You’ve streamed it, you’ve binged it---is it not about time you auditioned for a Netflix series or movie yourself in Norfolk? The streaming titan behind “Stranger Things,” “Bridgerton,” and David Fincher’s “Mank” not only produces award winning original content, but often provides a platform for unknown, young and inexperienced actors to cut their teeth in Norfolk.
Netflix is an up and coming entertainment company that is ever expanding and constantly putting out new content; they are gaining speed and traction in the entertainment market and have new viewers every year. They have new original series coming out every month; making the opportunities when working with them endless. If you are not sure that Netflix will be a good fit for you; take the time to do some research and read about the experiences of the current Cast Members already working for Netflix to help you better prepare yourself for your audition.
The best part about working with Netflix is that you can live anywhere and still land a role on the next binge worthy Netflix series, even in Norfolk. You can just ask Chase Stokes, who plays lead John B on Netflix’s “Outer Banks,” he is quoted to saying “This was a job that was booked in Atlanta, so for the people who feel like there’s an obligatory need to come to L.A. and get their career jump started and they feel like this is the only place that you can do it...don’t question your worth.”
Those looking to audition for Netflix should be aware that the popular streaming platform doesn’t conduct their auditions in-house. That’s the job of the various production companies hired by Netflix to create their shows, whose casting directors are then sent off to find the talent. The Netflix Casting Director runs the show so be sure to follow any directions received from the casting director. Though do make sure that you stay relaxed and remember to have fun. The room where they will hold the audition may seem a bit on the intimidating side at first. That is because they have the room literally set up to be tailored to the type of audition you are going into and auditions held by Netflix adhere to a very strict closed door policy.
While having a good support system around you like family is great and all, they will be asked to sit in a designated waiting area as this audition is closed and they will not allow for anyone other than the actor to come back into the audition room in Norfolk. This also means that the casting process for Netflix varies, generally depending on the project and what the showrunners and producers are looking for in order to execute their vision. Whether it’s a comedy, a period drama, a small-scale mini series or a sci-fi/horror adventure, the research, casting and actor processes will be different and not just in Norfolk. Sometimes actor lists are compiled--but many casting directors have the most fun when the projects don’t require “names”.
As part of the audition, Netflix may request that you perform a monologue for them. For a good reference if you are unfamiliar yet, a monologue is a speech that is directed towards another character rather than actually interacting with that character and usually performed without pause or interruption. It is good to have a monologue on hand for any audition you go to and this will also show the casting director that you take the audition process very seriously. It is always good to have a well rehearsed monologue or two on hand; one can be more dramatic in nature while the other more of a comedy. Make sure any monologues you do have on hand have been well practiced and well read; so you can perform them with ease and skill. It doesn’t help to take an acting class that will help you polish your skills and even help you find a monologue that fits your needs and skills. You can find many different acting schools in Norfolk.
