A chemistry read is a late-stage audition where the filmmakers put actors they are considering for connected roles, such as love interests, siblings or best friends, in front of each other to see how they play together. It usually comes after the pre-read and callbacks, often alongside the test for a series. Here is what casting directors and producers told us about handling one.
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It's an audition in pairs or small groups. Kym explains that once the producers and director like a few actors for each of two connected roles, they bring them in together and mix and match them through the day to see who works best. That might be a couple, a parent and child, or a group of friends who need to riff off each other.
Everyone there has already shown they can act. The question now is whether these people look and feel right together.
Near the end. Casting director David Guglielmo said he doesn't always do chemistry reads, but when it comes down to the final couple of people, he wants to see what they're like together. Kym places them after the filmmakers have chosen a shortlist for each role.
On a TV pilot, chemistry reads often sit right next to the network test. Casting director Alexa Pereira told us that on a pilot she was casting, some actors were "offer only", meaning they wouldn't put themselves on tape for a first audition. Once it reached the chemistry read with the lead, though, they still had to come in, because the chemistry read goes along with the test.
Roles where the relationship is the story. On one series, Alexa Pereira said, the lead actress was attached before casting began and already had her co-star in mind. The team still read every working actor who fit that part, to do their due diligence, then ran chemistry reads for the brother and sister roles.
Producer Shaked Berenson described the other extreme: for a small role as a couple, he auditioned actors who were real-life couples, so they arrived with their own history and nuances.
Usually the same people as a director's callback. Casting director Carmen Aiello listed the producer, the director, the casting director and the casting associate. If one role is already cast, that actor may be there too, reading opposite each of the people up for the other part.
On series, studio and network executives see the tests that follow, either live or on tape. Our callbacks page covers the earlier stages, and how to audition for a TV show explains the network test.
Both. Casting has moved mostly to tape and video, and the casting directors we asked had mixed feelings about it.
If yours is on video, our self-tape expert's advice is simple: the stronger your connection, the less delay. Move closer to the router or plug in with a cable.
The same way you prepared for the audition that got you here, plus some thought about the other person.
Physical things, yes. Performance notes, no. Kym says it's fine to ask an already-cast actor whether they mind you taking their arm on a line, or kissing them on the cheek. But don't ask them to pause somewhere or play a moment differently. They will play the scene their way on set, and the filmmakers need to see that you can work with what they actually do.
Partly, and it's your job to try. Michael Testa said chemistry is elusive: the first time two actors read together it might not be great, and then they make it better, because that's what actors do. He said of one lead he was casting that the actor could have chemistry with a wall, which is the quality filmmakers are hoping for.
What you can't control is how the pairing looks. Height, age, colouring and how the family or couple reads on screen all come into it, which is why a strong read can still lose out.
On a series, the test and the deal. Alexa Pereira said that before actors test, their contracts are already filled out, including pay and the number of episodes, because the choice then goes to the studio and network for approval. Read more about that in producer sessions and test deals.
Then you wait, and sometimes the decision turns on something nobody could predict. Actor Kevin E. West told us about reaching the final stage for a series regular role, waiting four or five business days, and hearing the producers had gone in a completely different direction. As he put it, that's casting. And it isn't always linear: Alexa Pereira also told us about an actor her team offered a role to without testing, because they knew they wanted him.
A late-stage audition where actors being considered for connected roles read together so the filmmakers can see how they play as a pair or group.
Near the end of casting, after pre-reads and callbacks. On TV pilots they often happen alongside the studio or network test.
Usually the director, producers and casting team, and sometimes an actor who is already cast in the other role.
Keep the work that got you the callback, run the scene with your partner if you get the chance, and listen. Expect to read with more than one partner.
Only physical or blocking questions, such as whether you can take their arm. Never give performance notes, especially to an actor who is already cast.
A chemistry read is an audition with more people watching. Your Free Audition Room Guide helps you walk into any room ready.
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