Acting : Are most auditions scams? by Darrell Kobaso

Where is this happening? It's shameful! I've been at plenty of auditions and never heard of asking participants to pay!

Actually everywhere. For example there is a Talent agency called AMTC they are having auditions on March 2 in Raleigh, NC. They supposedly are a talent agency that works with Christian actors, singers, and models. I just call their 1800 line they told me if I was "selected" for a part then I would have to choose a certain "package" which I would then have to pay $$$ for, and then I would be seen by movie producers, and agents and people within the industry. WHAT A SCAM!

There are alot of so called "talent agencies" that claim to have the right contacts and connections, and will promise people the moon. They charge baby, and almost NEVER deliever.

I didn't know you had to have an agent just to be an extra in a movie or Tv show, I though if you were right for the part you got the part.

These modeling agencies are the same way. So many claim to make people "stars" or successful within the industry. You show up for the shoot they say ya you have "the look", but you have to get a professional portfolio done by one of our staff photographers for an X amount before we can use you for anything. WHAT'S MY POINT? BE AWARE OF SCAMMERS.

The sad thing is so many actors fall for these scams that the scammers make a lot of money. Many of these so-called agencies stay in business for decades. The good news is there are thousands of legit agencies all over the country. It's up to the individual to research and make smart choices.

Thanks for the invite Rich. I'm not moving to NewYork to play second fiddle to a bunch of rappers and punk rockers and MTV freaks.

Your agent is looking in the wrong place. Or you have not been using an agent. Beware of places like Craig's list. Get an agent if you do not have one. Get involved in productions in groups of actors and film makers. Many castings as shared in communities by word of mouth. You have to be out there to be involved. Beware of advertised "opportunities" and check out the director / producer on IMDB and their credits and among your circle of friends... NO REAL PRODUCTION WILL ASK YOU FOR MONEY and no real agent. Their job is to find you money. Again, check their rep.

Real auditions are an investment in you. As a film maker, I would not think of working with an actor that thinks auditioning for me is a waste of time.

I would not hire an actor without an audition unless we've worked together and I know them. If there are scammers requiring you to pay for auditions, that is sad and makes us all look bad. Unfortunately it is up to you to discern good acting opportunities from bad ones, just like everything in life.

Well Cory I don't like SCAMMERS or CON artists or people who promise you the moon in order to "steal" your money. They should be LOCKED up. You're right about one thing..It makes you ALL look BAD really, really BAD.

Www.thecastingdirector.com is a big promoter of how casting directors should not charge for auditions. Hope that helps. Never pay to audition.

Darrell, you should not pay to audition- ever! You might invest in an acting coach to prep you in advance of an audition, or, you might pay someone to record you to upload and send to people. This requires time, coaching and equipment and yes, this Industry is a business so free doesn't pay the rent. But you should track what you invest in to see what is working and what is not. Here's a free tip with loads of audition tips & hints: http://www.performertrack.com/webinars-home-pw-gameplan-od.html It's an online webinar that I co-host and yes, it's free. Send me a message and let me know what you think! Best, Kristina

Darrell, we are not them. Those with bad intentions exist in every industry. Nevertheless, you still need to audition for roles if you want to be an actor. Or you could produce and star in your own films, then you will never need to audition again. However you will then need to audition others. ;)

"Never Give Up!" Ruth Gordon

We do auditions for all our projects, and we handle auditions for our clients. We place ads in Variety and other trade locations. Seek head shots, bios, and/or reels... We never ask for money... and we have found some great actors for projects. NO ONE EVER HAS TO PAY US A SINGLE PENNY TO AUDITION... if someone asks you to PAY to audition. RUN don't walk to the nearest exit.

ask for money? walk out immediately at that point.

We have a few 'scams' on the music side, too. The whole 'pay to get an opportunity' thing.

Darrell, auditions are job interviews. The only roles that I have landed that didn't require an audition were basically extra work, but I have auditioned for minor (speaking) roles as well. Unless the director (casting) is familiar with your abilities they don't have any other way to see if you can portray the character they way they have envisioned. I've even been advised to audition for the sake of practice; even if I am not interested in the role or project, because it will help prepare me for the next big audition. But I wholeheartedly agree with everyone here, if someone wants money for me to audition I'm outta there.

If they ask for $ it's not an audition.

Auditions will never as you for money, if they do it's a scam for sure.

I agree with Tiffy. Stay encouraged actor Bryan Cranston said something profound. Check out the link http://youtu.be/v1WiCGq-PcY

some do. go for indie stuff. beware of money pits.

bottom line.. if someone wants money from you to audition, ...walk away. In all probability, it's a scam. There are plenty of real auditions for plenty of real project out there. As to actual auditions... well. If you want to act, go on auditions. At worst, they are a chance to practice your craft in front of others and hone your skill set. At best.... you'll get a part in a project.

It's very sad that there are scam artists out there. I can tell you from experience that there have always been con artists and scammers that prey on beginners who don't know how the industry works. It used to be more common in the major markets like L.A., but people are more knowledgeable out here because they have more access to good information on who's legit and who's BS. Fortunately, the Internet has given everyone access to looking up people and social media sites like Stage32 give you a community that you can ask questions and learn from. It's so much better now. There are members from all over the country who can communicate with each other. It's a great resource. Once you've worked in this business, you'll learn really quickly how things really work and will be able to smell the BS a mile away. We've all experienced these con artists and sometimes still run into one now and then, but you'll be savvy enough to walk the other way and hold tightly to your wallet.

You should never have to pay for an audition for a legit project. Just like one should not have to pay someone upfront to be their agent.