With Atlanta continuing to grow as a hot spot for TV and movie shoots, everything you do during an audition can either help or hurt your chances. Stay ahead of the competition by avoiding these mistakes that two Atlanta casting directors say are more common than you might think.

1. Commenting on your performance.

You shouldn't talk about or make excuses for your audition. "This is a huge mistake," said Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA, of Atlanta Casting, LLC.

2. Apologizing for being unprepared.

"Regardless of whether or not this is true, you are preparing us for your failure before you've even failed," Jen Kelley, CSA, of Big Picture Casting, Inc., said. "Basically, I hear, 'I'm sorry I'm about to waste your time.'" That's a no-no.

3. Being late.

Be punctual, but don't be too early. Give yourself plenty of time to get there, and look at alternate routes in case something goes wrong. Even if it means sitting in your car for a while, only walk in the door about 15 minutes ahead of your appointment time.

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