Aaron Marcus, a full-time actor and commercial model, shares an audition story about why you should never ask a casting director to read for a different role than the one you were called in for. Follow your agent and the casting director's direction instead.
Hi, my name is Aaron Marcus. I am a full-time actor and a commercial model, author of How to Become a Successful Commercial Model, and founder of howtomodel.com, your acting and commercial modeling career site. This is what you never want to say to a casting director. A number of years ago, I was brought in to read for a part for a TV spot, and I was asked to read with another actor for a part that was not for me. But after the audition, I was thinking, you know, this actually is something I should read for. I think I could be— I could do a really good job with this. So I walked over to the casting director and I said, hey, by the way, along with what you called me in for, could I also read for this? And fortunately, the casting director was very nice. She was very kind. And she said, actually, you're not the right age for this particular role, so let's just have you read for what I brought you in for. What she was saying in a very nice way was, hey, I know what you should be reading for. Do not ask me for other things. So what I learned from that was, without a doubt, when you are called in to read for a part, that is the part you want to read for. And I would not recommend suggesting another part to read for. So listen to your agent, listen to the casting director. and just do a great job. I am Aaron Marcus, and I hope you enjoy this blog.
