Sides are another word for script segments used in an audition.
In this article, we'll dive deep on acting sides. I'll link to some great resources of sides to practice and I'll also explain how you can stand out in the audition room with any set of acting sides you might be given. Acting SidesSo what are "sides" in acting? Unless you're auditioning for a non-speaking role, you'll most likely be given acting "sides" to perform. Basically, the sides are the script lines you'll be performing. Sides are used in all kinds of projects, including commercials, film, TV, and theater. Sides are either a segment of a scene or a full scene, and they don't involve too much action or movement (although some do). Some acting sides include segments from multiple scenes, and some sides are actually brand new 1-2 page scripts specifically written for actors to perform at the audition (for instance, if the full-length screenplay hasn't been completed yet or the writer doesn't want to release anything from the actual script for fear of it being plagiarized). Your job is to memorize the sides as best you can before the audition, and then come in to perform in front of the casting director so they can decide whether to hire you or another actor for the role. You'll typically get access to the sides a few days in advance of the audition, but in some cases you'll have to do a "cold read," where they hand you the script right there on the spot and you're meant to get into character immediately (you don't need to memorize the lines in that case). Cold reads are challenging and most unions prohibit them for union-sanctioned productions – they usually require you to be given the script at least one day in advance.
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3 Mistakes to Avoid in the Audition Room:
Now that you know the 3 ways to perform better in auditions, there are also three key things you should AVOID doing in auditions:
As a general takeaway, don't overcomplicate the audition prep process or you'll feel overwhelmed and start to hate auditioning, which is a recipe for anger and frustration for years to come.
Watch this quick video to learn my "outside the industry" perspective on why trying too hard to stand out in auditions can do more harm than good:
- Do NOT try to give casting directors what you think they want. You'll inevitably get it wrong unless the audition is for a well-known play. Most casting directors don't care about whether you're making the right choices – they just care that you're making clear choices. You should focus on playing the scene as yourself (or in other words, as your own Type/Brand). If you think the casting director wants a gruff, mafia-type character and you're not at all like that in real life, you shouldn't try to be that way for the scene. Trying to make your voice deep and gruff like an Italian mobster will just come off fake. They're unlikely to book you because there will always be someone who is more naturally that way. Just play yourself and let them determine whether you're naturally a good fit for the role.
- Do NOT try to show range or give an extremely unique/memorable performance. Keep it simple. The more you try to stand out by making weird, outlandish choices, the less likely a casting director will choose you for the role. This is because your job as an actor is to support the story – not be the story. The story is not about YOU. Don't try to draw unnecessary attention to yourself in the audition or you'll just look weird and the casting director might avoid bringing you back (yes, they remember actors).
- Do NOT overthink things and spend hours analyzing the script. It’s not worth the tons of extra effort to try to pick apart your sides by figuring out all kinds of complex answers such as where in the story this scene takes place, what point of the character arc you're the scene takes place in, etc. Even though you'll find advice like that in many articles and from many coaches, I like to think differently or as I call it, "think outside the industry." At the end of the day, auditions are not designed for casting directors to see which actor came up with the right backstory – they're simply a way for casting directors to judge whether or not you're natural and seem like a good fit for the character!
As a general takeaway, don't overcomplicate the audition prep process or you'll feel overwhelmed and start to hate auditioning, which is a recipe for anger and frustration for years to come.
Watch this quick video to learn my "outside the industry" perspective on why trying too hard to stand out in auditions can do more harm than good:
Standing out and doing a great job in your auditions is about creating a personal, memorable impression with the casting director.
This isn't done by doing unique, crazy performances. Instead, it's by being yourself and showing your professionalism in the room. It's by connecting with the casting director in a deeper way, rather than just trying to do some perfect performance that knocks their socks off.
There are many ways to make that connection, whether by simply researching the casting director beforehand to find something to ask them about in the audition room, or discovering something I call your Passion Brand and talking to the casting director about it.
At the end of the day, just be yourself. Remember: you're not trying to be the best; you're just trying to be naturally and confidently YOU, which means playing your Types and Brand confidently.
If you're right for the part, the casting director will know it.
Enjoyed this article?
Book more work by thinking "Outside the Industry."
Knowing all about acting sides and how to use them is just one part of growing your acting career.
As someone who has worked with people in thousands of industries (through my headshot business), I've been able to take growth strategies that work for businesses and apply them directly to actors – to help them grow their careers faster than most would think possible (examples: one of my clients landed his first-ever Broadway role in just 4 weeks of working with me, and a brand-new actress signed with a high-level agent in just six weeks of working with me).
I'd like to invite you to my free insider newsletter where I share my best material, including:
Download my free Actor's Toolkit to get started and you'll hear from me a few times a week with unique "outside the industry" strategies. I promise they'll help you build a career you're truly proud of.
As someone who has worked with people in thousands of industries (through my headshot business), I've been able to take growth strategies that work for businesses and apply them directly to actors – to help them grow their careers faster than most would think possible (examples: one of my clients landed his first-ever Broadway role in just 4 weeks of working with me, and a brand-new actress signed with a high-level agent in just six weeks of working with me).
I'd like to invite you to my free insider newsletter where I share my best material, including:
- How to network easily and authentically with casting directors – even if you hate self-promotion.
- How to find your Type and Brand in just 18 minutes (it doesn't require awkwardly asking lots of random people for feedback)
- How to find a hardworking and reliable agent – even if you don't have a strong resume or reel
- And much more...
Download my free Actor's Toolkit to get started and you'll hear from me a few times a week with unique "outside the industry" strategies. I promise they'll help you build a career you're truly proud of.
Martin Bentsen (author of this guide) is an actor marketing coach who uses “outside the industry” thinking to help actors book more work. He’s helped over 6,000 actors with their careers and actor headshots since 2009 and his photography studio City Headshots is ranked #1 on Yelp. He’s spoken at NYU, The New England Theater Conference, The Actor’s Green Room, and other venues. Want to book more acting work by thinking different? Start with his free Actor’s Toolkit to create new opportunities right away, or visit his website at www.martinbentsen.com. |
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