Modeling & Acting Auditions & Casting 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'screen test' in film and television casting?
- A filmed audition where actors perform scenes to be evaluated on camera (Correct answer)
- A technical test of studio cameras before filming begins
- A final script read-through before principal photography
- A promotional test screening shown to focus groups
Correct answer: A filmed audition where actors perform scenes to be evaluated on camera
A screen test is a filmed audition, often involving full wardrobe and makeup, used by directors to evaluate how an actor looks and performs on camera before final casting.
Question 2: What does a casting director primarily do during the production process?
- Finds, evaluates, and recommends actors to the director and producers (Correct answer)
- Directs actors during the filming of scenes
- Negotiates final contracts with talent agencies
- Manages the day-to-day schedule of actors on set
Correct answer: Finds, evaluates, and recommends actors to the director and producers
Casting directors are responsible for finding, auditioning, and recommending actors for roles, acting as the bridge between the production team and the talent pool.
Question 3: What is an 'Equity principal audition' (EPA)?
- A formal audition for speaking roles open to all Equity members (Correct answer)
- A private audition for union producers only
- An audition held exclusively at an Equity theater building
- A final contract negotiation meeting for Equity actors
Correct answer: A formal audition for speaking roles open to all Equity members
An Equity Principal Audition (EPA) is a formal audition for principal (speaking) roles that Equity productions must make available to all Actors' Equity Association members.
Question 4: What is a 'go-see' in the modeling industry equivalent to in acting?
- An audition or casting meeting (Correct answer)
- A rehearsal session
- A costume fitting
- A contract negotiation
Correct answer: An audition or casting meeting
A go-see is the modeling equivalent of an acting audition, where a model meets with a client or photographer who is considering booking them for a job.
Question 5: In commercial acting auditions, what is an 'improv' portion testing?
- The actor's ability to create spontaneous, unscripted performance in character (Correct answer)
- The actor's ability to memorize lines quickly
- The actor's physical flexibility and movement
- The actor's ability to read from a teleprompter
Correct answer: The actor's ability to create spontaneous, unscripted performance in character
Improv portions of commercial auditions test an actor's spontaneity, creativity, and comfort performing unscripted reactions or scenarios relevant to the product.
Question 6: What does 'under five' or 'U/5' mean in television casting?
- A speaking role with fewer than five lines of dialogue (Correct answer)
- An actor under five years of experience
- A scene lasting under five minutes
- A role for an actor under five feet tall
Correct answer: A speaking role with fewer than five lines of dialogue
An 'under five' (U/5) is a SAG-AFTRA contract classification for television roles that contain fewer than five lines of scripted dialogue.
Modeling & Acting Auditions & Casting 2
What is a 'screen test' in film and television casting?