The Art of the Slate: Matching the Energy to the Role
The Art of the Slate: Matching Your Energy to the Role
For actors, the on-camera slate is an essential part of the audition process. Whether you’re auditioning for a commercial, a film, a television/streaming show, or even a voiceover project, slating is often your first impression on a casting director or producer. While it may seem like a simple introduction, a slate can actually serve as a valuable tool to showcase personality, professionalism, and even a hint of the character you’re bringing to life.
What Is a Slate?
At its core, a slate is a brief, verbal introduction in which an actor states key information such as their name, height, location, and the role they are auditioning for. Depending on the project, additional details may be requested, such as agency representation or availability. Slates are standard practice in auditions, and how an actor delivers theirs can set the tone for the rest of the audition.
Slating for Commercial Auditions
When slating for a commercial audition, energy and personality are key. Casting directors want to see actors who are engaging, charismatic, and approachable. A commercial slate often requires actors to hold a smile at the end, and it can be beneficial to practice speaking with a smile to maintain warmth and approachability. At this stage, it’s helpful to connect to the unspoken subtext of the slate—something like, “It’s great to be here. Thank you for having me.” This positive energy helps casting professionals envision you in a commercial setting, where an inviting and relatable presence is often essential.
Adjusting Slate Energy for Dramatic Roles
For dramatic auditions, however, a high-energy, cheerful slate might not always be the best choice. At Mighty Tripod Acting Studio, actors are encouraged to match the “temperature” of their slate to the tone of the scene they are performing. If the audition piece is emotionally heavy, it can be jarring to shift from an upbeat slate directly into an intense moment. Instead, a more neutral, grounded slate can create a seamless transition into the scene, allowing the actor to stay connected to the emotional world of the character.
Comedy auditions, on the other hand, often benefit from a bit more playfulness in the slate. Here, actors can lean into their natural charm or the comedic style of the material to subtly hint at their ability to bring humor to the role.
The “In Character” Slate: A Bold Choice
One of the most famous examples of an unconventional slate can be seen in Dacre Montgomery’s audition for Stranger Things Season 2. His self-tape, which can be found on YouTube, stands out for many reasons—one of which is his decision to slate “in character.” Notably, he is also shirtless in the slate, a choice that aligns with the raw, edgy nature of the role he was pursuing. While this kind of approach won’t be appropriate for every audition, it demonstrates how an actor’s slate can be a part of their overall performance and help to create a strong impression.
Understanding the Tail Slate
A Tail Slate is a slate that is recorded at (or placed at, if a self-tape) the end of an audition rather than at the beginning. While less common, a Tail Slate is sometimes requested when the focus needs to remain on the performance without any potential disruption from the introduction. This can be particularly useful for emotionally intense or deeply immersive scenes, where maintaining the character’s emotional state is crucial. If a Tail Slate is required, it is typically stated in the audition instructions, and actors should be prepared to deliver their information after completing their scene. If you are doing a self-tape, just remember to slate after the read, and we recommend taping your slate and your scene separately, so then you can put them together however they want when you are in the editing phase of your submission.
Making Smart Choices
So, should you always slate in character? Not necessarily. While a slate should never feel like a performance in itself, it can be an opportunity to hint at the world of the character. A subtle adjustment in tone, energy, or body language can make a slate feel cohesive with the audition while still maintaining a sense of professionalism. Ultimately, the goal is to serve the material and help the casting team see you as the right fit for the role.
Final Thoughts
A slate is more than just a formality—it’s a chance to make a memorable first impression. Whether you’re bringing high energy to a commercial slate, grounding yourself for a dramatic piece, or making a strategic choice to hint at the character in your introduction, the key is always to approach it with thoughtfulness and authenticity. With practice and intention, your slate can become an asset in your audition process, helping you stand out for all the right reasons.
Thanks for reading, and break a leg at your next audition!
~ David