Character description / auditioning

[chris f]

For my next short (a comedy) I'm actually going to hold auditions for all the parts (which I've never done) and I'm wondering how much I should give the actors going into it as far as what I'm looking for.

Like for one part in particular I want a character like a Vince Vaughn or a Will Ferrell, someone with a bigger personality and a slightly unusual flare. Now in my character description and/or directing the audition should I mention Vince Vaughn or Will Ferrell or should I avoid referencing specific actors so I don't have people coming in trying to be Vince or Will?

 

[dg1]

i would personally NOT mention vince vaughn or will ferrell specifically. you may just get a bad impression from a possibly talented actor. mentioning you'd like it over the top wouldn't be bad since it's a comedy....

 

[clang]

yeah, don't mention Vince or Will, you'll attract all the fools who think they do great Vince or Will impersonations (sadly, they don't), and you'll repulse actors who don't happen to like Vince and Will, and worst of all, you'll discourage the wildly original actor who is actually perfect for your role despite appearing nothing like Vince or Will. Describe the role's personality instead.