Acting Tips For When A Casting Director Says "Tell Me About Yourself"

[@BenRollinsActor]

I actually had this happen recently. I just told them that I'm a college student, father and grandfather, and that I served six years each in the Marines and the Army...20 years apart. The look on their faces was priceless..lol. BTW, I absolutely crushed the audition. Got the part for which I was auditioning, as well as the lead in another project that they had in the works. :)

[@villner1229]

the7thson1962 take me into your films if you happen to become a director someday 😅✌️

[@buckhuntington8804]

the7thson1962 I'm a Navy vet. & I have noticed people love to hear that I served. Thanks for your service brother! Ooooh raaah!

[@temyerekamccain9278]

Please tell me how you found an audition and how you found an agent. I've been looking ever since I was 6. Thank you

[@nicohicks]

Semper Fi

[@HistoryHighwithLisaMarrie]

@@temyerekamccain9278 sign up for a casting website. Google it you should find them.

[@BodegaMouse]

When they say "keep it brief" that's when it gets tough for me, haha.

[@anitanewton4419]

true

[@clgrenier]

oh, I know! I always think my story is too short and then I go to talk and the opposite is true!

[@JT-dj9vx]

Same 😶🤐

[@cynthiawebb-manly1333]

"Make the personal connection with the casting director. Create normal conversation." I learned something new. Such a simple question can be sooo hard to answer. Thanks for the words of wisdom.

[@TipsOnActing]

You're very welcome Cynthia!

[@lunarspace1196]

@@TipsOnActing Do you know break into Hollywood studios? What's it like being their do you know?

[@craftycupboard2381]

I am 13 and just contacted a casting director for the first time. I had watched this and added it to my folder where I keep my monologues and cv etc. I wrote 3 things in case I was asked. When I rung the casting director and this was the first thing he asked me. I was fully prepared, thank you.

[@hannaho2867]

Crafty Cupboard Hey! Have you gotten any jobs??

[@K.aylarenae]

Crafty Cupboard What did u say

[@ziakazma]

Can you please tell me what you said?

[@erzsieke]

Congrats!

[@afrogum5736]

i have disney channel auditions this Saturday... wish me luck

[@lostinmyheadx3671]

Afro Gum how did it go?

[@danielaamontesinos5630]

Afro Gum hey how did it go?

[@AUnicorn666]

Afro Gum how did they go

[@user-cs5jl5ez6j]

Afro Gum don't end up blowing the director for a part then 20 years later my kids will see this on the news about you it'll be a good time moment

[@hellu9335]

Which casting

[@shortfilmguy6295]

After 20+ years of presenting to pitches, the "Tell me about yourself" still throws me off balance.

[@rosalinamay2636]

Lol I can tell by your name well I mean you're acting experience.

[@Saqibfitnessagent]

Your tip gave me relief. I'll be going for my first audition within few days.😬

[@Supachosen]

How did it go?

[@hannahcleghorn8347]

Me too! Well...its in a few months but im nervous none the less. ;-;

[@michaelharvey3890]

Same

[@lounarcosis9639]

Eve Harvey so how did it go

[@MichiganUSASingaporeSEAsia]

Did you get the job? What state or country too? Hope so

[@kjames50]

I just moved to Hollywood for acting and I just created my actors access account. I like your energy and the way you engage the viewers. I'm glad I came at an early age ( 20 ). Thanks for the advice

[@HannahMoore]

Kobie James how’s it going with that

[@Havenlifee]

I've just read your comment after 3 years lol What did u accomplished in the last 3 years after moving to Hollywood I'm interested to know if thats ok with you

[@HunterMann]

I’m curious, you said you just moved to Hollywood. There actually is no Hollywood there is North Hollywood and there is west Hollywood but there is no actual city of Hollywood. Perhaps you’re in Burbank? Santa Monica? Century city? There are lots of places where they shoot a movie and TV but there is no city of Hollywood.

[@ilijalukic6549]

I know this is an old video, but WOW this helped me so much in my interview. I got a call back after my audition. Thanks!

[@clgrenier]

To be honest, I have been asked this in every live audition I can recall. It always catches me because usually something has just happened that is more relevant than what I had to say. And I have fallen into the trap of talking about my life up to this point. All of this said, I appreciate that talking about oneself can be a difficult thing to do! And when I cut away all of my passion for acting, I think "wow, what is left to me?!"

