Audition Tips from the Casting Director behind “American Horror Story” & “9–1–1”

Talent manager, producer, and Stage 32 member Kurt Patino recently interviewed casting Director Eric Souliere (American Horror Story, 9–1–1, The Mentalist, and many more) about how actors can improve their auditions and book more work. Kurt’s questions are below in bold and Eric’s answers are in italics.

During callbacks, the auditioning actor may assume he/she is to mirror their look, performance, and demeanor from their pre-read for the Producers session. Should actors assume that, or do Producers look for other criteria that help them make their decisions?

If an actor is asked to come back for a second audition, they should do and wear whatever they did the first time, unless told otherwise. We liked what they did in the initial audition and we want the producers, or whoever is in the room the second time, to see that. If we want the producers to see something different, we will give notes between the first and second audition.

What do you think can empower the actor during the audition process?

We are trying to put a puzzle together, and either the actor is going to be the right fit or not be the right fit. And that thing that makes an actor the right fit is usually something inherent about them that cannot be faked. This is why…