Auditions, readings & screen tests · Core
Audition
ELI5
A performance test used to assess a person for a role.
Used in conversation
“The audition is booked for Thursday; send the performance material today.”
Pitch context
A director may use this term to turn a broad intention into a specific performance or casting choice.
Why it matters: Translates creative intention into casting, rehearsal, performance and on-set direction.
Connected terms
- Screen testAn audition evaluates performance suitability; a screen test evaluates how a performer, look or pairing works on camera in production-like conditions.
- Casting breakdownA common casting funnel; productions may omit or reorder stages.
- CallbackA common casting funnel; productions may omit or reorder stages.
Sources & evidence · 8
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- AICP — Suggested Best Practices for Bidding and Bidding Reference GuideDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Directors Guild of America — DGA Creative Rights HandbookDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- pitch.dog — Pitch Dictionary Deep Research SynthesisDirect source · practitioner · checked 2026-08-14
- SAG-AFTRA — 2025 Interactive Media Agreement AI ProvisionsDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- ScreenSkills — Film and TV Job ProfilesDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-14
- ScreenSkills — Online Learning Glossary and Job ProfilesSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-14
- Directors Guild of America — Assistant Director and Unit Production Manager ResourcesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- SAG-AFTRA — Artificial Intelligence ResourcesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14