Audition Tips from Ken Lazer, CSA

Elevating Your Game in the Industry

At Sans Secret, we’re always focused on helping our talent grow and succeed. Recently, I had the privilege of attending a Zoom meeting with Ken Lazer, CSA, a veteran casting director with over 31 years of experience. Ken shared some invaluable insights into auditioning techniques that can set you apart from the competition. Below are key takeaways to help you elevate your game and get one step closer to booking those roles.

1. Every Audition Has a Story – Mastering the Beginning, Middle, and End

One of the main points Ken emphasized is that every audition should have a story arc, even if it’s as simple as reading a line. Most actors stand on the mark, say the lines, and that’s it. But the key to booking is building a subtle story through continuous action.

Tip:
Instead of just reciting lines, add natural actions. For example, if you’re auditioning for an energy drink commercial, instead of saying “I take B-12 for energy and vitality” in a static way, create a narrative—jog in, wipe off sweat, deliver the line, and jog off. These small choices help create a dynamic performance that stands out.

2. Be Off-Book

Being off-book allows you to bring more personality and authenticity into the audition. It shows you’re prepared, serious about the opportunity, and ready to deliver your best performance.

3. Use Props & Continuity to Enhance Your Audition

Ken mentioned the importance of using props effectively to add depth to your character. For example, wearing glasses can be used to create a story. In a close-up audition, you could take them off at the beginning of your lines and put them back on at the end, signaling subtle but meaningful transitions.

• Example (Pain Relief Audition): Begin by taking off your glasses, deliver the line, and then end by putting them back on.

4. Framing is Key

Understanding the framing of your audition helps you navigate your performance. If it’s a close-up, your movements should be subtle to stay within the frame, like sitting down or using small gestures. Ask for framing directions if they’re not provided.

Tip: Use chairs in close-up framing to relax your body while keeping your performance fluid and contained within the frame.

5. Wardrobe & Color Choices

For commercial auditions, wardrobe matters, especially when it aligns with the brand’s identity. Ken suggests researching the company to understand their color palette and vibe. If you’re auditioning for a brand like Target, incorporating red and white into your wardrobe could make a strong visual connection with the brand.

6. Demo Reels: Keep It Short and Sweet

According to Ken, demo reels are crucial, especially if the casting director doesn’t know you. Keep the following in mind:

• Length: No more than 2 minutes.

• Content: 15-20 second scenes, no self-tapes in your reel.

• Commercial vs. Legit: Keep them separate.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have professional footage, gather a few friends, use a good camera and mic, and shoot your own scenes. As long as the footage is high quality, it will showcase your skills.

7. The Importance of Headshots

Ken always looks at headshots first in submissions. Professional headshots make you stand out and give casting directors a clear first impression of your range. Make sure to have a variety of expressions—serious, smiling, ¾ shots for legit, and make sure your makeup is camera-ready.

8. Self-Tape Submissions

Ken emphasized submitting self-tapes early if possible. The sooner you send a strong self-tape, the better your chances of being in the top group of submissions. Quality isn’t as important as content, but it’s essential to lose distracting backdrops. Instead, find a neutral, dedicated space at home with a light gray background for TV/film or blue for commercials.

Q&A Insights from the Session

• How important is a demo reel?

  • Very important, especially if the casting director doesn’t know you. Keep it under 2 minutes, with short scenes (15-20 seconds).

• Do you prefer working with agents or talent directly?

  • Ken works with both, but booking directly can save clients money, so he’s open to both approaches.

• Should self-tapes be submitted early?

  • Yes! Sending tapes early increases your chances of being added to the top 10 submissions.

• Headshots: Should there be a range of expressions?

  • Absolutely. Have both serious and smiling expressions for commercials and legit shots.

Ken Lazer's Upcoming Masterclass Opportunity

For those of you wanting to dive deeper into these techniques, Ken is offering an On-Camera Masterclass this October. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get direct feedback from one of the best in the industry.

• Dates: October 14, 21, 28, & November 4th (6:30 – 8:30 PM EST)

• Investment: $350 for Casting Networks members (use coupon code: 100)

• Seats: 8-10 seats available

• Registration: kenlazercasting.com/for-actors

Final Thoughts

Auditioning is an art, and the small details make all the difference. From building a narrative with subtle actions to understanding framing and wardrobe, these techniques will help you stand out in a competitive industry. Keep practicing, stay off-book, and never underestimate the power of a well-prepared audition.

At Sans Secret, we believe in your talent and are committed to helping you succeed. Take these tips to heart, and let’s continue growing together.

Stay tuned for more updates and tips from industry leaders!