TV Show Audition Guides 2025-2026
We((zainfo.co.za team) are pleased to inform you about TV Show Audition Guides 2025-2026
Want to appear on TV? You must first acquire acting experience and develop a solid understanding of the latest dramas and comedies airing on TV. Next, what? Your next move is as follows.
How To Audition For a TV Show 2025-2026
We’re not just going to give you great audition advice; we’re also going to explain how to nail a TV show audition! Observe these five steps:
- Film yourself.
- Critique yourself.
- Join the SAG-AFTRA Union (Screen Actors Guild & American Federation of Television and Recording Arts).
- Find your audition.
- Prepare yourself.
Film Yourself
Casting directors will prefer to see how you appear and behave on a screen as opposed to a stage in a live theater because it is television. Try recording yourself with a Macbook, iPhone, or another filmmaking device at home to see how you appear! Sometimes, how we perceive ourselves to appear on camera differs greatly from how we actually appear! Consider these inquiries as you do this: Do you appear at ease on camera? Or do you frequently make odd facial gestures like lifting your eyebrows, rubbing your nose, chewing your lips, or blinking a lot? Before entering the audition room, look for any bad behaviors you can break!
Additionally, we advise against dressing in white or black in front of the camera as this may lighten your skin tone. Wear a neutral-colored outfit that is also flattering. In general, busy stripes and patterns are not preferred by casting directors.
Critique Yourself
You must evaluate yourself on the following if you want to learn how to audition for TV shows like a pro. Make sure your speaking volume is accurate when performing an acting scenario in front of the camera, whether you’re acting alone or with a partner. Like on a Broadway stage when you’re trying to project your voice to the back of the audience, you don’t need to speak too loud because the camera and microphone should be able to pick you up at your typical speaking volume. However, it shouldn’t be so quiet that they can’t understand a word you say.
Additionally, watch out for staring directly at the camera or at your scene partner all the time. Take note of where your eyes are most of the time when you do your at-home “fake” recording experiment. Do they roll around, their eyes bugging out, or are they fixated on something? They ought to appear natural, with some movement, but not too much or too little.
Make a note in your reading of where, during particular scenes or lines, you should look towards the camera and at your scene partner. Perhaps you are exclaiming, “I love you,” in a romantic setting. Two alternative approaches—one directed at the camera and the other at your scene partner—might be worth trying. Consider these strategies. Examine the techniques of your favorite performers to find what resonates with you.
Join SAG-AFTRA
Like with movies, you will need to be part of the SAG-AFTRA Union (Screen Actors Guild & American Federation of Television and Recording Arts) to start auditioning. If not, you can start by attending non-union auditions.
You will need to start working in TV as an extra or stand-in to join the union. If a director hires you as a non-union actor in a role that is meant or contracted for a union actor, you’ll receive a waiver each day you work – and once you receive three waivers, you can then apply to join the union. If accepted, you will need to pay a union initiation fee of approximately $3,000, along with monthly dues. It is a very big investment, so make sure it is something you really want to go for! However, being part of the union will ensure that you are being paid and treated fairly on set, and you are also eligible for health and retirement benefits.
Find Your Audition
Of course, if you want to learn how to audition for a TV show, you’ll need to know where to find the actual auditions! Try websites and resources such as:
- www.Playbill.com
- www.Backstage.com
- www.Castingnetworks.com
- www.Actorsaccess.com
These sites mostly post auditions for big cities such as New York, LA, Orlando, Boston, and Chicago. Some of these websites will require a fee to join (it is worth it!). And some you can submit your headshot and resume online to the casting director, without having to audition in person.
Prepare Yourself
When you do get an audition time slot or are attending an open call, you don’t need to freak out, but you do need to get ready to kill the audition! You must bring your picture and résumé to the audition, and you should be ready to stay in the audition room for up to an hour. The audition may just last a few minutes. Be ready for both possibilities.
One or more casting directors may be present in the audition space. You might get the script or “sides” a few days or weeks in advance, or you might get them right away! It’s a good idea to rehearse these “cold readings” before your audition if you have to read on the spot. Find a friend and practice reading lines or monologues with them. Find out your innate acting and reading preferences.
Be really pleasant and genuine when you enter the room. The casting directors may want to interact and converse with you at times, but there are also instances when they just want to concentrate on the audition. Don’t try to divert their attention. It will most likely be filmed in a TV audition. You must feel as at ease as possible when auditioning in front of a large camera or numerous cameras right in front of your face since sometimes they will send it to another casting office in LA or New York!
Note: If you have questions or corrections regarding this post, kindly use the comment box below