Your First Audition, Minute by Minute

Most first audition nerves come from not knowing what happens next. So let’s take the mystery out of it. Here is what a typical in person audition looks like, from the moment you park to the moment you walk out the door. Every casting office runs a little differently, but the rhythm is almost always the same.

The day before

You will usually get an appointment time, an address, and your sides (the few script pages you will read). Read them several times. Figure out who you are talking to, what you want from them, and what changes by the end of the scene. Know the lines well, but do not stress about being word perfect. You are usually allowed to hold the pages.

Pick your outfit tonight, not in the morning. Simple, solid colors that fit well and hint at the character.

Minus 20 minutes: arriving

Plan to arrive about 15 to 20 minutes early. Parking, finding the suite, and waiting for an elevator eat time. Use a few minutes in the car to breathe and read your sides once more.

Minus 10 minutes: sign in

Look for a sign in sheet or a tablet near the door. You will write your name, your appointment time, and sometimes your agent or contact info. Some offices also take a quick photo or ask for a printed headshot. If you do not have one yet, that is okay for many beginner and open call auditions.

The waiting room

You will probably be sitting with people who look a lot like you. That is normal. Casting is looking for a type, so the room fills with that type. Stay quiet, stay focused, and do not let anyone psych you out. A monitor or assistant will call names in order.

Minute 0: walking in

You will meet a casting director or associate, a reader, and often a camera operator. Smile, say hello, and go to your mark (usually a piece of tape on the floor). Do not shake hands unless someone offers.

Minute 1: the slate

They will ask you to slate: say your name, and sometimes your age if you are a minor, straight into the camera. It takes a few seconds. Be yourself. The slate is often the first thing casting watches when they review tapes, so let your personality show.

Minutes 1 to 3: the read

You perform the scene with the reader. Look at the reader, not into the lens, unless you are told otherwise. Take your time. A small pause that feels long to you usually looks natural on camera.

Minute 4: the adjustment

They might say something like “Great, let’s do it again, but this time you are hiding that you are upset.” This is a good sign. They want to see if you can take direction. Change something real, even if you liked your first take.

Minute 5: the exit

You will hear “Thank you, that was great.” That is the whole ending. There is no verdict in the room. Say thank you, collect your things, and leave with confidence. Do not ask how you did.

After: the waiting game

If they want to see you again, you will get a callback. If you do not hear anything, it usually means they went another direction, which happens to working actors almost every week. Write down what you learned and move on to the next one.

Quick answers

How long does an acting audition take?

The time in the room is often only 3 to 10 minutes. Plan for more time overall because of travel and waiting.

Can I hold my script at an audition?

Usually yes. Know the material well, but holding your sides is normal at most first auditions.

What should I say when I walk in?

A simple hello is enough. Go to your mark, listen for instructions, and slate when asked.

What does it mean if they ask me to do it again?

It usually means they are interested and want to see how you take direction.

By the Acting Modeling Auditions team. Updated September 2026.