videovorsprechen

Videovorsprechen is a term used in German-speaking media and performing arts to describe the submission of a video audition as part of the casting or admissions process. It replaces or supplements live auditions in many cases and is used by film, television, theatre, and voice-over productions, as well as by arts schools and programs.

A typical videovorsprechen includes a brief introduction with the candidate’s name, location, and age, followed by one or more prepared performance pieces. The material is often a monologue and a contrasting scene to demonstrate range. Submissions are usually 1 to 3 minutes long and recorded with attention to stable framing, good lighting, and clear sound. Some processes require a slate at the beginning (name, role or project).

The format offers several advantages, including remote participation, reduced travel, and the ability to compare a large pool of applicants efficiently. It can streamline early screening and make opportunities accessible to candidates outside traditional audition centers. However, there are limitations: technical quality can influence evaluation, live interaction and on-stage chemistry are not demonstrated, and concerns about misrepresentation, privacy, and rights to the submitted material may arise. Some programs reserve live callbacks for final selections.

Evaluation criteria typically cover acting skill, vocal delivery, diction, character interpretation, and overall fit for the role, as well as the candidate’s professionalism and adherence to guidelines. Best practices include following provided instructions, ensuring quiet, well-lit recording conditions, using a simple slate, avoiding excessive editing, and securing necessary permissions for the material used.

Contextually, videovorsprechen is common in German-speaking regions—Germany, Austria, and Switzerland—and is increasingly embedded in online casting workflows across the entertainment and educational sectors.