When you go to a casting company or your agent, you usually have two to three takes and then you’re done.

In your home studio, you can do as many takes as you want until you feel you’ve “nailed” it. But there’s no one to direct you—this is a totally self-directed exercise, with no feedback.

Doing this myself for the past few years has given me valuable insight into the process of auditioning and submitting.

So here are a few things to keep in mind and a number of things to do to prepare you, both physically and emotionally, for this process:

Warm Up

Warm up your voice before you record. Do whatever vocalization exercises you need to do before you enter the booth—just like you would for a live audition.

Rehearse

As with any audition, go over any directions, mark, rehearse and time your copy before you record. Rehearse your copy standing up and speaking at the volume you’ll be speaking in the booth. If the spot requires a lot of energy, read standing up, and don’t forget to use your hands and arms to help you with emphasis and projection. But if the spot asks for a relaxed, laid-back read, consider sitting on a stool.

Auditioning Copy

If a job asks for an audition, audition the copy provided. If you don’t have time to audition, don’t send your commercial demo. You won’t be considered. Clients have a very difficult time making the leap from your demo to their copy.

Recording Multiple Auditions

If you have a number of different auditions to record, first record the ones that are on the low end of your vocal scale, i.e., the deepest ones. Your voice is most resonant first thing in the morning, because you haven’t been talking for 6-8 hours. Proceed to the scripts in a higher key, then finally to any scripts that require a louder sound, or, say, a textured voice or gritty character.

Vocal Direction

If a job gives you a description or direction, follow it. Read any directions carefully, and give the client at least one take the way they want it. Then record a second take the way you think it should be. If you don’t match the casting specs, don’t embarrass yourself or waste your or the client’s time by attempting to cast yourself in a role that’s obviously not even close to what they’re looking for. For instance, if they ask for a young, 20-ish voice, don’t audition if you’re 60+. Be objective enough about your voice to pass on an audition that’s not right for you.

Labeling Files

If a client asks you to label a file in a specific way, follow the instructions to the letter. Be especially cognizant of details like upper and lower case, spacing, underscoring, hyphens, etc. If there are no labeling instructions, ask your agent if there’s any particular way they’d like the file labeled.

If not, label your files generically: YourName-Product.mp3 or the reverse: Product-YourName.mp3.

Every casting director has his or her own way of managing file names, and if you don’t pay close attention to the template they give you, you can rest assured your audition won’t be considered. If the template shows a dash, use a dash, not an underscore. If the template shows all caps or upper and lower case lettering, follow the template!

The reasoning is simple:

If you can’t follow labeling directions, you won’t be able to follow real ones in a session!

If the client gives you a file labeling template like JDoe-Annc.mp3,with your information, don’t be an idiot and label it “JDoe-Annc.mp3.” I work with agents all over the country, and they can’t believe that they constantly get submissions labeled with the template they gave their talent instead of the talent’s actual name!

Slating Your Name

Lastly, if a client asks you to slate your name at the top, just slate your name! Slate it clearly, and follow any slating instructions carefully—some ask for a slate before the audition, some after. And you don’t need to give your life story. Keep the slate short and sweet, and get right to it. Don’t give your phone number, don’t give the client’s name, don’t give a pitch! As long as your name is labeled correctly on the file, that’s enough information!

Pronunciation

If you haven’t been given the proper pronunciation of the product or service, try looking it up online to see (or hear) how the name is pronounced, or call them if you can locate them. If you still don’t know, take your best guess.

Stay tuned for part two!

Sincerely,

Marc

MARC CASHMAN creates and produces copy and music advertising for radio and television. Winner of over 150 advertising awards, he also instructs voice acting of all levels through his classes, The Cashman Cache of Voice-Acting Techniques in Los Angeles, CA.

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