What Not to Do at an Acting Audition: Talent Agencies Want Class, Not Sass

So: You just sent out your headshot and resumes, and after several weeks of waiting, you received a phone call from one, or several, of your prospective agents. Now the real fun begins.

After sorting through your thoughts and gathering everything you will need for the in-house interview, you bravely step into your car and head towards the talent agency. However, what do you do when you are actually inside of the agency? What do you say to the agent? Or better yet, what don’t you say to your interviewing agent? If you are a beginning actor, going in for an interview with an agent can be very nerve wracking, and rightfully so. This person is going to be helping you live out your dream, that is, if you impress them enough. So it is very easy to slip up and say something you should at an interview, or behave in a manner that isn’t exactly pleasant to the agent. However, in this article you will find things that you SHOULD NOT DO at a talent agency interview.

The first thing that you should NEVER do when you are going to interview with an agency is be late. This shows extreme unprofessionalism, especially in a business that is ran on time. Within the entertainment industry, time really is precious, mainly because everyone has so many daily tasks. And if you are late, than you are setting back that particular agents day, and most agents have extremely hectic days. So make sure that you start off on a good note, and be on time. Better yet, try to be ten-to-fifteen minutes early. This shows your eagerness to speak with an agent, and your dedication to this business. It is great to be on time, however, if you are more than fifteen minutes early, that can be annoying. Especially if the agent has a smaller office, than you will most likely be sitting in a room, with another agent or receptionist, and trust me, this is never a comfortable situation. If you want to be golden, show up ten minutes early.

Another thing that you should never do, is show up without taking a shower. Make sure that your hair looks nice, your clothes are ironed and you DON’T STINK. I can’t tell you how many actors I have had to sit next to at an agency and the odor that was coming off of them was not very pleasant. However, this “don’t tip” isn’t just applicable to a talent agency interview, if you have a job interview of any sorts, make sure that you have showered before you go in. This shows a common courtesy as well as an overall respect for the establishment that you are hopefully going to be working with. Make sure you brush your teeth, put on deodorant, and wash your hair. If you like to wear cologne or perfume, don’t drench yourself in it. This is because some people are highly allergic to perfumes of any sort, and if you are a walking cloud of Calvin Klein ‘Obsession’ than you probably aren’t going to make a good impression. The “smell goal” of the interview day, is to just smell clean and refreshed. Use a light body wash, and if you want just use a dab of cologne or perfume. Then you will be perfect.

This next tip is very important. Never curse in the interview room, unless you are doing a monologue or scene in the interview. Even if the agent is cursing up a storm, don’t let your professionalism fall by joining your potential agent in a “f-bomb” party. Just smile and continue talking normally, but minus the curse words. This may seem trivial to most people, however, after speaking with countless agents, even the ones who have mouths like sailors, none of them like it when an actor curses in the initial interview process. I have been told, “it’s just not classy.” But after the initial interview, and once you and your agent become closer, it is okay to use your normal, “cursing.”

These are just several things that you should never do while you are at your initial interview with a talent agency. There are more things, and you can probably think of them. However, the main goal that you should have – besides completely “wowing” the agent – is to be on your best behavior. Stay professional and courteous in all situations (even if the agent isn’t courteous or professional to you), and make sure to always have a brilliant attitude towards everything, and if you follow these simple rules than you will have many successful interviews. Good luck with all your acting endeavors!