I'm going to my first open call tomorrow. It's from 9am-7pm and it would suit be best to go at 9am but I have a feeling that they might forget the actors they saw first. Am I being paranoid or is there any logic there?

Also they take your picture- will this be headshot or full length. I want to decide what to wear.

Thanks in advance!

I typically don't do open calls, but I've stumbled into a few of them in my day... I think it's best to arrive early. No matter when you go, you will have a long wait. If you arrive late, I've seen it happen that they start giving people less time. Once they even cut off the auditions because they didn’t have the audition space after a certain time.

Get there as early as possible! So you can be at the FRONT of the line! Better to be seen than run the chance of not being seen at all. Wear something suggestive of the character, but don't dress IN character.

what kind of open call? background for a movie? performing a monologue for a play/musical?

I dont think they will forget the people they see early on...if those are the ones that impress them.

I agree...get there as early as possible.

I'd think they would probably take a polaroid- chest up.

Early as possible! The CDs could get tired and cut the call short or there could be more people in line than they can see before their end time comes up.

Early.

quote:

Originally posted by Blackandgreen:
I'm going to my first open call tomorrow. It's from 9am-7pm and it would suit be best to go at 9am but I have a feeling that they might forget the actors they saw first. Am I being paranoid or is there any logic there?

Don't worry about it. Just come what time fits best in your schedule. If you're good, they'll remember you.

The only reason to come early is if it's one of those equity open calls where so many people audition if you don't shut up at 9 in the morning you're screwed.

heh

I meant *show up* not, "shut up"

It's really annoying that you can edit your posts...

I'm with early too. I always arrive early. Discipline.

I never do open calls.

I don't even like going to auditions when they say you can came anytime within the audition period.

I went to an audition yesterday... when I got there, I was told it would be about an hour. I did not wait. A waste of my time!!

Whatever fits your schedule.
If it's something that you just show up, I like going in the middle, unless I have another audition.

I went early did my monologue and never heard back but a friend with not a credit to her name went at 5.30pm and was asked for more monologues , to read sides etc.. and she landed a part.
So I guess I learned if they like you , when you arrive is irrelevant!

quote:

So I guess I learned if they like you , when you arrive is irrelevant!

Yeah, true.
I would say that the getting there early suggestion just eliminates the possibiliry of not getting a chance to show them your stuff if too many people show up or whatever other reasons come up where they might not be able to see everyone.

quote:

Originally posted by Blackandgreen:
...I have a feeling that they might forget the actors they saw first.

If you do what you are supposed to do, they won't forget you.

Most of the casting directors I have auditioned for take extensive notes of those auditioning.

If you fit the bill, doesn't matter if you are first to audition or 101st. They will remember you.

quote:

Originally posted by Iceman:
I never do open calls.

I don't even like going to auditions when they say you can came anytime within the audition period.

I went to an audition yesterday... when I got there, I was told it would be about an hour. I did not wait. A waste of my time!!

Hi Blackandgreen,

A 'window' (i.e. a time frame within which it's ok to show anytime) is a frequent offer from CDs for those of us who are trying to accommodate multiple audition calls in a single day - especially when they really want you to read for the part. This is especially important in LA where traffic is notoriously unpredictable - depending on where you are in Europe this may be relevant as well.

With respect to what portion of the window you show up for, earlier is better. More than one CD friend of mine has reiterated this - since you're most likely being taped, the earlier on the tape you appear the better for you. They won't forget abou those who appear earlier on the tape - instead they will hold everyone who appears after you up to the standard you've set.

If you aren't booked, auditioning, being called back for another role, or scheduled to do something else for your career at that time, open calls are worthwhile - a small chance is better than no chance at all, IMHO. Granted the numbers aren't in your favor, but if it isn't at the expense of some other career effort, what's the harm?

Also, for most open calls, showing up early will minimize your wait time. If it's a cold read a longer wait time may work toward your benefit (i.e. give you more time to practice your copy) but if it's just a straight up go see / cattle call with no sides, arriving 30 minutes prior to the start of the window will minimize the amount of time you wait to be seen significantly.

Break a leg,
bookme