YOUR FIRST MODELING AUDITION

Modeling auditions are an essential part of your modeling career. Until you build a solid foundation in the industry, you will have to attend numerous modeling auditions. Everyone starts somewhere, and your first audition could be a career launch or a vital lesson.

Many aspiring models struggle to launch a career because they are either lazy or ignorant. In an era where information is right at your fingertips, ignorance is too expensive an excuse. Agents and clients will hardly book you from the comfort of your home. Even if you are booked through social media, you might have to walk in, attend a go-see or submit supporting material such as a portfolio.

Your first modeling audition is like your first job interview, you have to prepare for it. This audition will teach you a lot about yourself and propel you towards the direction, you should take your career.
How do you prepare for your first modeling audition?

1. UNDERSTAND WHAT A MODELING AUDITION IS

A modeling audition is an opportunity for you (the model) to present yourself before an agent or client, either to be represented by an agency or to book a job. Modeling auditions can be open or closed. Open modeling auditions can be attended by all models ( aspiring, upcoming, and established) while closed modeling auditions are attended by specific models ( pre-shortlisted) either from agencies or online application.

Modeling audition setups vary, depending on what the audition is for, however, expect to find a panel of judges, photographers, and videographers and a choreographer

2. READ THE AUDITION BRIEF

Most agents, clients, and casting directors give a general audition brief weeks before the audition date. Read and understand the audition brief, ensure you meet the minimum requirements before you attend the audition.
Many aspiring models attend auditions whose minimum requirements they do not meet, sometimes even lying on their application forms. This is very detrimental to your career, it is a waste of your time and the clients’ time, most agents will simply blacklist you.

You will enjoy the audition process, feel more confident, and learn more when you are sure you meet the requirements. The casting directors will be more willing to give you feedback and agents and clients will keep your contacts for future jobs

3. DO YOUR RESEARCH ON THE CLIENT AND/OR AGENT

Working models don’t attend every audition or walk every catwalk, they attend the right auditions. A modeling audition is like a job interview, you have to have some background information about the client or agent you are casting for. Many aspiring models are too desperate to get a booking that they overlook a lot of red flags. Sometimes you need to stop and ask yourself, “Do I really want to work/sign with them?”

You make better decisions when you are better informed, therefore, seek relevant information. Visit their website and/or social media handles, engage models they have worked with previously, and analyze their work ethic. This will guide you on the audition day.

3. AUDITION DAY

Timekeeping is a form of self-respect and it shows respect for the client. Arrive at the audition venue in time and stay within the designated area. Sometimes auditions take place in hotel conference rooms, avoid roaming and taking random pictures in non-designated areas.

Every audition brief implies a certain dress code. A fashion audition brief will include the color of the wardrobe, in the case of a commercial audition, the wardrobe will be implied by the role you are casting for. Dress appropriately for the audition and carry everything you need for the audition ( have your own pair of heels)

Branding materials are sometimes requested when you show up for auditions, a portfolio, a polaroid, or a comp card. It is vital that you show up with the right item, this a distinguishing factor between a serious model and a wannabe. Everything is on google, if you do not know what a comp card is, google it. It is better to show up with a basic comp card, for example, than nothing at all. Remember ignorance is no defense.

Your first modeling audition will set the tone for more auditions. It will teach you a lot and expose you to different people in the industry. You never know who will be at an audition, take the opportunity to learn and grow your brand bit by bit.

If you are an aspiring model looking for guidance on where to start? We put together a simple Beginners Guide to help you on your first steps. Now retailing at Ksh. 500

If you find this information helpful, share it with an aspiring model.

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