Acting glossary
The terms of the acting and casting world, explained clearly. From demo reels to callbacks: what you hear all the time and nobody explains.
All definitions
What Is a Callback? Meaning and 6 Tips to Prepare
A callback is the second round of auditions: you’re invited back because you made the shortlist. What it means and six tips to prepare for it well.
What Is a Casting Agency? What It Does and How to Work With One
What a casting agency does at each stage, how it differs from a talent agency and how to get on its radar so it calls you in for auditions.
What Is a Casting Director? What They Do and How to Get Noticed
A casting director is hired by a production to find, audition and recommend actors. Here’s how the process works, how to stand out and how to become one.
What Is a Deal Memo in Acting? What to Check Before You Sign
What a deal memo is in acting, what it usually includes, how it differs from the full contract and what to check calmly before you sign it.
What Is a Day Rate in Acting? Meaning and What It Depends On
What an actor’s day rate is, what the amount depends on, how union scale works and how pay changes across commercials, TV, film and theater.
What Is a Headshot? What Photos Actors Need and How to Take Them at Home
What a headshot is, what other photos actors need, what agencies mean by digitals or polaroids and how you can take your own at home with a phone.
What Is a Monologue in Acting? How to Choose and Prepare One
A monologue is a dramatic speech for a single actor. When auditions ask for one, how to choose yours and how to prepare it step by step.
What Is a Production Company? What It Does and Why It Matters to Actors
A production company is the business that makes a film, series, commercial or play. What it does, how it hires actors and why it matters to your career.
What Is a Self-Tape? Pros, Cons and How to Make It Look Good
A self-tape is the audition you record yourself and send to casting. Why it’s used more and more, its pros and cons, and how to make yours look good.
What Is a Slate in Acting? What to Say and How to Record It
A slate is the quick intro at the start of an audition; an intro video runs about a minute. What to say, how to record them and how they differ from a reel.
What Is a Talent Agent? What They Do and How They Differ From a Manager
What a talent agent does, how agents differ from managers and bookers, how they get paid and how to build a good working relationship with yours.
What Is a TV Pilot? The Test Episode of a Series
A TV pilot is the test episode of a series. What it’s for, how pilot season works and what booking a role in a pilot means for you as an actor.
What Is an Acting Reel? What It’s For, What to Include and How Long It Should Be
An acting reel is a short video, 1 to 3 minutes long, with your best scenes. What it’s for, what to include, how long it should be and how to share it.
What Is an Acting Resume? Its 6 Sections and Why It Fits on One Page
An acting resume is the one-page document you submit as an actor. What goes in its 6 sections, why it fits on a single page and how to send it.
What Is an Open Casting Call? Open vs. Closed Auditions and How to Get In
An open casting call is posted publicly so anyone can submit; closed auditions are invite-only, through agents and contacts. The differences and how to get in.
What Is Backstage in Acting? Meaning and When to Share It
What backstage means, what happens behind the scenes, what you can learn there and when to share it on social media or keep it confidential.
What Is Independent Theater? Co-Op vs Commercial Theater Explained
What independent, co-op and commercial theater are, how each model works and pays, and how they compare with Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theater.
What Is Physique du Rôle in Acting? Meaning and Examples
Physique du rôle is the match between your look and the characters you can play. What it means, how US casting talks about type and some examples.
What Is the Difference Between Casting and an Audition? Comparison Table
Casting is the whole process of choosing actors; an audition is the tryout where you perform. The differences in a table and how to prepare for each.