3 Mistakes Actors Make at Callbacks – And How to Avoid Them

There are 3 mistakes actors make at callbacks. Watch this video until the end and you will learn how to avoid them.

The first thing actors need to know is what exactly is a callback. This term refers to when a director, producer or others who are involved with deciding which actor is booked for the role, shows interest after watching someone’s audition and wants to see them again. So, they call the actor back for another read.

When you receive a callback, you are not booked for the job. Not even close to booking the job. You simply gave an audition that interests people and they want to see you again. So, don’t start telling people that you are hired or close to being booked. A number of people can be called back after the initial audition.

Mistake #1

The first mistake some actors make at the callback is to look different than they did at the initial audition. You have to remember, they liked your look and thought that it was right for the character. So, look the same way you did for the initial audition. I always wear the same clothes to the callback as I did for the audition.

Don’t make any drastic hair changes, or look different with makeup. Don’t comb your hair differently for the callback. Give them the same look that they liked and expect to see.

Mistake #2

The second mistake actors make at callbacks is to let their ego get in the way. Some actors like to show off during a callback. Their intension is to let those watching them that they are so talented and have such a wide range that they decide to read their lines in a completely different way than at the initial audition. DON’T DO THAT!! They brought you back because they liked how you read the lines. They found something interesting in your audition.

So, read it the same way you initially read. I understand that we are not computers and can’t simply read things the exact same way we initially read. But, you will remember things about your character, what you want your character to get out of the scene, are there any obstacles blocking you from your character’s needs, etc…

Do the best you can at reading things the same way.

Mistake #3

The third mistakes actors make is not understanding the reason for getting directions at the callback, which sometimes happens. It is easy for some actors to get upset or distracted when receiving an audition note, and think that the casting director or director didn’t like their read.

Keep in mind, you would not have been invited to a callback if they didn’t like your performance at the audition. The casting director and director know much more about the storyline than you. They can share this information with the actor and see what he or she does with this additional information. 

You are able to make some great decisions with the initial sides that could be only a page or two. But others involved in the project know a lot more. So, don’t take their request as a criticism. It is just the opposite. View it as someone who is rooting for you and wants you to be great. That is why they are sharing the additional information with you.

Another reason for giving you a performance note is to make sure you have the ability to make changes in your performance. It is not unusual for a director to ask an actor on the set to make a slight adjustment to their performance. Even though they might have loved how you read at the callback and believe this would be the way they will have you read during the shoot, they just want to make sure you do have the skills to make changes if needed.

So, just like at the audition, your goal for the callback should not be booking the job. Instead, set your goal to simply have a good time. At the callback, you will have the opportunity to act and play. What a fun thing to do.

If you experienced a callback, let others know on the Channel page if something you did helped or hurt you during the callback.

ADDITIONAL HELPFUL VIDEOS:

How I Started Acting With No Experience: https://youtu.be/CMnSK54rwjg Audition Strategy That Isn’t Taught in Schools: https://youtu.be/QCYkctJHPFY 11 Ways to Prepare Before an Agent Meeting: https://youtu.be/iAwLRItarDI

When you go to your callback, read and look the same as the initial audition, and most importantly – have a good time.

About the Author: Aaron Marcus

Aaron Marcus has been a full-time actor and commercial model for over 36 years. His new book, How to Become a Successful Actor and Model is an Amazon Best Seller. Aaron has given his seminar: "Book the Job" over 800 times spanning 3 continents. He also offers online workshops. Aaron saves 5 days each month to give private on-line coaching sessions. Subscribe to his Acting and Modeling Quick Tips Channel and have free access to 270 + videos <ahttps://www.youtube.com/c/aaronmarcusactingandmodelingquicktips?sub_confirmation=1.