[@eatonkuntz]

Same. I grew up in Actor. I went to school at Actor. My hobbies are acting and being an actor. I even sexually identify as actor. Why do I want this role? Because I'm an actor.

[@Kristintalking]

This is a particularly helpful tip! I have not had this happen very often, but I'm not comfortable with it. Glad to have some clear ideas. Thank you, Amy!

[@TipsOnActing]

You bet Kristin!

[@knknebl]

Another excellent tip. I love the part about asking a question at the end.

[@GoJolli]

Thank you! Lightly engaging the casting directors with a question tangent to requested personal information given is an excellent technique of connection. 💪😎

[@avelinastorr8141]

i have an audition tonight and I am definitely going to use your tips!!!! thank you so much!

[@mswho3568]

How'd it go?

[@crystalnyla]

Great advice. I love when they ask that question. It truly breaks the ice of nerves for me as I’m a bubbly person then I switch off into character after slating 🥰

[@philleon9164]

Excellent pointer. Take away...always be yourself.

[@lucytoone7263]

I love this! I recently went to an audition in London and they asked me this exact question and being my weird self I told them how I can shake my eye balls.... Obviously they wanted to see me do it and funnily enough I got a call back. All great tips Amy thankyou!

[@davidacevedo7660]

+Lucy Toone you most now prove u can shake ur eye balls hahaha

[@shannonloveyou428]

Where in London ?

[@megakoolj-3166]

Nice! Thank you very much! Im moving to LA soon, This really helped 😊👍🏻

[@TipsOnActing]

You are welcome :)

[@paulbutterworth5467]

Great advice, so easy to think they're asking about recent work which then becomes a knee jerk response, like you're trying to impress somebody in an interview. Which is a much more stressful situation than a conversation. A few years ago when I spontaneously told them I was studying a part time evening degree, working a bar job and taking my young son wild camping in Scotland I got into a great conversation and booked the job. It didn't even feel like an audition.

[@takiyahiza4710]

I have a big audition tomorrow. Your advice was immensely helpful. Thank you much doll 👌🏽

[@rockygolem7496]

How was the audition :)

[@takiyahiza4710]

+ROCKY golem Amazing. I was cast for a supporting lead role in a 6 season 13 episode tv drama series. I'm stoked 🙏🏼 thank you.

[@SerenityMclean0615]

+Takiyah Iza omg that's so amazing! What show is it?

[@artemnoelgames]

+Takiyah Iza congrats!! What's the show?:)

[@gabs3669]

+Takiyah Iza what show?

[@beltop5]

This is so helpful as far as how to prepare! So many of us don’t even think of doing this. I have heard improv classes are really good as well to help teach you to think on your feet. Because my problem tends to be those off the wall questions, sometimes they ask random questions that you can’t prepare for.

[@rosemarythomas53]

I think I have only been asked that twice...Once by a commercial agent and maybe in a casting workshop? Now that I feel I will be getting more auditions this is a wonderful piece of information to know. thanks

[@elizabethlikoti6408]

From all the vidoes i'v watched about tell me about yourself question this is the clearest i'v watched thank you

[@ILovePiccolina]

So happy I listened to this tip! I loaded up my "arsenal" and had it ready just in time for my audition yesterday! I asked a question and it worked! It felt so good to audition with ease. Thanks so much Amy!

[@nodirburiev8416]

I'm a beginner actor and just started watching your tips and they are great! I'm so happy that I found your channel! Thanks

[@honeysamways3554]

This was really helpful thanks

[@mikelewis4416]

Like your relaxed attitude, l have a standard casual rehearsed spiel that interacts at a casting with the directors. I make it humerus.

[@amye8140]

Thank you Amy! I'm always unsure of what to say, and now I have some direction. :)

[@Nat-sn8wc]

Thank you for this video. Really helped😊

[@TipsOnActing]

You are welcome :)

[@evesigall7136]

Really good, particularly the question back. You're so lively and engaging it's a perfect example of creating a relationship. Thanks.

