Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 2/28/2011

Question
QUESTION: I want to audition in the summer for a role in a film. The producers say that they want experienced actors for the main roles and not experienced ones for the minor and extra parts. I want to stand out and was wondering how to go about it. I have been in school plays and musicals, have one year of radio and tv broadcasting behind me with at least 2 more years awaiting me, I write scripts, work on the teleprompter, anchor, edit, and occasionally work on the cameras with our schools news station, I am the media advisor for Inphc, I participate in debates and demonstrations through the 4H program, I'm in showchoir, and I take voice lessons. What would it take to get noticed? With what experience I have now would I be a fly in the buisness or will i stand out? Is my 16 going on 17 age an advantage or disadvantage if the films main charactors are high schoolers? What advice would you give me? Please help it would be highly apprechiated!

ANSWER: Hi Randi, I guess you mean what would it take to be noticed at the audition.  first you have to took and sound like the role.  But I need the details about what film and how you know about the auditions age is good for high school.What will make you stand out is your talent or lack thereof.  An actor can expect to get only one our of ten auditions, if he is very good.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your response :) At the momment it is only a rumor I suppose since Preger does not contain a studio yet recently they had an interview that stated that they would like to start casting in the late summer. As to wether they will cast then is unknown since they dont have a studio. I just wanted to be prepared so when the time comes I wont be scattering about or procrasticating and would have practiced to a near perfection :) Even though I'm aware that I cant rely on practicing but on ... the unexpected. The film is Vampire Academy and I have wanted to act for as long as I can remember. When picking out your headshot what factors should be considered? Like should your hair be curly or straight? Smile or no smile? How many monolougues should you be prepared to perform? 2-3? and should said monologues be 1 min long or 3? and is 5 min long monoluges to long? Thank you for your time!

Answer
My pleasure. I have to laugh at my typos. of course the fourth word from the end of the first line should be "look" not "took". LOL>  Casting will be announced in the show biz media after they have finances, a script, director and perhaps a star. . Whether they have open casting or will be working with agents only will be a decision they will make. The film could be made in the UK or anywhere.  Often for these teen-geared films, they hold open tryouts for publicity purposes. Mostly what they ask for to start is for people to mail in their head shot and resume and from that they decide if they want to read any of the submissions.  Monologues are generally not used for film auditions. You are in a tough spot since you have never acted. Get connected with their facebook page and their web page for the film. That is where open auditions will be announced. God bless, Doc