— REFERENCE · PERFORMING ARTS
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The industry terms every performer and performing arts parent should know, explained in plain language, no experience required.
A
An agent submits you for roles and negotiates contracts — they're licensed and typically take 10% commission. A manager helps guide your overall career strategy and takes 15%. You can have both, but most performers start with an agent. Neither should ever charge you upfront fees.
Agent vs. Manager
A formal tryout for a role. You'll typically be given sides in advance or at the door, perform for a casting director or director, and find out later if you've been called back or booked.
Audition
Short for availability check. When a casting director or production wants to know if you're free for specific dates before officially booking you. Being on avail doesn't mean you have the job — but it means you're being seriously considered.
Avail
B
Also called an extra. A performer who appears in a scene but has no speaking lines. Background work is a great way to get on-set experience, understand how productions work, and build your résumé while you're getting started.
Background
Booking
When you get the job. After an audition or callback you'll receive an offer — accepting it means you've booked the role.
C
Call Time
The time you're required to arrive on set or at an audition. Always arrive early — in this industry on time is late.
Callback
A second audition. Being called back means the casting team liked what they saw and wants another look. It doesn't guarantee the role but it's a very good sign.
The person responsible for finding and selecting talent for a production. They work on behalf of the director and producers to find the right performers for each role. Building a relationship with casting directors over time is one of the most valuable things a performer can do.
Casting Director
Reading a script for the first time without preparation — often done in auditions or acting classes. Being comfortable with cold reads is a fundamental skill for any actor.
Cold Read
A blocked trust account required by law in some states to protect a portion of a minor performer's earnings. Named after child actor Jackie Coogan whose earnings were spent by his parents before he reached adulthood. In Georgia, a Coogan account is required once a minor is working under a contract. Typically 15% of the child's gross earnings must be deposited into the account and can't be touched until they turn 18. If your child books paid work under representation, your agent or the production will walk you through the requirements — but it's good to know about it before that moment arrives.
Coogan Account
Craft Services
The food and snacks available on a film or TV set. Often shortened to crafty. One of the first things you'll hear about when you arrive on set.
H
A professional photograph used to submit for roles and represent yourself to casting directors and agents. Industry standard is an 8x10, shot by a photographer who understands what casting looks for. Your headshot is your first impression — it matters.
Headshot
Similar to an avail but more firm. A hold means the production has tentatively scheduled you and expects you to be available. You may have multiple holds at once — if two conflict, you'll need to release one.
Hold
O
An audition open to anyone without a prior appointment or submission. A great opportunity for newer performers to get in front of casting directors without needing an agent.
Open Call
P
Principal
A performer with a speaking role, as opposed to background. Principal roles count as credits on your résumé and typically come with higher pay rates.
R
A one-page document listing your performance credits, training, and special skills. Formatted differently from a regular résumé — it attaches to the back of your headshot and is always kept to one page regardless of experience level.
Résumé
S
The Screen Actors Guild — American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. The union representing professional actors in film, TV, and other media. Working on union productions generally means higher pay and better protections. Going SAG-AFTRA is a significant step that limits which non-union productions you can work on.
SAG-AFTRA
A recorded audition you submit instead of auditioning in person. You'll be given sides and instructions and film yourself at home. Good lighting, clean audio, and a neutral background are essential. Self-tapes have become the standard first step for most auditions.
Self-Tape
The specific pages of a script you'll be asked to perform at an audition. You'll usually receive them in advance — sometimes just hours before. Always memorize them as much as possible rather than reading directly from the page.
Sides
At the start of a taped audition or self-tape you'll be asked to slate — state your name, sometimes your agent, and occasionally your height. Keep it natural and confident. It's the first impression you make on camera.
Slate
T
Table Read
When the cast of a production reads through the entire script together, usually before rehearsals begin. Dialogue is read aloud but there's no staging or performance yet.