting classmate has a small role in and stay through the credits to cheer him or her on.

Simple acts like that mean the world to struggling actors. Sending a quick email or text afterwards takes so little time but makes such a difference.

Remember what those words of support have meant to you and pass it forward. We all need each other in this difficult industry.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

PS – You could get a personal casting consultation with me today! Click here to learn more.

Even the most famous need to sometimes convince directors that they are the right person for the part. Those who are complacent are the ones that don’t work, so never think talent will get you everywhere. Here are the qualities that make up an actor.

1. Imagination. Find the nuances in a character and make him or her your own.

2. Good Memory. It might seem like a silly notion but actors have to learn full scripts and don’t have a lot of time to do it. You need to be able to memorize and then say the words in a believeable tone.

3. Drive and Determination. Nobody will make your career happen but you.

4. Star Quality. Don’t blend into the background. Casting directors are looking for that “it” factor and having it can take you far.

5. Talent. You’re either born with it or not but if you possess the other qualities above then you can still go far.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

PS – You could get a personal casting consultation with me today! Click here to learn more.

It’s also a good time to find out the inner scoop on what shows you should be auditioning for and what ones you’ll be setting your DVR. I already have a few picked out myself.

I’m excited to see what’s up with The Good Wife on CBS. It stars Julianna Margulies as an attorney who goes back to work after her politician husband is caught red handed.

The buzz is good so far and her husband is played by Chris Noth, who I of course remember from two years of working on Law & Order: Criminal Intent.

Whether on CI or Sex in the City, Noth has brought interesting characters to life. I can’t wait to see what he does with this one and how much his character is going to figure into the series going forward. If the chance comes up, think about auditioning for this one.

So here’s my suggestion to everyone, start looking up information on this season’s press tour and soak up all you can about this fall’s upcoming shows. You might find a new series that fits you perfectly. Find out the production company and who does the casting.

It’s not a lot of detective work to find out the information you need. This is your opportunity to get your foot in the door, especially while new shows are figuring out their identity.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

PS – You could get a personal casting consultation with me today! Click here to learn more.

For those of you living in LA or the NYC area, InstantCast makes it simple. We’ve formed great partnerships with professional headshot photographers in both cities–click here to learn more.

If you don’t live in LA or NYC, look to friends or fellow actors who have gotten their headshots done and find out where they went. Get referrals. Ask your acting teacher who they recommend.

Once you narrow your search down to a few choices then now it’s time to find out a little information from the source. Here are a few questions you should ask BEFORE booking your photo shoot.

What’s the price and what does that include? Do they do hair and make-up? How many poses are included? Does that include both photos and a CD? What is the price difference for color or black and white and can you do both?

Will you be directing the shoot or do I come up with my own poses? For a first timer, you are a looking for a professional photographer who can help you look your best. You’re not going to immediately know how best to pose or be able to portray the right emotions without prompting.

How long will the session be? Make certain you know how much time the photographer is giving you. You don’t want to worry about not getting to something because you’ve run out of time.

And lastly, how easy is it to make additional copies? What will that cost you? You can only assume you’ll be going back at some point for more headshots and it helps to know that information upfront.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

Want one-on-one advice from Casting Director Renee Godbout? Click here to get your own Personal Casting Consultation today!

The best advice I can give any actor is to enjoy your craft and have fun. It’s that simple. And when you’ve stopped having fun, then maybe it’s time to take a break.

When acting becomes a job that you dread going to, your performance quality will drop significantly and so will your desire to make things happen. It’s a difficult career to pursue that only the most dedicated can turn into a successful venture.

That’s not to say you can’t enjoy it as a hobby or part-time job. Sometimes that’s the best way to keep it an enjoyable part of your life. So what do you do when you’ve lost your drive and passion for acting?

Take a class in improv. It’s such a fun form of acting that can bring out all sides of your personality. You’ll be challenged and surrounded by all types of creative people.

Find a new monologue that you really enjoy performing. Don’t just do it for an audition. Put together a little performance for your friends or family. Take some creative liberties with the material.

Get into theater. Performing for a live audience can get your adrenaline pumping, especially seeing people react to your performance.

