WEATHER THE SUMMER

A few words of summer advice from NYC Casting Director, Scott Powers, on weathering the summer weather . . .

 

It's summer in the City!  High temperatures, high humidity, no breeze, air so thick you can cut it with a knife.  WHAT A GREAT DAY FOR AN AUDITION!
 
Living and working is hard enough, but as an actor, the weather can definitely play a role (no pun intended) in your audition success.
 
When we have auditions on days like this, it's so hard on the actors.  Some of them come in looking very effected by the weather:  wilted looking, clothes soaked, a bad hair day, faces oily and grimy with soot.  And now they have to audition to get a job.  How can your heart not go out to them.
 
Understand that it's hard to look good when you're out all day in these elements.  But, you gotta look good at the audition, don't you?  Remember, we can't explain or give an excuse to a client in cool, dry Toronto, that someone's appearance on that audition submission was effected by the weather where you are that day.
 
And to make things even more interesting, some studios don't have air conditioning.  Can't afford it.  Don't have to remind you about those places, we've all experienced them.
 
So, what's the best way to combat all this?  This is why bathrooms were invented.  First thing to do when arriving to a Casting Director's place (or Agent's place, for that matter) is ask for directions to the Ladies' Room or Men's Room.  This is a perfectly legitimate request from an actor.  Go in there and get yourself together.  Wash your face if you have to; or re-apply your make-up.  Guys:  it helps to bring along a  little translucent powder or powdered rice paper (available at drug stores) will help blot up oil and give your face a matte look, without looking "tweaked," much preferred by the camera.  Also, bring a small washcloth with you in that big bag of yours.  Some bathrooms these days don't have paper towels but those electric dryers and they will not dry your face.
 
If you sweat a lot in days like this, it might pay to bring along a fresh shirt in your bag to change into so you'll look fresh and crisp.  We don't want to see soaked-through shirts during an audition.  The wet T-shirt contest can be saved for later on, if you know what we mean.
 
And while you're in the bathroom, check your teeth for things that shouldn't be there, is the hair way it should be and not matted down from perspiration, and adjust your clothes so they look right.  Zipper up?  And for some reason, trailing a shred of toilet paper on a shoe seems a common occurrence.  Pull yourself together, center yourself, look smart, smile at yourself in the mirror (this is very important!) and stride back to that Casting Director's studio with a purpose.
 
Now you're ready to walk into that audition with all the aplomb and confidence that you know you have and nail the job.
 
(And nail the job, you will, since not everyone is going to be reading this blog.  You'll know them by their sweaty foreheads and matted hair.)

Comments

[susan miller]

there's a comedian inside you. funny words today, Melinda!

[Deanna]

Love, love, love your tips! Another tip that has definitely worked for me is Sage. Sage can reduce sweating by as much as 50%! So before I go on an audition or shoot, I start sprinkling Sage in my food about 24 hours before hand and Voila! I'm not the one with a soaked shirt. :)