3 ways to improve your Audition to Booking Ratio 📈

-- By Faith Hibbs-Clark

If you are not booking 1 in 10 auditions, it is time to take heart. The working actors that I train report that they are booking about 1 in 6 auditions. That is much higher than the average and you can make this happen too. Here is how:

1) Get more auditions. I know it sounds simple but getting more auditions improves your odds. Simply stated, the more auditions you get the better the odds are that you will book them. You can find more auditions by networking, getting or expanding representation and searching the web and casting platforms like ActorsAccess and others.

You can also get more auditions by either getting professional representation with an agent or expanding your representation. Many actors falsely believe that they can only get one agent. What you don't know, might be costing you more auditions. Depending on your area, state, or country, you might be able to have more than one agent or more than one type of talent agent.

Finally, get out there and network. Attend film festivals, and conferences like the Southwest Actors Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, and interact with other actors and film professionals. Get good at networking to build relationships. If you want to become a pro at networking and learn good body language for networking events, check out my eBook, The Actors Guide to In-Person Networking.

The Actor's Guide To In-Person Networking

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2) Get called in for the right auditions. No matter how good your audition is, if you are not right for the role, you probably are not going to get cast. Make sure your headshot and your marketing materials accurately depict you and showcase your marketing strengths. This will help you get called in to audition for roles that are a good fit for you and help you avoid doing auditions for roles that don't fit you.

Additionally, you can talk to your representative about auditioning for different types of acting work. For example, union actors can also do print work. If you are non-union, you can consider asking your agent to submit you for lower-paying jobs as well.

3) Train for auditions. Acting is one thing but you also need to train specifically for auditions. It is its own medium and requires specific skills and abilities. There are standard protocols that should always be followed. For example, a prop can add to the visual communication of your audition but it can also be a "deal killer." Knowing some simple protocols will help you never make that mistake (download my FREE props checklist)

But beyond the audition basics which you can read about for free online, you have to learn how to psychologically get inside the head of the person judging your audition.

You have to know how to use scientific principles such as body language and communication to neural-couple with the decision maker to get them to take the action and pick you. When you use The Acting Science Method ™, this is much easier than it sounds. All you have to do is use my science-based proven formulas and add your own creative twist to the audition and BOOM! It is like having a cheat code for a video game or a magic spell book.

So that is it! Simple! Your booking ratio can blow up overnight with a little help from science.

Faith is a body language expert who specialized in deception detection before becoming a casting director and working in the film industry for over 25 years. She is the founder of the Communication Method for Actors, LLC & the creator of the Acting Science Method ™. www.cmfatraining.com 

I would like to show you how to improve your audition booking ratio. I have others to do it and I can teach you too.

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Film Auditioning Weekend Intensive

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The Science of Comedy for Film Actors

Discover the neuroscience behind comedy and learn how to master the art of comedic acting

By Faith Hibbs-Clark, Founder

"Funny People are everywhere." - Adam Sandler

Do you think you have comedic chops?

After 25 years of casting for film and television, and as a body language expert, I have found that the actors you least expect to be funny, are the funniest. Is this you?

In this quote by Adam Sandler, I am reminded that anyone can possess the gift of comedy. Yes! even you!

Comedic ability is not limited to a select few; instead, it resides within all of us. By tapping into the scientific principles that underlie comedy, you can unlock your own comedic potential and bring laughter to audiences worldwide.

In this article, I will share tips on the fascinating world of comedy from a neuroscience perspective and demonstrate how film actors can use body language expertise and professional guidance to master the art of comedic acting.

The Neuroscience of Comedy

Comedy, as it turns out, is not just a simple expression of amusement; it profoundly affects our brains and bodies. When we laugh, our brains release a cocktail of chemicals that contribute to feelings of joy and well-being. Dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins flood our bloodstream, replacing the stress-inducing cortisol and promoting a sense of happiness and relaxation.

Research has shown that laughter has a direct impact on our neural pathways and can even influence our brain structure. The social laughter that you create on-screen has been found to increase opioid release in the anterior insula and anterior cingulate, suggesting that laughter acts as a neurochemical mechanism to enhance social bonding.

Understanding the neuroscience of laughter provides valuable insights into the art of comedic acting. By tapping into the power of laughter, you can create genuine moments of hilarity that resonate with audiences. Whether timing your delivery for maximum impact, introducing unexpected twists, or customizing Acting Science Method™️ comedic formulas to suit your style, you can leverage the science behind laughter to create unforgettable performances on screen.

