How Early Should You Be for an Audition?
Timing Can Make or Break Your First Impression in the Casting Room
(By Javier Guerra)
(Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels)
Why Timing Matters in the World of Auditions
Whether you’re an aspiring actor attending your first casting call or a seasoned professional, punctuality is critical when it comes to auditions. But showing up “on time” may not be enough—the general rule in the entertainment industry is to arrive early, not just on time. Why? Because arriving early shows professionalism, allows for mental preparation, and accounts for unexpected delays.
Casting directors notice everything—from your acting ability to your punctuality. Arriving early signals that you’re reliable, dedicated, and respectful of others’ time. Conversely, arriving too close to your call time can cause stress, limit your warm-up, or even lead to missing your slot entirely.
A casting director once shared in an interview:
“We’ve seen incredibly talented actors not get cast simply because they were late. It reflects how they might behave on set.”
This small detail—your arrival time—can influence whether or not you get the part.
The Ideal Time Frame: How Early Is “Early Enough”?
A safe and widely accepted window for arriving at an audition is 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled time. This range gives you flexibility without seeming overeager or disruptive. Here’s why this time frame works:
15 minutes early: This is the standard for most auditions. It’s enough time to check in, use the restroom, review your lines briefly, and get a feel for the room.
30 minutes early: This is helpful for large open-call auditions where check-in may be slower, or if you’re unfamiliar with the venue.
More than 30 minutes: This may be too early. It can cause crowding or confusion for the casting staff, and they may not be ready to handle early arrivals.
Example:
At a New York casting call for a major Broadway revival, actors who arrived 20 minutes early were smoothly ushered through the sign-in and had time to center themselves. Those who arrived right on the dot had to wait in a backup line, leading to stress and shortened prep time.
In short: Aim for 15–30 minutes early, but always consider the context.
Open Calls vs. Scheduled Auditions: Know the Difference
Not all auditions are created equal. The type of audition you’re attending can determine how early you should be.
Open calls (cattle calls): These are usually first-come, first-served. In this case, arrive as early as possible, sometimes even hours ahead. It’s not uncommon for actors to line up at 6 a.m. for a 10 a.m. start time.
Scheduled auditions: These have specific time slots. For these, 15 minutes early is optimal—early enough to be professional, but not so early that you overwhelm the space.
Example:
For the television series Stranger Things, scheduled callbacks for teen roles required actors to arrive precisely 15 minutes early. The casting team coordinated tight windows due to high volume. One actor who arrived 45 minutes early was asked to wait outside due to limited lobby space.
Understanding the nature of your audition will help you time your arrival properly and avoid logistical missteps.
How Early Arrival Helps With Preparation
Early arrival gives you a chance to prepare both mentally and physically. Here’s how that extra time pays off:
Relax and breathe: Auditions are nerve-wracking. Giving yourself 15–20 minutes to calm down helps your performance.
Review lines or sides: Even a last-minute glance can sharpen your delivery.
Warm up your voice or body: Especially important for musical theatre or dance calls.
Assess the room: You might learn useful details by watching a few auditioners ahead of you.
Example:
Actor John Boyega once said in an interview that he uses the 20 minutes before an audition to focus, stretch, and listen to a specific song that gets him into character. This ritual, made possible by early arrival, helped him land the role of Finn in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
When you’re prepared, you’re more confident—and confidence reads well in the room.
Risks of Arriving Too Late—or Too Early
While showing up too late is an obvious problem, being too early can also work against you.
Too Late:
You might miss your audition window altogether.
You appear disorganized or careless.
The room may be closed by the time you arrive.
Too Early:
You may disrupt the audition staff.
The casting team may not be ready for you.
It can make you appear anxious or overbearing.
Pro Tip:
If you arrive more than 30 minutes early, wait in a nearby café or your car. Use the time to go over your material, stay warm, and avoid crowding the casting space.
Travel Time, Parking, and Logistics: Plan Smart
Being early requires more than just good intentions—it takes planning. Here’s how to ensure a timely arrival:
Leave extra time for travel delays (traffic, train disruptions, etc.)
Research parking availability or public transit schedules
Double-check the address and audition room
Bring contact information for the casting office in case of emergencies
Example:
An actor once missed their slot at a Chicago Fire audition because they couldn’t find parking downtown. They had arrived in the area 30 minutes early—but didn’t account for finding a spot. Lesson: Plan all logistics—not just the drive itself.
Preparation doesn’t stop at your monologue. It includes logistics.
Virtual Auditions: Is Early Still Important?
The rise of virtual auditions has shifted the landscape—but timeliness is still essential, even online.
For Zoom or Skype auditions:
Log in 10 minutes early
Check your internet connection, camera, and mic ahead of time
Have your environment set up (lighting, background, script)
Casting directors often admit people into the call at or just before the scheduled time, so being ready early is still part of the etiquette.
Example:
During the pandemic, Disney+ held virtual auditions for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Actors who logged in 10 minutes early had a chance to resolve minor tech issues before their moment.
Being early online is different—but just as crucial.
Final Thoughts: The Goldilocks Rule of Audition Timing
So how early should you be for an audition? Not too late, not too early—just right. The “Goldilocks” sweet spot is about 15–30 minutes ahead of your scheduled time, unless it’s an open call where arriving much earlier is expected.
Your arrival time isn’t just a logistical detail—it’s your first impression. It reflects your professionalism, preparation, and respect for the process.
Quick Recap:
Scheduled auditions: Arrive 15–30 minutes early
Open calls: Arrive as early as possible
Virtual auditions: Be logged in and ready 10 minutes early
Avoid: Being late, or showing up too early and lingering awkwardly
Be smart. Be prepared. Be early—but not too early.
Because in auditions, timing is everything.
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