[@TipsOnActing]

Thank you Eve :)

[@roseshomevideos]

I have had a CD ask me to tell them something about my self a few times and I have an arsenal of information about my self at the ready at all times. Rose LaRue

[@MrSpoonyc]

Hi Amy! That's a great tip. You actually made a light bulb go off in my head. It's a very natural way to respond to that question and it is how one would respond outside the realm of auditioning. One thing I am able to do well on auditions is relax, so it frees me up and allows me to be myself when I step into the room. I have been asked that question more than once but didn't really approach the response in that manner. Thanks much for the tip! I believe it will enhance my introduction technique on the next audition.

[@cruzgreninja8953]

I’m barely seeing this video, I’m currently 16 and I have my headshot, some demo reels and an actors access account, this helped me be prepared, I currently have an upcoming audition and this helped a lot thanks!! 🙏

[@dillionbrady2635]

Thank you this is helpful information for myself and could be beneficial for me to know this now because the direction I want to go in my life 👍🏻👍🏻.

[@tedcrossingjordan5214]

Thank you, Amy, for always giving great advice! Thank you for taking the time to do so.

[@TipsOnActing]

You are welcome Ted :)

[@everlasting9292]

Your videos are invaluable, as I am a HORRIBLE auditioner, and I am trying to get back into some on-stage work, as well as the backstage elements that I love. I have an audition next week for a musical!!

[@sararogers-manyfacesof2692]

Tell me something about yourself, is something I've said to my acting students In the last 30+ years, yet, I am now going to add, ASK a Question at the end. That one I did not know to do, but it makes perfect sense - going forward I will add. So valuable. Thanks Amy.

[@mikezulu3725]

Great tip !! fear limits a spun

[@dawgunit1953]

Thanks sister.. you rock..

[@shelben1]

I love your tips! Quick and dirty. And yes i am the one that starts spouting off my resume. Great tips!

[@desmondedwards4486]

Thanks Amy. For some reason that question has been bugging me more than the thought of the audition itself haha.

[@brianames6482]

Such great, down to earth advise. Helps more than you know. Thank you.

[@lmkentertainmentgroup6696]

I really enjoyed your video! Your tips on being prepared were really great! It's definitely a question you want to be prepared to answer. Thanks for sharing!

[@TipsOnActing]

Thank you :)

[@Elkraiden]

Thanks for tips! My son is 14 and an actor, he is getting great advice watching your vids. 🙂

[@TipsOnActing]

You are welcome Debra :)

[@1NicholasInSeattle]

Nicely done! I think you gave truly good advice in this chat! I can think of countless times, where I've seen Actors (When asked this exact question-- which is quite common actually), begin telling us how they are as an Actor... and not realizing we're enquiring about "Who they ARE, as a human being, on a daily basis." Nice to see "good" advice being given. Keep up the good work!

[@BaoTieuActor]

I had this twice in a row last week. My last one was for a shaving commercial lol. Still waiting to hear back!

[@Abygelfly]

Thank you so much! It is a simple question but for some reason it always makes me forget all the words at once. I usually start thinking too hard about what should I tell them and what should I not and what would make more value etc. I had recently asked by a director this exact question and I couldn’t respond and said something absolutely meaningless and basically wasted that opportunity to get them to know me and possibly getting a job. Gonna start practicing the answer now!

[@devsing-mw9jd]

Just I want to say only one thing Thank you ma'am☺

[@stephaniegainous2849]

Thank you Amy, this is a great tip! The very first time this happened to me, it did throw me off a little, but I recovered well. I figured that they wanted to know more about me, something that maybe they could relate to. I like the idea of asking the question and engaging them in the conversation. I'll add that to my arsenal! Thank you again, I love your videos... so informative.

[@margabenedicto6567]

¡Hola Amy desde España, Madrid! Pues justo tengo que hacer un Self-tape para unas directoras de casting y directores y tenia pensado decir algunas cosas de lo que has recomendado en tu video. Muchas gracias!

[@alishaperez1644]

This is valuable advice! So, I haven't had an audition yet, but I've been asked when at job interviews. It resonates when you say have a few things to bring up because I had found myself kind of pausing and searching and it was awkward and on the spot.

[@kayoldfather-daigle7769]

Amy thank you so much for this channel. It is such a generous gift. Your tips are so helpful and you are so warm and welcoming. Again, thank you. p.s. Great logo design.

