Casting Director Jenny Rawdin on outside-the-box ways to perfect your first impressions
By Jenny Rawdin
Being an actor is all about making first impressions. But you already know that. But what you probably don’t know is that there are many different methods to practice those perfect first meetings. And take it from me, first impressions are vital for success when you’re working with talent agents, casting professionals, and directors.
Here are a few guidelines to get you started:
- Relax and always be yourself
- Be attentive and enthusiastic, but don’t get overly excited
- Shake hands firmly and confidently
- Always have at least one of the following: an acting resume, a professional headshot, a comp card, or a business card with your contact information
- Try to find a common interest with the person you are speaking with. They will be more likely to remember you in the long run.
Remembering these tips will definitely help you stand out, but what it really comes down to is this: Practice makes perfect. The only way to make a truly great first impression is to become more comfortable meeting people for the first time. How can you do this? I’ll let you in on a little secret that is bound to work: Speed dating!
Speed dating is an organized event in which several singles go on series of dates that are timed and usually last 5-7 minutes. I recently took part in a speed dating event which allowed me to turn up the heat and perfect my people skills! Since nobody immediately caught my eye, I decided to treat each date as if it were a job interview or an audition and stuck to the guidelines I’ve discussed above - without the resume, of course!
With those guidelines, I really hit the ball out of the park with every new person! I ended up choosing three people for prospective dates, and those three people picked me as well! While I may not actually date them in the future, I really appreciated being able to practice my first impressions.
If you’re not sure speed dating is right for you, you might consider getting some improv experience. The most famous improv theater in New York City is the Upright Citizens Brigade, but there are several more in New York and other cities which offer improv and sketch comedy classes. Comedy classes can help you face your fears of large crowds, stand confidently in front of an audience, and have a laugh at the same time!
Trying to impress an agent or casting director can be intimidating. But when you start thinking outside the box, you’ll find that there are endless ways to practice and perfect your first impressions!
Jenny Rawdin - MTV Casting Director. Jenny has been casting actors, singers, dancers, and models for MTV's Total Request Live, the hit pop-culture-driven video countdown show. She also works on MTV Specials and MTV events and has been working in the film and television industry in New York City for six years.
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