Act Acting » Acting Audition » NY: EPA's and generals (dead tired)

NY: EPA's and generals (dead tired)

Question:

Having gone to about my 10th EPA (Equity Principal Audition) at five in the A.M. in the last month, and having not even received ONE call back, I WISH I considered this (profession/deal/way to get work?) a game. There’s yet another one tomorrow and I’m wondering what the HECK I’m getting out of these.  I schmooze a bit, looking like hell that early; freeze my, uh, tookus (sp) off; nail ,(well, MOST of) the audition(s); walk away feeling like I’ve given birth and then nothing.  Nada. God this is demoralizing! Does ANYone out there know if they EVER lead to ANYthing, or give one some kind of spirit or wisdom besides ‘I’ll never do this again?!’   Are they mostly pre-cast?   Or is it that there is Nothing Else to audition for, I have not been blessed with an agent (meaning after begging and sending, and Being In Stuff, nothing), and it’s the only thing I can do at this point?                                 * * * * * [This message was posted to the ACTING-L mailing list and relayed to this newsgroup.  You may followup to the newsgroup or, if you are a  member of ACTING-L,  reply  to  the  list.   For  more  information  send E-mail to

Response:

Kam Metcalf Does ANYone out there know if they EVER lead to ANYthing, or give one some kind of spirit or wisdom besides ‘I’ll never do this again?!’   Are they mostly pre-cast?

There are AEA calls that are required by the contract but are generally pre cast, There are AEA calls where they are genuinely interested in finding actors. The most frustrating thing about open calls for me is that I’m frequently vying for visibility with actors who are completely different from me in age and gender, not to mention type. Also, sitting on a sidewalk at 6AM to get an audition spot is my least favorite way to prepare for an audition. Sometimes I will do an open call that’s precast just to meet the casting director. However that casting director might be an assistant intern, etc.. I have had some opportunities arise from open calls so it’s not a totally useless occupation;merely mostly useless. If you have another, more effective, way to be seen then sleep late. It is one part of the way to do the job of acting. At the risk of the wrath of the rest of the group let me say that returning to separate auditions for Equity members and non-union actors will perhaps return audition lines to sane lengths.  Since the advent of eligable actor calls, the line-up for the few available jobs has become one of the circles of hell. While I know that talent carries no special card, I still would like to have the advantage of my professional credential. There are too many of us!! Membership in an elite group, while unfair on a populist basis at least establishes some ground rules. Ken                                 * * * * * [This message was posted to the ACTING-L mailing list and relayed to this newsgroup.  You may followup to the newsgroup or, if you are a  member of ACTING-L,  reply  to  the  list.   For  more  information  send E-mail to

Response:

My heart goes out to you! I hope I’m not telling you something you don’t want to hear- maybe you want someone to tell you, "Yes, pack it in". I’ve worked as an intern on a number of casting calls, and often they are precast. Do they still want you to be good? Yes, definitely. Will they keep you in mind for something else (assuming you were good, but not what they were looking for at that particular time)? Yes, but keep in mind that they constantly meet people and reminding them that you are still alive helps. No agent?- you’re not alone. You won’t get those priority, big principal calls as often as others, but also keep in mind that an agent will not get you all the work you need/want. You’ll still need to generate your own. Having an agent is nice, it adds to credibility, though. Mostly, just keep on keeping on. Make your goals about something besides GETTING the job. Actors with lousy attitudes or who are desperate look just like that. It has something to do with luck (which I’ve heard described as what happens when opportunity meets preparation), and things beyond your control, so keep your chin up!

Response:

Kam: What is an EPA? More importantly, why the hell would you get up so early for one? I realize it is an Equity Principle Audition, however, what are those. We don’t have them here in Vancouver. Illuminate me please. Greg                                 * * * * * [This message was posted to the ACTING-L mailing list and relayed to this newsgroup.  You may followup to the newsgroup or, if you are a  member of ACTING-L,  reply  to  the  list.   For  more  information  send E-mail to

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