FAQ : How Do I Audition for a TV Commercial?

While auditioning for a TV commercial there are a few things the actor can do to help bring the audience into the actor’s world. Understanding the character is crucial. For any type of acting work, whether it is Shakespeare or a television commercial, one must be able to answer the 5 W’s – Who, What, Where, When and Why. Who are you, What is going on in the scene, Where is it taking place, When is it happening, and Why are you saying the words.

It is also necessary to create the environment during the audition, so that the audience believes you. When talking to someone in the scene, find that person in the room, and talk to that character. If you just randomly look around the room while reading to one character, then your audition will not be believable.

Wearing the right wardrobe to the television commercial is also very important. It not only makes it easier for the actor to connect with the character, but also for the casting director (and all of those involved in casting the TV commercial)to believe you are the character. You do have to be a little careful with wardrobe. Some casting directors (especially in large markets) will be insulted if you walk into an audition wearing scrubs, a stethoscope around your neck and paper booties on your feet when reading for the role of a doctor. Casting directors know what doctors look like, and will just want to see you act. Having said that, I would at least wear a suit and not flip flops and a T-shirt when reading for a professional role.

Understanding the time of day the scene is taking place will greatly affect the way you talk. If the scene is happening outside, then your voice will have to be loud enough to carry over the noise. If things are happening at 3:00AM in your bedroom, your tone will be much different.

It is the actors’ job to create the character. Never ask a casting director what they are looking for. That is our job.

If there are any words you don’t understand and can’t pronounce, always ask. This is especially true if the word you are not sure about is the product in the TV commercial. If you are reading with another character and you don’t know what your relationship is with the other person, then you need to ask the casting director. Your read will change drastically if you are reading with your sister, mom, girlfriend or a stranger.

For television commercials, I try and memorize the first and last line and read them straight into the lens of the camera. This would not be true for film or TV episodic auditions.

The most important objective for the actor during the audition and on the job, is to make the words sound conversational. That is what actors do. We talk and listen to each other, like in real life.