Advice for Models and Actors

Etiquette: In and Out of the Audition

Diana Figliuolo

The entertainment industry is full of highly talented, beautiful people. Not surprising, one's looks and talent only make up a small percentage of the package. In order to be successful in any part of the industry, proper etiquette is required. This article provides you with basic etiquette tips for auditions. While some of these tips may seem like common sense, it is important to understand when beginning your new career as a model or actor, first impressions are sometimes all you are afforded! Establishing your reputation in the industry positively will ultimately aid in your success.

Some general things to remember about your behavior may take you back to when you were a toddler. It is best to remember your manners. "Pleases" and "Thank yous" will never be under appreciated, and you should always be patient and considerate. This industry is extremely busy and although you are an important part of it, you are not the only talent. The more considerate you are of the people around you, the more they will be of you. Finally, always remember to be professional. You are here to work no matter how friendly the atmosphere.

Preparing For the Audition
One of the most important things to do before any type of audition is research. Make sure you know what you are auditioning for and that you have everything you need. Always have at least two pictures with you and your resume. If you have composite cards or head shots, you should be sure to bring these along. The pictures should reflect your current physical characteristics. You have a better chance of getting a job if you walk in looking like the photo the company has in mind.
You should also dress as you have been told, but if there is no suggestion, dress business causal; not too trendy or too casual. For women, make-up and accessories should be at an absolute minimum.
Make sure you are comfortable with the directions. If possible, take a practice drive to the place of auditions. This way, you will not have to spend time worrying about where you are going and you can concentrate on the audition. You should arrive thirty minutes before your audition time. This allows time for you to check in, warm up (if necessary), and check out the competition. DO NOT CHEW GUM! Almost all directors hate it! Do not take friends or anyone else unless you are under the age of 18, then it is appropriate for one parent to accompany you.

At the Audition
When you arrive at the audition you should be confident, have a positive attitude, and be smiling. Act excited over everything you are asked to do and follow all instructions. Most importantly, have energy!
While waiting for your audition you might be told to sit, although it is not unusual to stand. Be prepared to wait anywhere from a few seconds to hours. Do not let waiting bring down your energy. You can bring a book or a magazine to read, and if there are several other people waiting with you feel free to greet them. However, be careful what you say. Do not complain or gossip. Remember, everyone is watching your every step and listening to your every word; everyone including the receptionist behind you or the director sharing the restroom sink next to you!

In the Audition
Once you are in the audition be prepared to stand. Always wait for an invitation to sit. Make sure you introduce yourself and shake hands firmly. Most importantly, remember you are there to sell yourself. What makes you different from the others? What do you have to offer that they do not? Why should the client book you? You should know the answers to these questions before you go into an audition or interview. Also if the time allows, bring out your personality. Make sure to always be yourself and act natural. This gives better insight to you, your pictures, and your resume. Regardless of the client's behavior, always remain friendly, calm, and professional. Remember that you mood and their mood are factors in determining the success of the audition.

How to Deal With "No's"
The most important thing to remember if you are not the right person for the job is that a "No" is not the end of your career. In fact, it is a very necessary part of your career. Each audition is more experience for you. The more auditions you go to, the more comfortable and confident you become. Take each "No" as a learning experience and as a way to get your name and face out to clients. You may not be the perfect person right now, but someone may remember you and need you later on. Do not let "No's" slow you down. A huge part of this profession is admitting that you will not be the perfect person for each client, yet being able to handle that rejection and make it a positive experience. If it gets too hard to turn each "No" into a "Keep going," perhaps this industry and profession are not for you.

What an Agency Can Do For You
You've probably heard the stories-awkward, tall, gangly young woman gets discovered on the street in her hometown, at a small-time beauty contest, the list goes on. Who decides to polish those diamonds-in-the-roughs? A scout for any number of agencies…being signed to one of the big names (Ford, Elite, Wilhelmina, Next) is a dream for many aspiring models, and often assures at least some success within the industry.
A modeling agency operates much like an employment agency: representatives match models to jobs depending on the client's needs-in return, the agency charges fees for their services. Industry standard is 20 percent from the model's salary, 20 percent from the client.
Calling all beginners: please note that no reputable agency will charge you a fee to sign with them-you should expect to sign a contract, and agree to obtain work through the agency, that is all. If you're having trouble deciding which agency is right for you, but you'd like to start working, a modeling management company makes a great go-between alternative. Modeling management companies can help you find work and help you get started, prep you for major representation and take away much of the guesswork.

