AUDITION Question: How do you assess my performance during an audition?

Here is what typically goes through my mind when casting:

1. Do We Have the Same Vision? If a talented actor shows an interpretation of the character that comes closest to my vision, that person is typically going to get the role. But there is no way you'll know what my vision is, even if you've seen everything I've ever directed. So what can you do? Study and commit to your character beforehand, then be open to direction at the audition. If your commitment is strong and you're flexible when given direction you'll have done all you can do. And you have a very good shot.

2. Should I See More? If I give you feedback and ask you to read again another way, it's because I'm interested. If I don't ask, it's either because you already strike me as the character (I'll say this in a matter of words), or we're too far apart in our interpretation of the role. If we're too far apart I'll probably simply thank you for your audition without going into a lot of detail, but that absolutely does not mean I don't find you to be talented.

3. Wow. This Could Be Interesting. Occasionally, someone comes through who isn't what I envisioned at all. Their embodiment of the character takes me in a completely different direction and he or she is so compelling that I can no longer see any other actor in that role. My vision is adjusted. But this only works if you've really gotten to know the character so that the character is making different choices than I imagined, and they work.

4. Do I Want to Commit My Personal Time to This Person? Also occasionally, an actor is wonderfully committed to the character but he or she doesn't fit my overall vision. It could be for a number of reasons. If they don't have enough experience to get there in a short period of time but are directable, I may call later and ask if they'll accept private coaching (at no charge, of course) during the shoot or performance run. These situations many times produce the best results for everyone concerned.

5. I Will Pass, But Will Not Forget. Some actors are exceptionally talented but don't strike me as the character. In this case I'll make a note to bring them in to read in the future for a role closer to the essence of who they are.