Okay, okay, hands up, I didn’t mean physically attractive.
I don’t mean those lovely shiny bronze people we see on American television shows, all abs and teeth – as aesthetically pleasing as they are. Of course, some shows are looking for physically attractive people, but working actors in general come in all shapes and sizes, a washboard stomach is nota required for all roles. It won’t hurt for you to be fit and healthy, and have a strong body.
I also don’t mean the adorable hippy nonsense of the ‘power of attraction’ in books likeThe Secret.
I mean attraction, from the verb ‘to attract’ – to pull someone to you by your good qualities. I mean thethings you do and say that pull people towards you. To be chosen, you have to be attractive to the casting people. Some things are outwith your control, like whether they think you suit the role, but there’s a lot that’s IN your control. And that’s why you MUST be attractive from the INSIDE, through your behaviour.
All too often, our hunger can translate as desperation, and as anyone on the dating scene knows only too well, desperation isn’t very attractive. Take care to avoid any action that ends up looking desperate.
So what can we do to attract and not repel. Simple stuff.
- GET THEREEARLY – But not annoyingly early.
- BE FULLY PREPARED – This will help your confidence under pressure.
- BE A PERSON FIRST AND AN ACTOR SECOND – People buy from people.
- BE A GOOD PERSON – Kind, polite, friendly.
- BE A GOOD ACTOR – Professional, organised, make bold choices.
- DON’T MAKE AN EXCUSES OR BLAME ANYONE ELSE – Below the line behaviour is deeply attractive.
- DON’T FAWN, COMPLIMENT, or FLATTER – because it might seem desperate.
- ENGAGE WITH THEM -It’s not a firing squad, so if they want to chat, talk with them, not at them.
- DON’T TALK ABOUT HOW RIGHT YOU ARE – Imagine being on first date and the other person is saying how right they are for you!
- DON’T MOAN – just not attractive.
- SMILE – people feel better when you do.
- SHUT UP AND LISTEN – nervous people stop listening, take in what they are saying and don’t talk too much. You don’t have to fill the space.
- SLOW DOWN and SPEAK UP – nervous people babble or speak inaudibly – don’t make them strain to understand.
We can lose weight/gain weight, train ourbodies and even get cosmetic surgery to change our physical attractiveness – but the real attractiveness comes from inside you. Follow those few tips and you will avoid desperation and make yourself that little more attractive to an audition/casting panel.
To You, the Best
COACH
Mark Westbrook is Senior Acting Coach at Acting Coach Scotland
