How To Audition On Camera: A Hollywood Insider's Guide for Actors

by Sharon Bialy, Bryan Cranston (Foreword)

In How to Audition On Camera, Casting Director Sharon Bialy answers the twenty-five questions actors ask most frequently about how to nail an audition. What is the casting director looking for? If you mess up, can you start over? What is the most common mistake experienced actors make? Should you audition off book or can you look at the page? Should you dress in character? How much can you improvise? Actors—both novice and professional—are often misled by myths and outdated prescriptions. This guide replaces such misinformation with concise and accurate advice from someone who is in the room helping to make the decision on who gets the job. Bialy gets readers started immediately on the road to screen acting success.

Genres: Nonfiction

142 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2012

Reviews

[Isa]

Short, sweet and extremely helpful.

[Jaime Soria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was extremely short, but covered everything you need to know about auditioning on camera. I feel like all the acting books I have read in the past include (at least a teeny bit of) good advice, but most also have filler and bullshit, in order for the authors to make their books longer, and that can be a pain to read. Sharon Bialy, casting director for Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead, is concise with her words, and cuts right to the chase: Here is how your audition will go. These are the things you should do and focus on. These are the things you should ignore. These are the questions you shouldn't be asking. Don't forget to have fun, because if you're not, what's the point of doing this?
Sometimes acting books can leave me in a less than positive frame of mind when I finish. Sharon's book left me feeling motivated, and ready to work hard prepping for all my future auditions. The more work you put into your preparation, the more confident you will feel, and the better performance you will deliver at your auditions!

[Baroness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful and informative.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I’d had this book 20 years ago

Precise, clear, and blissfully concise insight from one of the most successful CDs in the business. Sharon answers questions and concerns that have been niggling in the back, and sometimes forefront, of my mind before, during, and after auditions for decades. She also confirms many of the ideas and techniques that it took me many many subpar auditions, and missed opportunities, to figure out on my own. She defines what it means to operate as a professional in this often mysterious profession. I would recommend reading it no matter what stage of your career you’re operating in.

[Camra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The MUST HAVE book for actors. Sharon Bialy is an absolute professional and has the the resume to prove it. You can read this book in an hour and it will bring you insights and knowledge that will help you to make your auditions the best they can be.

Seriously, buy this book.

[Elle Engelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily the most informative and inspiring book on acting written this decade.

[Rebecca Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a jobbing actor, or one who is still required to audition for TV & film, this book is an excellent, handy guide. Honest tips from a top US casting director.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Amazing book with inside tips and tricks that can help you get better at auditioning and less mistakes. I am glad I got this book!

[marissa di vita · Rating 4 out of 5]

literally the best advice ever. read this if you’re an actor. also found out the author casted one of my favorite shows so that’s really cool (jericho, pls go watch it rn) 🤭🤭

[Peter D · Rating 5 out of 5]

INVALUABLE insight and advice from one of the best casting directors in the business. Great for emerging and veteran actors alike. There are a lot of sources out there claiming to hold the keys to your success, and while your mileage may vary, I believe this is one that 100% delivers. Recommended for anyone who has, is, or will ever audition on camera.

[Ceci Touzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

LMAOOOO had to read this for class. Very insightful indeed.
In all honesty, Bialey is brutally honest in a way that casting directors should be but she also is very inspiring! Good read if you are an actor!

[Emmanuel Afuwape · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done

Well done. It is very insightful and it breaks everything down to the T. This book is Highly Recommended. X

[Jayde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and frank. Sharon shares with you everything and anything you could possibly need to know about the audition process. An absolute wealth of knowledge!

[Mariellen Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear and informative.