01 Aug Cue Card Techniques: Commercial Auditions
At 3-2-1 Acting Studios in Los Angeles, we teach cue card techniques to actors who are preparing for commercial auditions. When you attend commercial auditions, while you may be sent a script in advance, you are expected to reference a cue card while in the room with the casting director. This is an industry standard! Here are some tips and cue card techniques for commercial auditions:
Ditch the script when you enter the audition room.
Again, it’s not common for actors to hold printed out sides during a commercial audition. You will want to get used to working with cue cards. Always print/bring any materials that the casting director sent you – just in case – but be prepared to use the cue cards during the audition.
Make sure you can see the cue card!
This might sound obvious, but some actors who wear glasses (but cannot wear contacts) do struggle with cue cards. Has your prescription been updated lately? Can you read things far away? It’s not always advisable to wear glasses in an audition (unless you are asked to for a specific character) due to the reflection that glasses can create under bright lights. However, in a commercial audition, you must be able to read the cue card to succeed! So, if contact lenses are not an option, and you need glasses to read far away, be sure to bring them with you!
If possible, be off book.
If you are sent a script in advance, try to be off book before you get to the audition. This way, the cue card can be a backup tool (rather than something you rely on – that distracts you from being fully present in the scene/moment). By being off book, you will be able to connect with the camera (and/or your scene partner).
If you are not sent a script in advance, you can arrive early to your commercial audition. This way, you can spend a few minutes studying the sides before you go into the room. The more familiar you are with the words, the better!
Study the cue card as soon as you walk in.
In some instances, you will have little to no prep time before your commercial audition. Therefore, as soon as you walk into the audition room (and while you are waiting to slate) be sure to study the cue card! Obviously, be present to what is happening in the room. If the casting director is giving you an instruction, be sure to listen carefully. But check out those cue cards whenever you have a spare moment.
Stay connected with the camera and reader.
While you are delivering the copy, make sure that you connect with the camera (or the off-camera reader) while speaking. Yes, you can reference the cue card, but it’s important that you lift your eyes from the copy and connect with either your scene partner (usually the casting professional who is operating the camera) – or the camera itself, if you are meant to deliver the lines straight to the audience.
Have fun!
Remember: it’s not a big deal if you mix up some words in an audition. Regardless of what happens, stay committed to the circumstances of the scene. Have fun! Be sure to be yourself and to show off your great personality.
We hope that this information on cue card techniques has been helpful. We at 3-2-1 Acting School in Los Angeles are wishing you the best of luck at your next commercial audition!