Unlocking the Comedy Formulas

Many aspiring film actors falsely believe being naturally funny is a prerequisite for comedic success. However, with the guidance of a body language expert and professional casting director, comedy can be reverse-engineered and taught through accessible "formulas." These formulas provide a framework for you to understand the underlying mechanisms of comedy and apply them in auditions and on-set performances. By customizing these formulas to suit your unique style, you can develop your own individual comedic voice and confidently bring laughter to the screen.

Observing Body Language and Communication

As a body language expert and casting director, I have spent years meticulously observing the nuances of audience connection and laughter. By deciphering the intricacies of body language and communication, I have distilled actionable insights that can be shared with film actors seeking to excel in comedy. These observations, combined with the understanding of scientific principles, form the foundation for teaching you the art of comedy. But before you can learn my "Acting Science Method" comedic formulas, you must first understand these principles of humor:

1) Timing: The Comic Symphony

In the symphony of comedy, timing takes center stage. Just like a conductor expertly orchestrates the tempo of a piece, film actors must master the art of comedic timing. The perfect awkward pause, the well-timed punchline in the story formula, and the skillful use of silence combined with a dead stare can transform an ordinary scripted moment into uproarious laughter. Understanding the science of timing enables you to separate your visual performance from your vocal performance to create beats that can create comedic magic on screen

One noteworthy example of a comedic scene that cleverly employs awkward pauses for comedic timing occurs in the mall scene from the movie "Superbad", where the two boys coincidentally encounter the two girls they have an interest in. As the scene unfolds, a series of casual and conversational exchanges take place, leading to a decision to switch partners and accompany their respective crushes. It is within this amusing exchange that the perfectly timed awkward pause in the dialogue comes into play, contributing to the comedic effect and enhancing the overall characterization.

2) Surprise: The Unexpected Twist

Comedy thrives on surprise. Unexpected twists, clever wordplay, and surprising outcomes have the power to catch audiences off guard and generate laughter. As you embrace the element of surprise, you keep your performances fresh and engage viewers in delightful and unexpected ways. Something as simple yet surprising as delivering a line with an opposite emotion or with exaggerated emotion can provide a delightful comedic twist.

One example of a comedic scene with an unexpected twist can be found in the popular TV show "Schitt's Creek." In a Season 2 episode, the character Moira Rose, played by Catherine O'Hara, has an emotional breakdown over her missing purse. As Moira frantically searches for her purse, her reaction escalates from mild frustration to a full-blown meltdown, exclaiming, "No, no, no, NOOO!" It's a hilariously unexpected response highlighting Moira's dramatic and eccentric personality.

This scene showcases the power of surprise in comedy. The unexpected twist of Moira's emotional breakdown over a missing purse takes a seemingly ordinary situation and turns it into a laugh-out-loud moment. It's a testament to Catherine O'Hara's comedic talent and the show's ability to deliver unexpected surprises to its audience.

3) Incongruity: When Opposites Collide

Incongruity lies at the heart of comedy. It involves the unexpected juxtaposition of ideas, situations, or characters. In the Acting Science Method™️, I refer to it as Deviation from Normalcy. The brain is always predicting what is going to happen next logically, but when a situation creates a different response, it temporarily gives the brain a brief moment of relief from its constant survival instinct. By skillfully blending conflicting elements, you can create comedic gold. Embracing incongruity allows you to tap into the absurdity of life and present it in a way that resonates with audiences, generating laughter and leaving an indelible mark.

In the hit television show "The Office," incongruity plays a central role in creating comedic situations. One memorable example occurs in Season 3, Episode 15, titled "Phyllis' Wedding." During the wedding ceremony, the character Dwight Schrute (played by Rainn Wilson), who takes his job as Assistant Regional Manager very seriously, decides to perform an impromptu fire drill. This unexpected and disruptive action deviates from the normalcy of a wedding ceremony, causing confusion and chaos among the guests. The incongruity of Dwight's decision, juxtaposing a joyous event with a mock emergency, results in a hilarious outcome that leaves both the characters and the audience surprised and in stitches.

