Q: What are some practices that are utterly off-limits in the audition room? Do you shake everyone’s hand? Can you start over? What are the no-noes of the room? —@nycnewbie1352, Backstage Community Forum
I believe an actor can’t be truly free if there’s too much attention paid to what he or she can’t do. I’d prefer to put your focus on where you’re going: a space of exploration and freedom as opposed to a rigid plan. The pressure of being judged may lead to you pushing for emotion or self-criticizing—the last thing you want to do in the room. The decision-makers need to see you and your instincts, not what you worked out in advance.
After talking to executives and CDs, my feeling is that as long as you’re not messing with anything on their desks, moving so quickly or frequently that the camera person can’t follow you, or touching anyone, you’re probably in the clear. I wouldn’t shake anyone’s hand unless it’s extended to you. Imagine seeing 70-plus actors a day for three days in a row, all of whom want to shake your hand. That sounds like a wrist injury waiting to happen. Open with a warm smile and honest greeting, and make a genuine connection
Q: What are some practices that are utterly off-limits in the audition room? Do you shake everyone’s hand? Can you start over? What are the no-noes of the room? —@nycnewbie1352, Backstage Community Forum
I believe an actor can’t be truly free if there’s too much attention paid to what he or she can’t do. I’d prefer to put your focus on where you’re going: a space of exploration and freedom as opposed to a rigid plan. The pressure of being judged may lead to you pushing for emotion or self-criticizing—the last thing you want to do in the room. The decision-makers need to see you and your instincts, not what you worked out in advance.
After talking to executives and CDs, my feeling is that as long as you’re not messing with anything on their desks, moving so quickly or frequently that the camera person can’t follow you, or touching anyone, you’re probably in the clear. I wouldn’t shake anyone’s hand unless it’s extended to you. Imagine seeing 70-plus actors a day for three days in a row, all of whom want to shake your hand. That sounds like a wrist injury waiting to happen. Open with a warm smile and honest greeting, and make a genuine connection
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