Important Tips for Model Casting Calls
By Jan Crystal
Casting calls are necessary for models to book runway shows, photo shoots, commercials, and more. It can be intimidating to be in a room with dozens of other models, but it is in your best interest to put your best foot forward. Here are some notable tips to help you prepare and do your best at future castings!
Photo by Rob | Adobe Stock
Practice and Prepare
When you find out about a casting, it is best to get all the details and model requirements ahead of time. Find out the required attire, footwear and what to bring.
Do your research on the people hosting the casting and the designers or brands that the casting is for. Then be sure to get the casting location, time and other details saved at least a day before. On the day of, you will be focused on the casting and do your best.
Try on your outfit and practice your walk and headshot posing at least a day before the casting. Taking selfies or videos of your walk is a great way to rehearse. If you do not feel comfortable and confident in what you are wearing, it will be obvious for the judges. When you feel confident in yourself, it will be easier to wow the judges with your fabulous walk and authenticity. Need more help on your runway walk? Read “How to Perfect an Iconic Runway Walk.”
Lightfieldstudiosprod | Dreamstime
Clothing
Typically castings require models to wear all black, unless otherwise mentioned. The top and bottom for both men and women should be well-fitted so the judges can see your body structure.
For women and those who identify as female, it is best not to show a lot of cleavage, midriff, or anything that will be distracting to the judges. They are most concerned about your walk, your confidence, and whether you will be the best fit for their clothes or brand.
For men and women, plain black clothing without logos are preferred. Men and those who identify as male can wear a black T-shirt as long as it is clean, looks fairly new and is made from good quality material.
Footwear
Women are required to wear heels at castings. Castings often require models to wear black, skinny heals with an ankle strap. Shoes with a thicker heel or wedges sound clunky on the runway and are more difficult to walk in. Castings for bridal and gown designers may require models to wear nude colored heels.
For men, black shoes are also preferred. The shoes worn to a casting should not be sneakers and should be clean and in good condition. Dress shoes or black, fashionable boots are ideal.
Photo by Wayhome Studio | Adobe Stock
Makeup
A casting is not the time to show off the awesome contouring skills you have or wear the brightest shade of red lipstick. Designers and casting directors are looking for a blank canvas for their clothing or brand and excessive makeup can be distracting for them. Forget the neon nail polish. Primer, foundation, concealer, mascara, light bronzer and moisturized lips are all the makeup you need for castings.
For men, you also want to look your best even though you may not wear makeup. Apply moisturizer to the face to make sure your skin is not dry. If your face has redness, use a green stick to neutralize the redness and to give your face a smooth complexion. You can find green sticks online and at the grocery store. Need more help with your complexion? Check out “7 Essential Skin Care Tips for a Clear Complexion.”
Jewelry
Keep jewelry to a minimum if you decide to wear jewelry at all to a casting. Studs are perfectly fine to wear, however necklaces, bracelets and watches are not necessary for a casting and could be distracting for the judges.
Confidence & Personality
As a model, you may be a blank canvas to a designer or brand, but they are also looking for someone with confidence and who carries themselves well. Casting directors see dozens or even hundreds of models a day, so it is best to show some personality when you do the catwalk, and immediately as you enter the casting location.
Even if the casting is for high fashion, people want to work with models who seem excited about the brand and are personable. If you walk in with a smile on your face and are kind to the people around you, the casting directors will take notice and want to work with you, more than a model who looks unhappy or seems difficult to work with.
Having a fierce and conventional walk is important, but you can incorporate something small to make your walk unique and memorable. That could be the way you look at the camera, the way you walk to the beat of the music, or doing 3 different poses at the end of the runway.
Black Heels Runway © GoranJakus | Dreamstime
Network and Have Fun!
Lastly, our advice is to meet people, learn from your experiences, and have fun! At a casting, you may or may not be the best fit for the brand, but it is important to not take it personally. Take the critique and turn it into growth. Network with the casting directors, designers, photographers, and fellow models. Even if you are not selected, someone from the casting may still want to work with you at another time. Who knows? You could even make a friend!
These casting tips, along with being persistent, will help turn your modeling dreams into reality!
Need more guidance? Read “How to Get Noticed by Modeling Agencies.”
