Tips for Attending Open Casting Calls

Looking for agency representation can be exciting and stressful all at the same time. However, it is important to know that not all agencies are the same or look for the same things. During your search make it a point to submit yourself according to each agency's preferences. Doing otherwise will more than likely send your submission into the trash.

When it comes to open casting calls, it is especially crucial to follow the rules in order to put yourself on the agency's good side. Remember, part of being a good model is having the ability to follow directions. If you can't fulfill the requirements for an open casting call, this makes a bad first impression and could lead the agency staff to believe that you don't follow directions well.

Don't know what an open casting call is? Check out my post on the subject so you'll be up to speed:

Casting Calls

Okay, now on to the tips!

1. Make Sure the Agency Holds Open Casting Calls: Surprisingly, not all agencies have open calls available. The best way to find this information is to check the official website for the modeling agency. Any details about casting calls will be listed if they are offered or the agency may state that they don't hold open casting calls. If there is no mention at all, that's more than likely a sign that they don't do casting calls.

2. Read All the Info & Follow Through: Again, good models follow directions. Never blindly attend a casting call. Always, always, always check the website of the modeling agency to find out how they conduct their open calls, when, during what times and note what you will need to bring. Following the instructions for an agency's open casting call will put you ahead and make things much smoother for the agency. Tons of model hopefuls show up to casting calls and only the ones that are properly prepared will be given some time with the agency staff.

3. Make Sure You Show Up on the Right Day During the Right Times: Each modeling agency has its casting calls on certain days of the week. If you are planning on submitting to more than one agency, you'll have to be extra organized to make sure that you go to the right casting call at the right time. Some agencies have casting calls 1-2 days a week, once a month or even less frequently. The time frame for most casting calls is two hours.

4. Go Early Rather Than Being on Time: Casting calls are typically held during specific time frames and if you happen to be considering a prominent agency, you can expect a lot of people to show up. Being right on time or late will put you at the end of the line and if you don't make it into the agency's office by the time the casting is done, you'll be turned away--even though you were already there. So save yourself the hassle and get there early...you may get lucky and attend on a day when there aren't many people attending or at least you'll be ahead of the pack. However, being early (example: the casting doesn't officially start until 3pm and you show up at 2:30pm) does not mean the agency will see you right then and there. You'll have to wait until the actual casting process has started.

5. Don't Bring a Group of People With You: If you are under the age of 18, then you must have a parent/guardian with you at the time of the casting call. No exceptions. Bring only one parent (make sure to leave any babies or younger siblings at home or with a sitter). Model hopefuls 18 years of age and older should arrive to the casting call by yourself or with one additional person who will not be a distraction. The person you bring will not be able to go into the actual casting with you (sit next to you while the agency asks you questions, etc.). There will more than likely be a lobby or other type of waiting area where your guest will have to stay until you are done.

6. Dress Wisely: Attending an open casting call is your opportunity for the agency to meet you as you are. The purpose is for them to get to know you briefly and evaluate your potential. You are NOT there to show off your favorite haute couture threads or other fancy outfits. Some agency websites give advice as to what male and female models should wear to casting calls. If such information is available, follow it!

If not, then you can't go wrong with dark skinny jeans, heels and a solid colored, form fitting tank top or t-shirt (for the ladies) or dark, comfortable jeans, clean shoes and a form fitting t-shirt or tank top (for the guys). 

*Ladies, you may want to take the extra step of either wearing a two-piece, solid colored swimsuit under your clothes or bring it in a small bag to change into. Sometimes agencies will want to see you in a swimsuit in person so having it handy just in case will go a long way in making a good first impression during an open call.

Arrive with your hair out of your face and a clean complexion with little to no makeup.

7. Be Prepared to Wait: I've attended casting calls where there was hardly anyone there and I was seen pretty quickly, however, that is rare. In general, expect to run into a group of people at the casting calls you attend. Since it can take a while to get through everyone, be prepared and bring a book or something simple to keep you occupied. Word to the wise: there is a difference between being "occupied" and being "distracted". Complex texting, playing games on your phone, talking on the phone, doing homework, etc. should be avoided since they tend to draw all of your attention, which could allow you to miss an important announcement, hearing your name/number being called or any other part of the process. Additionally, you want to show the agency that they have your attention--doing otherwise may make you seem like you've got better things to do than be at the casting call, which makes for a very negative first impression. I've seen models so engrossed with their life on their phones that they missed being called and the agency simply skipped over them and went on to the next person. Always be alert and ready for the agency staff to evaluate you.

8. Have Fun: The most important tip of all...being in the office of a modeling agency is exciting so use that positive energy to show the staff a bubbly, outgoing, genuine personality. Don't be a kiss up or overwhelm them with "OMG" statements about how much you love their agency, their models, etc. The casting call is for you to shine so listen to the agency, answer their questions to the best of your ability and smile! The experience will fly by so enjoy every moment.