What Is a Slate?
A slate is a short introduction an actor records as part of an audition, or says live during an in-person or virutal audition.
The casting office will tell you in the audition instructions if they prefer the slate to be put before or after the selftape scene, or as a separate file.
You may be asked to provide your name, location, height, representation, or other specific information.
A slate also gives casting a chance to put a face and personality to the name before or after watching your audition.
Instructions & Examples of Slating
Always read the casting instructions—and double-check them before you record. The same casting director could request a different type of slate based off of the project.
One casting breakdown might simply ask for your name and location, while another may ask for your height, or something specific to the character or project.
For example, casting might say:
“Please slate with your name, location, and height.”
Your slate should then be simple:
“Hi, I'm First Name Last Name, I'm based in Los Angeles, California, and I'm 5’9”.”
Another production might ask:
“Please slate with your name, location, full availability from November 3rd-November 10th and whether you can work as a local-hire* to California.”
In that case, your slate should include all of the information requested.
There is no one-size-fits-all slate.
What About a Full-Body Slate?
Sometimes casting will ask for a full-body slate.
If they do, make sure the camera shows you from head to toe, including your shoes. Wear the shoes you would realistically wear for the role or audition unless casting gives you different instructions.
Keep the background simple and free of distractions so casting can clearly see you.
You don't need a complicated setup. The goal is simply to give casting a clear view of you from head to toe.
Three Tips for Slating
1. Remember to Smile
Be warm and inviting.
A slate is often the first time casting gets to see you as yourself. A genuine smile can help you come across as approachable, confident, and personable.
You don't need to force a huge smile or turn it into a performance.
Just be warm.
2. Relax
A slate should be professional, but it doesn't need to be stiff.
Don't approach the camera like you're sitting across from someone interviewing you for a corporate job.
Instead, slate with confidence as if you've already booked the job—or imagine you're talking to a friend.
Relax. Take a breath. Be comfortable.
3. Let Your Personality Shine Through
In today's digital casting world, actors often submit auditions without ever meeting the casting team in person.
Your slate may be one of your only opportunities to let your personality shine through.
Casting can see your headshot, resume, and audition—but your slate gives them a quick glimpse of the person behind the materials.
Don't try to manufacture a personality you think casting wants to see.
Keep it Simple
A great slate doesn't need to be complicated.
Follow the instructions. Smile. Relax. Be yourself.
Your slate isn't another performance. It's a chance to introduce yourself to casting and let them see the person behind the audition.
At Actorsite, we practice slates in class and prepare actors for the whole audition process—not just the audition material itself. Our actors don't freeze up when they're asked questions about themselves or have to tell casting a story. Through our Coaching, Kids/Teens and Adults training options, we help actors build the confidence and skills to walk into every part of the audition process prepared.
*Read our What is A Local-Hire? blog next to learn more about being a local-hire in film.