What an Attitude!
Your career-positive fast track to success
Never mind your face--is your mindset suitable for framing? Forget all the times you've been told you're destined for stardom. You'll be expected to work as part of a team, so toss your preconceptions, and give your ego a temporary time-out…in today's competitive entertainment market, prima donnas and divas need not apply. If you want to succeed, bring your best smile, your best test shots and your friendliest, most accommodating point of view to the bargaining table.
One of the keys to maintaining a great attitude? Emotional intelligence. "A smart model can cope with all the different kinds of people that you encounter in the business…" states supermodel Mark Vanderloo. Day in, day out, your modeling experiences will bring you into contact with hundreds of new faces, unfamiliar personalities and potentially alienating situations, which is part of what makes modeling so exciting and stimulating, but challenging, as well.
Another way many professional models have maintained positivity: cultivating outside interests. If you eat, sleep and breathe modeling 24-7, you'll not only lose interest, but you'll burn out as well. From pursuing a college degree or continuing education to writing cookbooks, travel journals or starting your own clothing line, there hundreds of ways to keep your schedule diversified and take your mind off work!
In addition to staying positive and cultivating a spirit of cooperation, another component of a winning attitude is sticktoitiveness. Perseverance is essential if you want to succeed in anything, but almost no other field demands it on a constant basis like modeling. If you ever feel your reserve faltering, remind yourself of why you're trying so hard, if the prize is worth winning, it's worth working for!

Getting Started: What Kind of Model Are You?
Elegant cheekbones, legs that go on for days, a Million-dollar smile… your best feature can help you Discover the course that will shoot you to Superstardom. Modeling offers a range of exciting Opportunities, if you fit the part. Take a look at the Various types of modeling jobs listed below; if you're Lucky, you can try your hand at more than one as you Build your thrilling new career!
High Fashion/Editorial - The business of high fashion And high fashion magazines put modeling on the map as A profession. Here, strict rules are upheld as to how A model should look…on the other hand, just like Hemlines, these rules change from season to season, And year to year. If your blond hair/blue eyes are passé one minute, sit tight, keep sending out comps, and sure enough, your look will be all the rage again!
Advertising/Commercial - This type of modeling work calls for an almost unlimited variety of looks-that all depends on the client and their image/message. Since the range of clients varies widely, so does the demand for models to represent their brand/image. However, expect to work more steadily for higher pay if you're an attractive girl/boy-next-door type. Catalog - Catalog modeling offers the best opportunity to model every day of the year, season to season. The requirements for catalog modeling also vary widely. For instance, some mail order catalogs cater to plus sizes, so they'll be looking for models who wear a size 10 or 12, rather than high fashion's 4 to 6 range.
Runway: Who wouldn't want to strut the catwalk? No other type of modeling is as recognizably glamorous, or as widely known. Designers hand-select models to show their collections on the runway, so while physical requirements often mirror those of high fashion, you never know: big names such as Cynthia Rowley and Betsy Johnson have been known to cast friends, family or even people off the street in their runway venues. Glamour: Curvier than your average model? You can still claim your share of the limelight: as a glamour model! Glamour modeling refers to work that involves partial or full nudity, and requires, above all, that the subject be in top physical condition. From lingerie and swimwear to erotic advertising, glamour work can prove highly lucrative.
Specialty: Too petite to compete for a spot on the runway? Never fear-specialty modeling could be your ticket to success. Also known as "parts modeling", this type of work calls for one or two absolutely perfect features: flawless hands and feet, long lovely legs, incredible eyes, lips or hair could launch a very lucrative modeling career. The beauty part: except for leg modeling, there's no height requirement.

Do You Have What It Takes?
Attributes plus attitude = a great model; remember this formula, and you can't go wrong! The biggest names in the business didn't necessarily achieve greatness by being the thinnest, tallest or most beautiful-they excel because other industry professionals (photographers, designers editors, stylists, etc.) look forward to working alongside them, valuing their friendliness, professionalism and poise. Every audition, go-see and booking is an opportunity to leave a great impression that could lead to other chances, other jobs…and future success!

Think all you need to become a successful model is looks? Not so fast, gorgeous-modeling is a profession, like any other, and although a photogenic face and figure may initially get you in at ground level, a great personality, attitude and spirit of cooperation are the assets that will take you to the top and keep you there.
Note that these extra advantages are invisible to the naked eye-keep this in mind when going out on auditions and casting calls-you'll have to demonstrate your upbeat personality and willing attitude to whomever you speak. Scouts purposefully look for potential models with the most dazzling, natural smile, subjects who laugh easily and seem easygoing. Scouts have even been known to overlook a more classic beauty in favor of that winning combination package.
Desire is another key ingredient of any model's success. You should want to be a model more than anything else-because it's not always easy. Beginner models often face repeated rejection at the start-you may need to persevere and remain confident despite hearing one "no" after another.

Organization.
Your modeling career is just that…yours-to enjoy, yes, but also to manage, be responsible for, and keep on track. Modeling involves hundreds of little details that require diligent follow-through, tracking and time-management, o the sooner you create a system for yourself, the better. From appointments to clients to bills, your looks are now your business in every sense of the phrase.