By: David Wooddell, Barbizon USA

If you’ve ever been to an audition for a role on TV or Film, you probably have heard the term “breakdown” however, you may not know exactly what it is. A breakdown is a write-up of the project that includes a synopsis or description of the project in addition to detailed descriptions of all the characters/roles in the script they are currently casting for. It commonly includes names of the people involved in the project such as the director, casting directors and producers as well as proposed project shoot dates and locations.

Breakdowns are how your agency submits you for the right jobs. They will send your ActorsAccess (www.actorsaccess.com) profile, headshot, stats, reel & resume to the casting office via BreakdownServices. It is your agents’ job to pitch you to the casting director and get you in for an audition. Remember, unless you book the job, nobody gets a check. Your agent will work hard to get you in that door and then YOU have to deliver.

When casting wants to see an actor, they will schedule an audition via BreakDown Services. Your agent or manager will then forward the audition information to you – this will include the date and time, location, who you’re reading for, sides and breakdown. It’s up to the actor to memorize the sides and come prepared to the audition off book (completely memorized).

Audition sides are usually a piece of a script used to help the actor prepare for the audition. The sides are the most important item that helps an actor to rehearse the part. Often times, there will be sections to start and stop at, as well as pieces that are crossed out or put together. Casting will select the best parts of a script to see your performance technique.

Sample Breakdown

Sample Sides