[@SuchLovelyPoison]

This is a great tip Amy thank you. I find it to be easy to answer this question when asked but not so easy for a few of my friends. It seems whenever I tell people I was born and raised in Detroit Michigan they have all kinds of questions for me. And the fact that I'm a girl who went to school for animation and game design peeks people's interest as well. 👍

[@TipsOnActing]

That is interesting Ericka!

[@SuchLovelyPoison]

TipsOnActing Im glad you think so ^_^. I hope to have a conversation with you one day about my career and I can tell you all about my weird life lol

[@sandraross529]

Thank you Amy!! I have been asked this..and passed but want to do better. Thank you for sharing!

[@DebSnyder]

I learned a lot about "Tell me About yourself" responses doing commercial auditions, but I love the additional advise to ASK A QUESTION after the story. Engage the Casting Director. I look forward to trying this soon.

[@AlexisMarieWest]

I dread this question so much, I always get stuck or feel they're looking for me to say something im not. As usual, thank you so much for the wonderful guidance. :)

[@TipsOnActing]

Do you feel better prepared for next time Alexis?

[@AlexisMarieWest]

TipsOnActing Absolutely! It so hard to know what casting directors are searching for when they ask you this question. It always feels like a ton of bricks has landed on my shoulders. Yes! it very much helps to have some insight into what they are thinking. I used to always answer with I'm also a cartoon artist but it always seemed like dead end answer. I mean I'm not kidding. I had a meeting with an agent and she was really impressed with my monologue and afterward she said " Tell me about yourself" and I said I am cartoon artist and even showed her a few sketches. She responded with " This meeting isn't with cartoon network" . Her tone seemed unamused and it surprised me. There is always this tricky ground between " Do they want to hear about things that some how support my acting ability, or do they want to really hear what else makes me interesting?"

[@pairedswitchfashion190]

@@TipsOnActing nice tips Amy. What if am asked 'do you think you have what it takes to be in this reality TV show??? Am having an audition on Friday. Tnx

[@TheToneBender]

Kind of a good tip for literally any social situation or job interview. acting related or not

[@franciskosc4695]

I have sky dived twice. I went the 2nd time to see if I had gotten over the fear. I had not and ended landing in the trees. Took a while for them to get me down. I haven't been since, but am glad I did it - as I now know I can if I should ever have to.

[@duckejulian]

Francis Kosc what’s with people sky diving bragging all over about it I love skiing and I don’t go around telling everyone at the first chance I get.... emmmm, I’ve just did it didn’t I? Damit!!!!!

[@albasofiafranco2608]

thank you sweet Amy. I haven't had this question yet. Definitely will start to think about it and my possible answers.

[@Cooler402]

Hi you a doing agreat job

[@naaidaa.s]

I have my first casting in less than 2 hours and I'm here to see what I can say because I have no idea. Thanks for helping, this encouraged me a lot.

[@blairallison18]

Thanks for all of your help! Every little tip you've given has been absolutely essential and I can't thank you enough.

[@danielaamontesinos5630]

Amazing, this is going to help me, because I want to become an actress ✔️

[@LokiDWolf]

Very true and simple thing to know. I have been asked this several times due to me having a UK accent. Yet when I tell them I was born in Chicago but RAISED in the UK it strikes more conversation. I then simply asked have they ever been to either, why/why not and would they if they haven't. Simple yet effective. Then on with the audition. Everyone is relaxed and it helps me become more comfortable and loose. THANKS! :)

[@TipsOnActing]

:) Awesome Loki

[@LokiDWolf]

You're awesome for you videos!

[@dianesef2233]

I teach this and it's great advice

[@francestownend]

Another great tip - thanks!

[@sariahhx1024]

Hey I found this very helpful and I hope to practice of course because I am a very nervous type but this is why I'm watching this for more tips to improve my goals of becoming a actress and I really do i just need to be prepared and everything so It can work.

[@sariahhx1024]

Any other reccomendations ?

[@IAmRhondaMormanTV]

I needed this. I freeze up. But I'm interesting and I knew that before walking into a meeting. I'll write down my 3 things. Thank you. I'm subscribed and will continue to come back for more tips.

[@JimmyCJulesTV]

This happened to me yesterday for a self tape too. I handle it. lol... You offer some great advice on here Amy. I love it.

[@sandyjanette7996]

So helpful !

[@caroles5502]

A bit off topic, maybe, but I think you look extra gorgeous in this video. Also, great advice, as usual!

