How to approach a casting: Bárbara Barone’s advice

From the outside, going to a casting looks simple. You get the sides, learn a few lines and stand in front of a camera. But anyone who acts regularly knows that much of the work happens long before the audition begins.

In a conversation with Alicante Light Film, actress and casting director Bárbara Barone shared some thoughts on how to approach a casting in a more effective, professional way.

The interesting thing is that none of her advice involves grand techniques or magic formulas.

Understand the character before you perform

One of the most common mistakes is to focus only on memorising the text.

Learning the lines matters, but it is not enough.

Before an audition it is worth taking time to understand who the character is, what is happening to them, what they want and where they are speaking from emotionally. When an actor truly understands what they are playing, the words stop sounding recited and start to carry intention.

In many cases, that is exactly the difference between a correct performance and one that connects.

Arriving rested is part of the preparation too

Another point Bárbara highlighted is something often overlooked: rest.

A casting usually brings nerves, especially when it is an important opportunity. But arriving tired, short of sleep or with an overloaded mind can directly affect your concentration and your ability to react during the audition.

Preparing for a casting is not just about rehearsing. It also means looking after the physical and mental state you turn up in.

Excuses don’t help

It is common to hear lines like these before an audition:

«Sorry, I’ve barely had time to prepare.»

«I’m a bit nervous.»

«I haven’t been able to work on the scene much.»

Even when said with good intentions, comments like these rarely add anything positive.

Don’t try to please everyone

This may be one of the hardest pieces of advice to follow.

Many actors arrive at an audition trying to guess what the director wants to see or what kind of performance the casting team might like best.

The problem is that this constant search for approval tends to pull the performer away from something far more important: authenticity.

Every production is looking for different profiles, different energies and different takes. What works for one project may not work for another.

That is why trying to please everyone is usually a battle you cannot win.

In the end, every casting is a chance to show your own take. It will not always go your way, but arriving prepared, rested and with a clear view of the character will always improve your chances of making the most of it.