1. Don’t Rewrite Your Lines: Never, ever, ever say something other than what’s in the script. There’s no better way to offend a writer than to come up with your own lines. If you want to write your own dialogue, then become a writer.
2. Listen, Listen, Listen: Listen to what you are being told. Sometimes the casting director or writer or director will give you a bit of direction prior to the audition or during the audition on a particular line. Listen to what they’re saying and take the time you need to process it. If it’s during an audition, more often than not, they will be happy to give you a few minutes to incorporate the new direction into the lines. So ask for it if you need it.

1. Make Sure Your Headshot is Accurate: There are few things more annoying than getting a headshot that looks nothing like the actor who shows up. Be sure your headshot accurately portrays who you are now. If you’ve gained weight, cut your hair, aged a few years older, then make sure your headshot shows this. Your headshot won’t be the one getting the job and you certainly won’t either if you look completely different than what people were expecting to see.
2. Commit!: Actors who genuinely commit to a reading are fun to watch. They literally transform themselves into a character. By committing fully to the reading, you will not only dissolve any nervousness, you’ll show the decision makers that you should be considered because you can play the part with a genuine passion.