Take a break and refuel. Make acting feel new again. And go see one of your friends perform. Seeing someone you know acting their heart out can sometimes remind you why you got into it in the first place.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

1.  Moments of confusion. Don’t stutter your way through a scene. Take a moment to soak it in and contemplate things in your head.
2. Discovering new information. No one reacts immediately and knows just what to say to a shocking discovery.
3. Emotional scenes. Whether they be romantic or filled with sadness, taking a moment will only increase the emotional connection.
4. When choices are made. There’s usually thought behind every big decision so don’t miss out on that process.

By: Renee Godbout, Casting Director

Getting a meeting with a talent agent or manager is a big deal. Celebrate your accomplishment but then get prepared. Setting up a meeting is just a first step and you don’t want to blow the rest.

You’ve already established that the agent is interested enough to take time out of his or her busy schedule to meet with you. What you do in your interview should cement the opinion that you’re marketable.

Remember, they want to like you–but it’s all up to you to make that happen…

A decision probably won’t be made after meeting with just one person, although there is always a possibility. Like any interview there may be either a second interview with the same agent or additional interviews with other members of the agency. The more you meet, the better your chances.

They want to get to know you so remember to open up a bit. Don’t monopolize the conversation talking about yourself but give the agent a chance to know something about you that isn’t listed on your resume.

Even if show business isn’t your full-time job, act like it is. You’ll be meeting with a professional so make certain you are one too.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

The last thing you want to worry about are these small things when you are intent on wowing your audience. Here are some very simple “DOs and DON’Ts” that will help keep you confident, relaxed, and ready to impress.

1. Don’t talk with your hands too much. The occasional gesture may be fine but as a whole, keep your hands at your sides and restrain from over emphasizing.

2. Don’t lean on furniture. There may be props or furniture on hand during your audition, but that doesn’t mean you have to use them. Don’t take a seat on the armrest of a chair or lean your hand on the back of the sofa. It’s distracting and takes away from the strength of your performance.

3. Bring energy to your audition. Casting directors are not looking for someone who is timid and doesn’t know their own power. Take advantage of opportunities you are given and create those you aren’t.

4. Don’t let your eyes wander all over the room. Find a point and not one twenty feet above the casting director’s head. Eyes that can’t make direct contact signify nerves and lack of confidence. Don’t let that be your lasting impression.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

There is a reason the term “rain or shine” exists. You need to be prepared for either scenario. While shooting television or film, make certain you do just that.

I had an actor once yell at me because it was cold and rainy while we were shooting outside and I had said to dress for Spring. I calmly told him that I had also said we were shooting rain or shine and be prepared for outdoor shooting.

It is the actor’s responsibility to check the weather and dress appropriately. So how do you dress for what is being shot and still stay comfortable?

If it’s cool outside and you’re dressing for warmer weather, wear layers. It gives the illusion of light weight clothing but the layers will insulate you better.

If you’re battling the summer heat and are portraying fall then choose clothes with lighter colors and material. Also don’t forget a bottle of water to cool you down.

If it’s raining out, bring an umbrella and a light jacket. If the rain is put in the script then you’re all set and if it’s not you at least have something for when the cameras aren’t rolling.

Remember that unless you are a principle or extra being given wardrobe, it is your job to dress appropriately. No one is going to be your mother and remind you what you should wear to be comfortable. And if you don’t heed the weather channel then there is no one to blame but yourself.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

Summer is the perfect time for your whole family to try out showbiz! Now that kids are out of school, it’s the perfect time for new experiences.

If you hear about a movie or TV show shooting nearby, take a chance and see if your children would like to have their first acting experience as an extra. And you’re never too old to get in front of a camera for the first time too!

The entertainment industry is totally unpredictable, and you simply never know when you’ll get your big break. I know young actors who have put their time in as extras, and are now landing juicy principle roles. I also know a 70-year-old grandmother whose first on-screen appearance was a principle role in a major motion picture!

If your child is interested in acting, summer is a great time to explore his or her options without missing a day of school. An extra role might be the start of a lifelong passion for acting, or an experience that helps build their self-confidence. (And when they’re asked to write about “What I Did This Summer” they’ll have a great story!)

Getting cast as extras can also be a wonderful family activity. I’ve lined up whole families before for certain scenes. It’s not your typical family excursion but it’s something memorable and educational in a way you won’t even realize. And when you’re an actor, the opportunity to share your passion with a friend or family member is rare and a blessing.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout