Audition Prep · 3 min read
Audition Etiquette: The Dos and Don’ts of the Room
Audition etiquette isn’t outdated rules - it’s code that signals you’ve done this before. The dos, don’ts, and gray areas.
Published March 25, 2025
Etiquette is not optional. The room reads it before you say a word.
Bad etiquette signals "this is your first one." Casting reads it instantly and adjusts their expectations downward - even unconsciously.
The work, step by step
- Arrive ten minutes early. Not earlier.. Earlier reads anxious. On time reads professional. Late is a no.
- Sign in, sit down, breathe.. Don’t chat with other actors in the holding room about the role.
- Phone in airplane mode the moment you sit.. A vibrating phone in a quiet room is a tell.
- Greet, don’t over-greet.. A clear "good morning" is enough. Don’t tell them about your day.
- Thank them once, leave.. A single "thank you" on exit is the right amount.
Common pitfalls
- Apologizing for anything that hasn’t happened yet.
- Asking about the role, the schedule, or "how it’s going."
- Performing relaxation. Just be relaxed.
How Actry fits in
Etiquette is the easy part. The hard part is the work. Drill the work in Actry and the etiquette becomes the natural by-product of feeling prepared.
Frequently asked questions
Should I shake hands?
Only if offered. Most rooms don’t.
Should I bring my own water?
Yes. Don’t depend on the room.
Can I ask the casting director questions?
Yes - about the work. Not about the schedule, the budget, or your odds.
Filed under Audition Prep. Tagged: etiquette, audition, industry.