Are Zoom auditions about to be over with? There are a lot of reasons for why that could actually be the case, so should you be spending any time on trying to get good at handling zoom auditions?

Here are some things that could make zoom auditions a thing of the past...

If the industry suddenly decides they no longer want the incredibly high level of efficiency that zoom auditions provide, and they want to go back to the old way, then zoom auditions could go away.

If casting directors decide it’s a good idea to pack a waiting room with dozens of actors, then zoom auditions could go away.

If actors boycott auditions and demand that casting departments force them to drive across town, wait for what can sometimes be hours, so they can read for a few lines, then zoom auditions could go away...

Based on that, do you think the industry will do away with zoom auditions any time soon?

The truth is, the industry was destined to move to zoom auditions as the norm. It’s something I’ve been talking about for a long time, and the events of last year accelerated that move.

Zoom auditions are easier and much more efficient for casting departments to manage. When they became much more common over the last year, many actors were pleasantly surprised.

However, a zoom audition is not like a traditional audition. There are a few very important things that you have to focus on, if you want to deliver an audition that sets you apart.

If what you want is to improve your career and become a professional actor, you really have to focus on mastering this...

Because zoom auditions happen online, you can’t just “show up” and expect to deliver your audition seamlessly.

Technology is great when it works, and it usually does, but things can and do go wrong so let’s start at the beginning and talk about setting up your tech.

I know it sounds basic, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve spoken to an actor who thought zoom was a link that opens in your web browser. Needless to say they showed up late when they discovered it was an app that had to be downloaded and installed.

You could also find that your app needs to be updated, which can also make you run late. So, don’t risk it! test your app well in advance of the start time.

Also, make sure your device is fully charged and plugged in if possible. Running zoom can drain a battery quickly. The last thing you want is to hit it off with casting, have them asking you questions and trying different things with your character, only to have to cut it short because your device is dying.

Believe me, it happens!

With that in mind, let’s talk about how to set up your zoom space. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to just sit on the couch and prop your phone up on the coffee table.

Your angle can be extremely unflattering if you’re not careful.

If you are using your phone, you get a phone tripod. You can find them for about fifteen bucks online. Having one will let you position the camera at eye level, so you’re not looking down at the camera.

This may seem like a minor detail but as you’ll see in a moment, the small details can quickly add up to a big mess.

That’s why you can’t skip steps like setting up your audio. There may be a big temptation to just use whatever mic comes with your device but that could end up being a huge mistake.

Bad audio will kill your audition. That’s true whether you are in a traditional, in person audition, a self taped one, or on zoom but more thought typically goes into the other two.

You can actually use that to your advantage...

Just about everyone else will have the horrible audio that comes from the built in mic on a laptop or from a cell phone basically on speaker.

You don’t need to make your sound setup complicated for it to make a big difference. Simply getting a lav mic can completely change your sound. They’re as cheap as ten bucks on amazon and they will eliminate the echo and background noise, so casting can actually hear the emotions and the range in your voice.

That’s where the advantage comes in, because your performance will sound so much more dynamic than everyone else’s.

You can then take things a step further with your lighting.

Like with your sound set up, this doesn’t have to be complicated for it to be really effective. A simple 3 point light setup will do the trick.

It's as simple as it sounds. All you do is set up 3 sources of light. One directly in front of you and the other two at about 45 degree angles to your left and to your right.

That will eliminate any shadows on your face, allowing casting to see your expressions.

You work too hard on the details, when you prepare for an audition, to let them be washed out because of bad lighting.

In a zoom audition, bad lighting can be due to too much lighting, not enough lighting, or badly positioned lighting.

With a 3 point set up, you eliminate those potential problems. You don’t want to audition for a trustworthy character and be stuck with down lighting.

Again, it’s those small details that can make a big difference. That’s not to say that this will make bookings fall into your lap.

You can deliver a great audition and still be passed over, because the decision making process doesn’t end there.

Casting will dig deeper to find out what you’re all about. That’s why you need to make sure that your reputation matches your goals. Here’s how I can help with that.

Don’t make the mistake of only working on delivering during the audition. The truth is that you can do ok during the audition and still move forward in the process.

What we went over today can do wonders for you and it will make you stand out in a very good way.

The care and attention you put into your zoom audition will show and CDs will see that you are professional. Then, they will want to confirm that and they’ll do it by looking at your industry reputation.

There are two ways to build a reputation in the industry. You can either have an extensive body of work to point to, along with relationships with decision makers, or you can dictate what casting directors and industry decision makers see when they look at your history. Here’s where to start with that.

So there you have it. A full breakdown of how to master the zoom audition and put yourself in the best position for the rest of the casting process.

Everything we went over is simple to do. Don’t overthink it, just get started on this today because your next zoom audition is hopefully right around the corner.

As always, feel free to get in touch anytime and let me know how I can help. I’ll do whatever I can because I truly want to...

See you at the top,
Scott