what are callbacks in auditions

Callbacks are a follow-up "job interview" for actors after an initial audition. They are an invitation from the director of a show to take the next step down the audition path, and they mean that the director has seen something in an actor that they liked and wants to see them again. Callbacks can be extremely useful in casting a show, but they aren’t always necessary for every production. During callbacks, the director might want to see the actor perform from the script, respond to direction, or work with another actor to feel out how they would fit in the production. Actors should expect to perform the same material in the same way as in their first audition, but they might be asked to make a few changes, such as reading a scene with different emotion or really diving deep into their character’s idiosyncrasies. Callbacks can consist of reading from the script, presenting different audition pieces, a dance or movement exercise, improvisation, or whatever works best for the production. Actors should be very clear with the director about what callbacks mean, when and where they will be, what they should expect to do at the callbacks, and whether they need to prepare anything in advance. Getting a callback means that the casting team is intrigued by the actor and their acting, but they may not be totally sold yet, so actors should be prepared to showcase their range, ability to portray their character, and overall skill set.