Not all auditions are the same. Learn about the most common types of acting auditions and what you can expect from each as you begin your acting career.
If you're new to acting, you might assume that every audition follows the same format.
In reality, auditions can look very different depending on the type of production, the role being cast, and how the casting team chooses to evaluate performers.
You may audition in person, record a self-tape from home, attend a callback, or even participate in a live virtual audition.
Understanding these different audition formats can help you feel more prepared and confident before your next opportunity.
In this guide, we'll introduce the most common types of acting auditions and explain what you can generally expect from each one.
Why There Are Different Types of Auditions
Every production has unique needs.
A national television commercial, an independent film, a streaming series, and a stage production all have different schedules, budgets, and creative processes.
Because of this, casting teams use different audition formats to find the right performers efficiently.
Some auditions focus on personality and natural presence.
Others emphasize character development, emotional range, or the ability to take direction.
Learning these formats helps remove uncertainty and allows you to prepare more effectively.
In-Person Auditions
Traditional in-person auditions remain common for many productions.
During an in-person audition, you'll usually arrive at a casting office or production studio, check in, and wait for your scheduled time.
Depending on the project, you may perform:
A prepared scene.
A monologue.
A commercial script.
A cold read.
A short improvisation.
After your performance, the casting team may ask you to perform the scene again with different direction.
Self-Tape Auditions
Self-tapes have become one of the most common audition formats in today's entertainment industry.
Instead of visiting a casting office, you'll record your audition yourself and submit it electronically.
Self-tapes allow casting directors to review performances from actors located almost anywhere.
A typical self-tape audition includes:
A slate.
One or more scripted scenes.
Specific framing and lighting requirements.
Submission instructions and deadlines.
Learning to create professional self-tapes is an important skill for modern actors.
Callback Auditions
A callback audition means you've successfully progressed beyond the initial audition.
At this stage, the casting team wants to learn more about you before making final casting decisions.
Callbacks may include:
Performing the same scene again.
Reading additional material.
Receiving direction.
Meeting producers or directors.
Reading with other actors.
Being invited to a callback is already a positive sign—it means the casting team believes you could be a strong fit for the role.
Virtual Auditions
Some productions conduct auditions through video conferencing platforms.
Virtual auditions became increasingly common during recent years and continue to be used for actors in different cities or countries.
Although similar to self-tapes, virtual auditions happen live.
This allows the casting team to give immediate direction and interact with performers in real time.
Theatre Auditions
Theatre auditions often differ from on-camera auditions.
Depending on the production, actors may be asked to perform:
One or more prepared monologues.
A scene with another actor.
Vocal exercises.
Singing selections.
Dance combinations.
For musical theatre productions, auditioning may involve acting, singing, and movement in the same session.
Because theatre performances happen live, directors often pay close attention to projection, stage presence, and how performers connect with an audience.
Commercial Auditions
Commercial auditions typically focus on authenticity, personality, and relatability.
Rather than portraying a deeply developed character, you'll often be asked to present yourself naturally while delivering simple dialogue or reacting to everyday situations.
Commercial auditions may include:
Lifestyle scenes.
Product demonstrations.
Family interactions.
Improvisation.
Simple scripted dialogue.
Natural behavior is often more effective than overly dramatic performances.
Film and Television Auditions
Film and television auditions usually involve performing scenes taken directly from the script or specially prepared audition material called "sides."
Casting teams evaluate how convincingly you bring the character to life while remaining truthful and emotionally connected.
You may be asked to:
Perform one or more scenes.
Adjust your performance after receiving direction.
Read with another actor.
Complete additional callback auditions.
Every production approaches the process a little differently.
Voice Acting Auditions
Voice acting auditions rely entirely on your vocal performance.
Rather than appearing on camera, you'll perform using only your voice.
Voice auditions may include:
Commercial scripts.
Animation characters.
Video game dialogue.
Audiobook narration.
Corporate narration.
Because facial expressions aren't visible, vocal variety, clarity, pacing, and emotional expression become especially important.
Which Type of Audition Is Best for Beginners?
There's no single "best" type of audition.
Many actors begin with:
Student films.
Independent productions.
Community theatre.
Commercials.
Background work.
Every audition provides valuable experience and helps you become more comfortable performing under different circumstances.
The more formats you experience, the more adaptable you'll become.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all auditions require memorization?
Not always.
Some auditions ask actors to memorize their scenes in advance, while others use cold readings where you'll receive the script shortly before performing.
Always review the casting notice carefully to understand what's expected.
Are self-tape auditions replacing in-person auditions?
Self-tapes have become extremely common, but they haven't completely replaced in-person auditions.
Many productions now use a combination of self-tapes, virtual callbacks, and in-person sessions depending on the project's needs.
Can beginners audition for professional productions?
Yes.
Many productions welcome actors with little or no professional experience, particularly when the role doesn't require extensive credits.
Meeting the casting requirements and submitting professionally are often more important than having a long résumé.
What happens if I don't know which audition type to expect?
The casting notice usually explains the audition format and submission requirements.
Reading the instructions carefully before preparing your materials can help you avoid surprises.
Your Next Steps
Understanding the different types of auditions makes it easier to prepare for each opportunity with confidence.
As your acting career develops, you'll likely experience several different audition formats.
Rather than viewing them as completely different challenges, think of them as different ways to demonstrate the same core acting skills.
Continue building your audition knowledge by learning how to:
Prepare for callback auditions.
Analyze audition scripts.
Take direction confidently.
Improve your self-tapes.
Handle audition feedback professionally.
Every audition—regardless of its format—is another opportunity to grow as an actor.
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