The Audition: How to Greet A Casting Director

This may come as a surprise but there’s an art to greeting a casting director. From the moment you step foot in a casting office you must appear confident. The first thing you’ll have to do when you go on an audition is sign in. There’ll be a list of the names of the other actors (unless you’re the first) who are ahead of you waiting to read for the casting director. After you sign in you’ll have ample time to go over your lines. You should be focused. Never get side tracked. Like any other job, you’re competing with others for the position and in your case–the part.

For the most part, you’ll be reading in front of the casting director at first. Call backs are different and there’s usually more people (i.e. director, producers, writers) in the room. So, let’s say the the casting director’s assistant (or the casting director) calls you in to read. What’s the first thing you do? Stretch out your hand for the usual business hand shake? Not. Never, ever, be the first to greet (handshake) the casting director. Big no-no. Why? Number one, and this may sound silly but some casting directors realize the power or effect of their position and may come across as being less than friendly. Maybe because they have a long day ahead of them with lots of actors to see.

Another reason you shouldn’t initiate a handshake is because you can come across as vulnerable or weak. Believe it or not, being the first to initiate “the shake” can be perceived that you’re “desperate” for the part.

The key is to remain calm and friendly at all times. However, if and when you first greet a casting director, producer, or director, etc. and they initiate the handshake–by all means shake their hand!

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