As an actor, auditioning is a key part of landing roles and building your career. However, not all auditions are created equal. In fact, some might not even be legitimate! If you’re based in Scotland and exploring opportunities, our acting classes in Glasgow offer guidance not just on performance but also on navigating the audition process safely. Here are some red flags to watch out for when looking for auditions.

1. Unprofessional Casting Calls

The first thing you should pay attention to is the tone and professionalism of the casting call. Unprofessional casting calls with vague language, typos, or unclear instructions are often signs of a disorganized or amateur production. In our acting classes, we emphasize the importance of working with reputable projects and how to spot high-quality opportunities.

2. No Pay or Unclear Compensation

A major red flag is when the audition doesn’t mention pay or compensation. While some smaller projects or student films might have limited budgets, the audition notice should clearly state what you’ll be getting in return for your time and talent. Our acting classes in Glasgow help you understand industry norms so you know when an offer seems fair—or fishy.

3. Vague Project Details

If the casting call doesn’t provide enough details about the project, be cautious. Legitimate auditions will usually include information such as the genre, tone, and purpose of the production. If you're unclear on the project’s scope or objectives, it may not be a legitimate opportunity.

4. Lack of Verified Credentials

Casting directors or production companies with no verified credits or industry reputation should raise alarms. You can often research them online or ask for their previous work. Our acting courses teach actors how to verify the credentials of casting agents and production companies to ensure you’re auditioning for trustworthy projects.

5. High Audition Fees

You should never be asked to pay exorbitant audition fees. Some reputable agencies may charge a small fee for headshot submissions, but if you’re asked to pay large sums just to audition, it’s likely a scam.

6. Scam Auditions

Unfortunately, there are people out there looking to exploit aspiring actors. Scam auditions often involve fake projects or schemes designed to take your money or personal information. Always cross-reference the casting call with legitimate casting platforms or ask peers in the industry for feedback.

7. Unclear Role Descriptions

Another common red flag is unclear role descriptions. If the casting call doesn’t clearly outline the type of character they’re looking for or the requirements for the role, it may be a sign that the project is not well-organized—or worse, a scam.

8. Unregistered Production Companies

If the production company isn’t registered or doesn’t have a clear online presence, be careful. Legitimate companies will have websites, credits, and reviews that you can verify. Our Glasgow-based acting courses provide students with resources to check whether a production company is real.

9. Poor Communication

If the people running the audition are slow to respond or give vague, inconsistent answers, this could indicate a lack of professionalism. Poor communication is a major red flag that the project might not be well-managed, and you could end up wasting your time.

10. Unrealistic Promises

Be wary of auditions that make unrealistic promises, such as guaranteeing you a role in a blockbuster film or offering massive pay for minimal work. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

11. Requests for Personal Information

If an audition asks for sensitive personal information such as your home address or bank details early in the process, it's a huge red flag. Legitimate casting calls will not require this kind of information upfront.

12. Unreliable Contracts

Always look carefully at the contract you’re offered after being cast. Unreliable contracts may have vague clauses or unclear payment terms. In our acting classes in Glasgow, we educate students on what to expect in an actor’s contract and how to avoid signing something that could exploit your talent.

13. Inappropriate Casting Requests

If an audition requires inappropriate scenes or nudity without clearly explaining its artistic relevance, it’s best to avoid it. Legitimate projects will always give you a clear understanding of what’s expected, and you should feel comfortable with the material.

14. Casting Director Credibility

Make sure the casting director running the audition has a credible reputation. A quick online search can reveal reviews, credits, or complaints. We teach actors how to research casting professionals before submitting to an audition.

15. No Audition Venue

If there’s no mention of an audition venue, or the location seems strange, take a step back. Legitimate auditions will always provide clear details about the time and place, and venues are typically professional spaces, not someone’s house.

16. Excessive Nudity or Inappropriate Scenes

Auditions that demand excessive nudity or uncomfortable scenes without context or an explanation of artistic intent should be treated cautiously. You should never feel pressured to perform anything you’re uncomfortable with.

17. Over-the-Top Urgency

Casting calls with extreme urgency can be a red flag. If a project seems desperate to cast immediately, especially without offering much information, it may not be a well-organized or legitimate production.

18. Nonexistent Production Credits

A legitimate production company will have past work to show. If there are nonexistent or unverifiable production credits, steer clear. Always research the company and its previous projects before auditioning.

19. Fake Testimonials

Sometimes, scammers will post fake testimonials to make their audition appear more legitimate. Look for reviews on trusted sites and cross-check information to verify whether the testimonials are real.

20. Suspicious Online Casting Platforms

Not all online casting platforms are legitimate. Some may post fake opportunities to gather personal information. Be wary of suspicious casting websites that ask for extensive personal details or fees without offering real opportunities.

When navigating the audition process, it’s important to stay vigilant and well-informed. At Southside Performance Studio, we prepare our students for every step of their acting career, including spotting red flags in auditions. Join our acting classes in Glasgow to get the training and guidance you need to succeed safely in the industry.