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Quick answer: Casting is the whole process a production uses to find and choose its actors, from the casting call to the final decision. An audition is one step inside that process: the tryout where you perform for the casting director, in person or on a self-tape. Casting is what the production does; auditioning is what you do.
It’s one of the most common questions when you start going out for roles. People sometimes use the two words loosely, and in Spanish-speaking countries “casting” often covers both. In the US, though, they mean different things, and knowing which is which helps you understand where you are in the process and what’s expected of you.
What is casting?
Casting (from the verb to cast, to assign the roles) is the complete process of finding, evaluating and choosing actors for a project: a film, a TV series, a commercial or a play. It’s led by a casting director and their team, and it runs from the moment the roles are announced until every part is filled.
It usually moves through these stages:
- Casting call: the production announces the roles it needs, with a short description of each character. It can be an open casting call, where anyone can submit, or a closed one that only goes to agents and invited actors.
- Submissions: the casting team reviews the materials actors send (headshot, resume, reel) and narrows down the list.
- Auditions: the shortlisted actors perform for the team, in person or remotely with a self-tape.
- Callbacks: follow-up rounds with the finalists. If you get one, read what a callback is and how to prepare for it.
- Final decision: the director and producers choose who plays each role, and the actor gets an offer.
What is a casting call?
A casting call is the announcement itself: the notice that a production is looking for actors. A typical one lists the project, each role with its age range and description, the dates, whether it pays and how to submit. In the US you’ll find them on casting platforms such as Backstage, Actors Access and Casting Networks, while many roles are sent only to agents and managers.
Responding to a casting call is called submitting: you send your materials and wait to hear whether they want to see you. In other words, the casting call opens the door, and the audition is what happens once you’re invited in.
What is an audition?
It’s the step in the casting process where you actually act for the casting director or the creative team: you perform a scene, a monologue or a cold read. It’s your chance to show live what your materials (headshot, resume, reel) can only hint at.
That’s when you stop being a photo in a pile of submissions and become someone who acts, breathes and makes choices. It’s also the most demanding stage, because the people in the room see in real time what you can do.
Depending on the project and the director, an audition can take one of these forms or combine several:
- Cold read: you read a text you’re handed on the spot.
- Prepared scene: you get the pages ahead of time (in the US they’re called sides) so you can work on them.
- Monologue: a speech for a single character, especially common in theater. Our guide to monologues for auditions helps you choose one and includes original pieces to practice with.
- Improvisation: a situation without a fixed script, to see how you react. If that makes you nervous, learn how to improvise in an audition.
Casting vs. audition: comparison table
The main difference is scale: casting is the whole process, and the audition is one stage inside it. A casting process can include one or several rounds of auditions, and every audition is part of a casting process.
| Casting | Audition | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The whole process of finding and choosing actors for a project. | The tryout where you perform for the casting director or the creative team. |
| Scope | Covers every stage, from the casting call to the final decision. | One stage within casting; there can be several rounds. |
| What it includes | The casting call, the review of submissions, auditions, callbacks and the final decision. | A cold read, a prepared scene, a monologue, an improvisation or a mix. |
| What’s evaluated | Your look and type, your materials (headshot, resume, reel) and your auditions. | Your acting, in real time. |
| Format | An open casting call (public) or a closed, invite-only search. | In person, or recorded at home as a self-tape. |
| In a sentence | “They’re casting a new series.” | “I have an audition on Friday.” |
Tip: Worry less about the technical difference between the two words. What matters most is understanding the whole casting process and how to prepare for each stage, whatever people call it.
How to prepare for an audition
Whatever you call it, the preparation is the same:
- Materials ready: an up-to-date headshot, resume and reel, easy to share with a link.
- Work the text: if you got the sides ahead of time, dig into them; memorizing is only the starting point.
- Be on time: arriving a few minutes early gives you time to settle in and get into a working mindset.
- Stay open: take direction willingly and make adjustments on the spot.
- Manage your nerves: breathe and do a physical and vocal warm-up before you go in.
For audition day itself, these audition tips walk you through what to do before, during and after. And if you’re looking for roles to submit for, browse the open casting calls we publish on Casting and Acting.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between casting and an audition?
Casting is the whole process of finding and choosing actors for a project: it includes the casting call, the review of submissions (headshot, resume, reel), the auditions and the callbacks. The audition is the specific tryout where you perform live for the casting team. In Spanish-speaking countries the two words are often used as synonyms; in the US, they’re kept apart.
What is casting in acting?
It’s the process of choosing actors for a film, a TV series, a commercial or a play. It runs from the casting call to the final decision on who plays each role, and along the way it includes reviewing submissions, holding auditions and calling actors back. It’s led by a casting director, who works with the director and producers.
What is an audition in acting?
It’s the stage of casting where you perform live for the casting director or the creative team. It can be a cold read, a prepared scene, a monologue, an improvisation or a mix of these. It’s your most direct chance to show what you can do.
Is a casting call the same as an audition?
They’re two different steps. The casting call is the announcement that a production is looking for actors, and it tells you how to submit. The audition comes later, if the casting team likes your submission and invites you to try out.
How do I prepare for an audition?
Keep your materials up to date (headshot, resume, reel), study the sides or scene they send you well in advance, show up on time and ready to work, manage your nerves with breathing and a warm-up, and pay close attention to any direction so you can adjust on the spot.
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