If you didn’t already hear the news, Michael Roud has officially been named one of Backstage.com’s industry experts, and we’re so excited to be able to contribute to the Backstage community with our advice articles! We’re going to give you all our best tips and tricks on maximizing your photoshoots, staying ahead of the game, and harnessing your creative strength.

Here’s our SECOND article with Backstage on What Headshots Reveal About How You Audition! Here’s an excerpt that contains the message we really want to drive home and stick with you guys – all about being hyperconscious of your energy and how you are being perceived, received, and how cooperative you are. In your photoshoots as well as your auditions, being a strong, intuitive communicator is everything!

A good actor not only knows how to communicate emotion, but they also know how to respond to direction. Acting isn’t all you, it’s also your director, and how well you’re able to communicate and understand each other. This is crucial in both your auditions and your photo shoot, because it shows your ability to listen, absorb, and apply notes from a director. If we’re in a photo session and I ask you to tilt your head a bit and smile with your eyes, that needs to come through. You’re basically a car in power steering mode. Whatever direction you’re given, you need to take it, translate it, and make it work for you. Be sensitive to what is being asked of you, of what is being suggested emotionally and tonally. In the audition, your casting directors will definitely be looking for talent that’s also able to listen and adapt quickly. My best advice would be to treat your photo shoots with the same attention to detail. Keep your eyes, ears, and mind open.

Your job is to be a strong communicator, a sensitive listener, and a master of the human condition. This applies to your auditions, your photo shoots, your job on set, and your practicing regimen. As famed writer Robert Quillen once said, “Acting is not being emotional, but being able to express and embody emotion.”

Don’t forget to check out our other article on Backstage, 3 Insider Tips for Taking Great Photos!