New York has more casting calls than anywhere else, and more people showing up for them. Talent alone doesn't book the job. Preparation does a lot of it. This guide covers the types of calls, where to find them, what to bring, what happens in the room, and what to do afterward.
Types of NYC casting calls
Knowing which kind of work you fit helps you aim your effort.
- Commercials (print and video): Common in NYC. You might audition to sell a smartphone or a burger. They often want "real people" with relatable expressions. Roles run from principal actors to background talent.
- Fashion and runway: Designers look for models for runway shows, lookbooks and editorial features, especially around New York Fashion Week. These often ask for specific height, measurements and a strong walk.
- Editorial: Magazine spreads and artistic concepts. Editorial shoots want a distinct look and the ability to show emotion while holding still.
- Fit modeling: Less glamorous, but designers need it. You're hired for exact measurements so garments fit correctly across sizes. Keeping a consistent body shape matters.
- Acting (film, TV, theater): Auditions can mean cold readings, prepared monologues, improvisation, or singing and dancing.
- Promotional and event modeling: Brands hire models for product launches, trade shows and events. These roles need good communication skills and an easy personality.
Where to find casting calls
- Casting websites: Backstage, Actors Access, Casting Networks and Playbill (for theatre) are the standard sites for actors. For models, Model Mayhem and agency boards often list calls. Check every posting for legitimacy.
- Modeling agencies: If you're signed, your agent submits you for roles they think fit. This is often the safest and most efficient route in NYC.
- Social media: Instagram and Facebook groups can turn up smaller independent projects, student films and TFP (Time For Print) shoots to build your portfolio. Follow casting directors, production companies and New York industry groups.
- Networking events: Industry meet-ups, workshops and film festivals. A casual conversation sometimes leads somewhere.
- Direct submissions: Some smaller production companies and photographers in NYC accept submissions through their websites. Research them before you send anything.
Verify any casting call before you apply or show up.
What to prepare
- Professional photography: Your portfolio is your visual resume. It includes headshots (commercial and theatrical for actors), full-body shots, lifestyle images, and shots specific to your niche, such as runway walk or editorial looks. Photos should be recent, varied and professionally retouched, not over-edited.
- Comp card or zed card: A printed card with your best photos, measurements and contact info, often through your agency. Bring several.
- Accurate measurements: Height, weight, bust, waist, hips, shoe size and clothing sizes, ready to give. Don't lie or round. It causes problems later.
- Wardrobe: Unless told otherwise, wear simple, clean, form-fitting clothes so casting directors can see your shape. Skip busy patterns, oversized clothes and heavy jewelry. For commercial roles, business casual or smart casual is usually fine. For fashion, basic black or white is the standard.
- Grooming: Hair neat, skin clear, natural makeup unless a specific look is requested.
What happens in the room
- Arrival: Get there 10-15 minutes early. That's time to find parking or work out the subway, sign in and settle. Be polite to everyone, from the receptionist to the casting assistant. While you wait, stay quiet and off your phone.
- Sign-in: You'll usually give your name and agency, and sometimes take a number.
- Holding area: You may wait in a room with other talent. Use the time to prepare quietly.
- The room: When called, you go in to casting directors, producers and sometimes the client. They may introduce themselves and explain the project.
- The slate: Actors state their name and agency clearly for the camera. Models may do a quick turn to show profile.
- Performance: Actors perform a monologue, read a scene or improvise. Models may walk, pose, show different expressions or work with a product. Listen carefully to directions.
- Feedback: Take direction quickly. Casting teams notice who can adjust.
- Questions: They may ask about your experience, availability or special skills. Keep answers short and honest.
Your ability to listen, take direction and stay positive counts as much as raw talent.
How to stand out
- Do your research. Know the client, the brand, the project and the casting director's past work, and adjust your performance a little to match.
- Be yourself. Don't play someone you're not.
- Look confident. Head up, eye contact, clear voice. Believe in your work and stay open to guidance.
- Prepare, then stay flexible. Know your lines or poses, but be ready to change if the casting director asks for something different.
- Show some personality. A short anecdote or a warm smile makes you easier to remember.
- Listen. Missing instructions makes you look unprepared.
- Bring good energy. Auditions are long days for casting teams, and a positive attitude helps.
Follow-up
- Thank-you email: A short, professional email within 24 hours. Say you're interested in the project and thank them for their time.
- Don't pester: Constant emails or calls hurt you. If you have an agent, let them handle communication. If you hear nothing, move on to the next one.
- Stay in touch: If you made a real connection with a casting director, an occasional check-in, such as sharing a new project you're proud of, keeps you on their radar.
Common audition mistakes
- Lateness or no-shows: It disrespects everyone's time and can get you passed over next time.
- Being unprepared: No portfolio, no lines, the wrong clothes.
- A bad attitude: Complaining or being rude to staff.
- Lying about stats or your resume: Height, experience, skills. It gets found out and damages your reputation.
- Being on your phone: Silence it and put it away.
- Over-the-top makeup or styling: Unless requested, keep it natural and clean.
- Not researching the project: Showing up with no idea what you're auditioning for looks like a lack of interest.
- Acting like a diva: Treat everyone with respect, whatever their position.
Booking steady work in NYC takes time. Every audition, booked or not, teaches you something.
Dante's Models is a photography studio and modeling agency in NYC. We help with portfolio photography and a path to representation. Visit dantet9.com to see how.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Pexels
