All articles tagged with #auditions
Five new SNL cast members from Season 51 share their audition stories, the culture shocks of moving to New York, how Lorne Michaels’ notes shaped their early work, and their goals for Season 52—keeping their jobs, breaking into the opening credits, and taking bigger swings together on live TV.
Amazon MGM Studios has officially kicked off the search for the next James Bond, with auditions reportedly underway and no lead or release date announced; Denis Villeneuve will direct the next film, Steven Knight will write, and Nina Gold is leading the casting. Several actors, including Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Harris Dickinson, Henry Cavill, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Theo James, are among frontrunners.
Dakota Johnson recalled a UK audition where she introduced herself and shook everyone’s hands, only to be told afterward that this politeness made her seem pompous and cocky and cost her the job; she notes she was just showing manners while promoting the film Splitsville.
Dakota Johnson said a callback audition ended badly after she greeted the room with handshakes and introductions; she was told that was pompous and schmoozing, costing her the role, though she was simply being polite and trying to make a good impression.
Fox and Fremantle’s Baywatch reboot drew over 2,000 hopefuls to a Marina del Rey open casting, with more than 14,000 headshots and résumés submitted as producers search for a diverse cast for the first season. Led by casting chief Brittainy Roberts and showrunner Matt Nix, the event emphasized authenticity and potential star-making opportunities, with shooting slated to begin in March on Venice Beach and the Fox lot, and actor Stephen Amell lined up as the series lead.
Fox’s Baywatch reboot opened with a wide, promotional casting call in Los Angeles that drew 14,000 submissions and invited 2,000 hopefuls—ranging from actors and influencers to moms and even a clown in white face—to audition for lifeguard and other roles. Showrunner Matt Nix and director McG (who will helm the pilot) say the tone won’t be campy and will honor the original, with filming set for Venice Beach this March aided by a California tax credit. The process unfolds behind a guarded holding area with multiple rounds as producers scout for the next Baywatch star among a diverse pool of applicants.
Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, is hiring performers for its opening season, with auditions scheduled for February 13-14 at the Frisco Performing Arts Center. They seek energetic dancers, costume characters, live performers, puppeteers, and character actors, with specific requirements and roles. Performers should prepare a résumé and headshot, and some roles require submitting a self-tape. The park is set to open this summer.
Mariska Hargitay auditioned multiple times for 'Friends' and initially aimed to pursue comedy, but a psychic's prediction led her to her iconic role on 'Law & Order: SVU,' where she has played Olivia Benson for over 25 years.
Ryan Seacrest was notably absent from the announcement of American Idol Season 24, which will feature judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie returning, but his status as host remains unclear. The show is set to air in early 2026, with auditions beginning in September across the U.S. and worldwide.
Lorne Michaels plans a significant cast shake-up for Saturday Night Live, with several current members expected to leave and new auditions held, as he aims to reinvent the show nearing its 100th anniversary, while confirming James Austin Johnson will continue impersonating Donald Trump.
A 13-year-old Canadian singer, Chase Varnes, impresses judges on America's Got Talent, with Simon Cowell praising his potential and comparing him to a young Justin Bieber, despite some nerves and initial song rejection.
Charity Lockhart, a 49-year-old singer with a compelling backstory of overcoming homelessness, auditioned on AGT Season 20. After a rocky start with Simon Cowell, she impressed the judges with her cover of 'Golden Slumber,' earning a Golden Buzzer from Mel B. Her story and performance resonated deeply, showcasing her talent and resilience.
The Messoudi Brothers returned to AGT with a dangerous knife-juggling act and received a Golden Buzzer from Sofia Vergara, while Alex Zinger impressed judges with his unique dance, earning four yeses. Austin Brown's audition was promising but incomplete, leaving his future uncertain. The episode showcased exciting acts and hopefuls eager for success.
Selena Gomez, despite her success in music and acting, still faces skepticism from casting directors and often auditions without revealing her identity to avoid preconceived notions. Known for her candidness, Gomez finds acting provides her with a sense of sanity that music does not. She continues to challenge herself with diverse roles, such as in the Netflix musical 'Emilia Pérez,' and remains committed to projects that defy expectations. Gomez also discusses her journey with mental health, her return to Disney, and her thriving beauty brand, Rare Beauty.
Ada Brooks, after numerous auditions and rigorous preparation, secured a prestigious position in the West Point Band, one of the U.S. military's premier musical ensembles, highlighting the unique challenges and standards of military music careers.