Understanding Feedback
After you've submitted your self-tape, the waiting begins. This guide explains what happens behind the scenes, what feedback you might receive, and how to use it to improve your future auditions.
What happens after you submit
The review process
Once you submit your self-tape, the casting team goes through a structured review process:
- Collection phase — the audition remains open until the deadline, collecting submissions from all invited performers.
- Review phase — after the deadline (or on a rolling basis), reviewers watch each submission and score it against predefined criteria.
- Discussion phase — the casting team discusses submissions in the Audition Room, comparing notes and debating candidates.
- Decision phase — verdicts are set: shortlisted, held, or passed.
This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the volume of submissions and the casting team's schedule.
What you can see
As a performer, your view is intentionally limited to protect the integrity of the casting process:
- Your submission — you can always view your submitted self-tape and materials on your dashboard.
- Audition status — you'll see whether the audition is still open, in review, or closed.
- Your submission status — received, under review, or decision made.
You cannot see:
- Other performers' submissions
- Individual reviewer scores or comments
- Internal casting team discussions
- How many other performers have submitted
This separation exists to keep the process fair and confidential for everyone involved.
Types of feedback
Direct communication
Some casting teams choose to reach out to performers directly with feedback. This might come as:
- An email from the casting team — sent through Castora or via their own email. This typically happens for shortlisted candidates being invited to callbacks.
- A message through your agent — if you have representation, feedback often flows through your agent or manager.
Outcome notifications
Depending on the audition settings, you may receive a notification when the casting team sets a verdict on your submission. Not all casting teams enable this — some prefer to communicate outcomes through agents or direct contact.
If you receive an outcome notification, it will indicate one of three results:
- Shortlisted — you're being considered for the next stage of the casting process, such as a callback, chemistry read, or final audition.
- Held — the casting team is keeping you in consideration. This often means you're in a strong position but they're still reviewing other candidates.
- Passed — you won't be moving forward for this particular role.
No response
It's common in the casting industry for performers not to receive individual feedback, especially for large casting calls. If you haven't heard back after the audition has closed, it typically means you were not selected for this role. This is not a reflection of your talent — casting decisions involve many factors beyond performance quality.
Interpreting feedback
If you're shortlisted
Congratulations — the casting team was impressed. Here's what to do:
- Respond promptly — if you receive a callback invitation, confirm your availability as quickly as possible.
- Review the original brief — re-read the audition requirements and any notes from the casting team. They may have additional direction for the callback.
- Prepare further — a callback often means performing the same material with adjustments, or preparing new sides. Follow any instructions carefully.
- Stay professional — don't share that you've been shortlisted on social media. Casting processes are confidential until the team announces their decisions.
If you're held
Being held means you made a strong impression. The casting team wants to keep you in the mix while they complete their review:
- Stay available — the casting team may reach out for a callback as they narrow their choices.
- Don't follow up excessively — a single polite check-in through your agent is fine, but avoid repeated messages to the casting team.
- Keep preparing — if you move to the next round, you'll want to be ready.
If you're passed
Not being selected for a role is a normal part of the audition process. It doesn't necessarily mean your performance was lacking:
- Casting is subjective — the role might require a specific physical type, chemistry with another cast member, or a quality that's impossible to predict.
- Competition is fierce — casting teams often receive hundreds of submissions for a single role. Being passed doesn't mean you weren't good.
- Every audition is practice — each self-tape you submit makes you better at the process. Your comfort in front of the camera, your ability to make quick choices, and your technical setup all improve with repetition.
Using feedback to improve
Self-assessment
Even without external feedback, you can evaluate your own submissions:
- Watch your tape with fresh eyes — a day or two after submitting, watch your tape as if you were the casting director. What stands out? What would you do differently?
- Compare against the brief — did you deliver what was asked? Were your choices aligned with the character description and direction?
- Technical review — is the audio clear? Is the lighting flattering? Is the framing right? These elements are entirely within your control and are often the first things casting teams notice.
Building on each audition
- Track your submissions — use your Castora dashboard to review past submissions. Over time, you'll see patterns in your work and areas where you've improved.
- Experiment with takes — if an audition allows multiple takes, use them to show range. Try different emotional approaches, pacing, or physical choices.
- Invest in your setup — if your feedback (or self-assessment) consistently points to technical issues, invest in better lighting, sound, or a dedicated recording space.
- Stay in class — regular training keeps your instrument sharp and gives you a space to take risks without the pressure of a real audition.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I wait before following up?
If the audition deadline has passed and you haven't heard anything after two weeks, a single polite follow-up through your agent is appropriate. Avoid contacting the casting team directly unless they've invited you to do so.
Can I ask for specific feedback on my performance?
While Castora's scoring data isn't shared with performers, some casting teams are happy to provide general feedback when asked. This is more common when working with smaller, independent casting teams than with large-scale commercial casting calls.
Will my Castora submissions be visible to other casting teams?
No. Each audition is completely separate. Your submissions are only visible to the casting team that created the specific audition you submitted to. Other casting teams cannot see your past submissions or performance history.
Can I delete a submission?
You cannot delete a submission after it's been received. If the audition allows resubmissions, you can upload a new tape that replaces the original. If resubmissions aren't allowed, your first submission stands.
What if I submitted to the wrong audition?
Contact the casting team directly through the email address provided in the audition brief. They can handle this on their end.