[@rajbhattacharya9665]

This is surely gonna help me..Thanks a lot

[@wamstarboy]

Thanks u just boosted my confidence

[@DianaTBlack]

Thanks Amy... gold...best wishes...

[@EveAustin1]

Excellent Amy Jo. Its really quite simple. Be prepared, b/c they will ask. Better than the previous ahhhh, ehhhh, who me? Thank you

[@dhanishkarthik3329]

thats actually very interesting.. thanks for the upload

[@TipsOnActing]

You're very welcome Dhanish!

[@aamelhorpartedemim]

I can't wait to be in this position, making a great use of your brilliant advice :) thank you so much!

[@AlfonsoHernandez-yy2ke]

Amazing tip here Amy. this is something really relatable to me, because this is something that turns out a real major struggle for me, that at times don't know how can overcome it. Great Video here!

[@l.c.broaddus81]

Thanks Amy Jo! Good advice.

[@humbertomeza21]

Nice! Now I know Amy...Thank you! 2 Thumbs up on this one!

[@cristianarturo8666]

Thank you for the tip recently I recived an Casting invitation for a commercial in USA so I m trying to learn how to do a good Casting, here in chile we are making commercials for differents countries, thats why. Good vlog.

[@evanjmackey]

OMG thank you for this.

[@nathanb2974]

Thank you for all your advice. Your videos are awesome!

[@Cheesyenchilady]

"Because a casting director is a normal person, and hopefully you are too" actually LOLed at that

[@Lowercaseqb]

Thanks Amy. Great info. I was hoping you would do an actual example. Would have been so cool. I really want to know about you. :)

[@TheJaneanJeffries]

Thank you, I now have my 3 things and ready for that question!!

[@ginnycipolla9028]

I really appreciated this tip. There was new information for me in this particular one that I did not know before. Thanks so much!

[@lovellyondina]

I haven't had a casting director ask me yet, but during regular job interviews the interviewer does ask this from time to time. My response isn't the same everytime, but I try to keep similar elements in it. I usually say " Well, I'm a mother of 3, Happily married. I am a certified EMT in the state of Fl and Nationally recognized, I enjoy medeival reenacting in the sense that I sew my own outfits, I like to recreate meals they had, and I LOVE putting the armor I build myself on and going and kicking some serious butt out of other enthusiasts." I don't usually have to ask any questions to get them interested enough to ask more questions. And I answer them appropriately, and try to involve my interviewer because, jonestly, I'll likely end up working with them. This person can be my biggest ally in getting trained and involved in my job as quickly as possible. I want to build a rapport with this person. I'm usually really good at reading body language, and found that if you mirror someone else's posture then they'll find you more relatable. Now, I'm not saying go out and be a mime, but subtlety see if an attitude changes when you copy someone's posture. See what it does.

[@cb_nelson]

Thanks Amy, this helps! I said whatever came to mind at a recent audition.

[@kingsuave4452]

Thank you for tip which is much needed for me.

[@tomculver2029]

U go girl! I really like this advice...

[@TheBobBarr]

This really hit home. After getting my MFA from Yale Drama, my wife and I found ourselves pregnant and penniless, so I immediately went to work in the business world. Years later, after retiring, I was auditioning for a major theatre in Washington DC and was asked that question. I answered it honestly and believe that's what really got me the part.

[@TipsOnActing]

Perfect. :)

[@charlieanne5324]

thanks so much! I have a TV audition next week so this really helps!

[@Drea1239232]

Thanks Amy!! I subscribed for your email tips; so happy I signed up.

[@Ash-jl8bz]

Going into my first audition this saturday and this is going to help

[@Lastborn16]

Great advice, Thanks Amy!

[@rmlaporte57]

Also since being orphaned at 9 I've spent my life working on learning different crafts from,iron work,Aerospace,Commercial fishing,playing the trumpet,Sports and counciling.

[@robwuesthoff3390]

You really have some amazing insights and knowledge that is so helpful. It all is so straightforward, and may seem so obvious, but it's really great to hear. Thank you. I'm really enjoying watching your videos!

[@HoneyBeeSweeet]

This tip is perfect! I get asked this all the time and I never know what to say!

[@GeekyFanatic]

Thank you so much! I didn't even think to prepare myself for this!