Crafting Your Unique Comedic Style

While hot-wiring your film and television auditions with my Acting Science comedy formulas will provide you with a solid framework for comedic acting, and an almost unfair advantage over your competition, it is essential for you to inject your own personality and style into your auditions and on-screen performances. This customization allows you to create a unique comedic voice that resonates with audiences. With my expert guidance, you can navigate the delicate balance between following established Acting Science Method ™️ comedy formulas and adding your own personal touch, resulting in performances that are both authentic and hilarious.

The Special Topics Workshop: Your Path to Comedic Greatness

Do you want to use science to unlock your own comedic potential? Join me for a 4-week live on Zoom workshop, where you will be able to work with me to unlock your own comedic potential. As a body language expert and professional casting director, this workshop offers comprehensive training on the neuroscience behind the comedy, the art of timing and surprise, and the customization of 25 comedic formulas. Join me on this transformative journey, and let the science of comedy guide you toward comedic greatness.

"Funny People are everywhere." - Adam Sandler

With these inspiring words from Adam Sandler, we are reminded that comedy is within reach for all film actors. By understanding the neuroscience behind comedy, learning proven Acting Science Method ™️ comedic formulas, and customizing them to create individual comedic styles, you will have your audience in stitches

Want to do a deep dive into comedy using Acting Science Method™ comedy formulas? Sign up for this game-changing 4-week live online workshop. Workshops are limited to just 10 students.

A few spots still remain in the May 17th-June 7th workshop. Grab your spot now!

Comedy Monologues (4-week Immersion)

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About Faith Hibbs-Clark

Faith is a body language expert who specialized in deception detection before becoming a casting director and working in the film industry for over 25 years. She is the founder of the Communication Method for Actors, LLC & the creator of the Acting Science Method. Don't be fooled by subpar knock-offs; learn from the source. F

© 2022. This content is copyrighted, Trademarked, and protected by law.

Nail the 1-liner!

By Faith Hibbs-Clark

Building Your Acting Career: The Power of Small Roles and How They Can Boost Your Success

As a casting director with over 25 years of experience, a body language expert, and a celebrity acting coach, I understand the challenges that aspiring film and television actors face when breaking into the industry. One crucial piece of advice I give to newcomers is to embrace small roles, such as day player roles, 1-liners, under-fives, and co-star roles.

In this blog post, I'll share the importance of these roles, how they can be financially lucrative, and examples of famous actors who started with small parts. Plus, I'll be promoting an upcoming workshop that could help you nail those crucial 1-liners!

The Importance of Small Roles

When you're starting out, it's essential to gain as much experience as possible to build your resume and showcase your talent. Small roles, although they might seem insignificant at first, can provide you with valuable opportunities to:

1. Gain experience and hone your acting skills.

2. Network with other actors, directors, and industry professionals.

3. Build your acting reel with diverse scenes and characters.

4. Show casting directors that you're versatile and adaptable.

Furthermore, these small roles can also be financially lucrative. For example, Kelsey Grammer, who played Dr. Frasier Crane in Cheers and later starred in the spin-off series Frasier, reportedly made millions in residual payments from both shows. Even though his role in Cheers was relatively small initially, it led to substantial earnings over time.

A student of mine landed a day player role on the hit TV show Friends. Although the initial payment for the appearance might have been a few thousand dollars, the enduring popularity of Friends means that he would continue to receive residual payments over the years, adding up to a decent income.

As the famous actor Johnny Depp once said, "I think everybody should take whatever job they can get and build from there." This quote perfectly illustrates the importance of taking small roles and using them as stepping stones to build a successful acting career.

In conclusion, I encourage aspiring actors to embrace the opportunities that small roles offer. They can be pivotal in building your acting career, both in terms of experience and financial gain. Are you ready to take the next step toward success in the film and television industry? Your investment of just $99 will get you 2.5 hours live with me online in a small group setting, a chance to perform with feedback, recording, and materials to keep for future reference.

Faith is a body language expert who specialized in deception detection before becoming a casting director and working in the film industry for over 25 years. She is the founder of the Communication Method for Actors, LLC & the creator of the Acting Science Method ™. www.cmfatraining.com 

I would like to show you how to improve your audition booking ratio. I have others to do it and I can teach you too.

What are others saying?

What is your learning style?

Best for actors who need fast results but who have limited time

Film Auditioning Weekend Intensive

Book Now

Best for those who want more time and resources with more personalized attention

Film Auditioning 6-week Immersion

Book Now

Best for those who need one-on-one personalized attention and feedback at a time that suits you

Online Private Acting - 1 hour

Book Now