One of the biggest questions new (and even seasoned) voice actors have is: How fast should I send in my audition once it’s posted? Timing can make or break your chances, and the truth is—it matters more than most people realize.
The Early Bird Really Does Get the Worm
When a casting director posts an audition, they’re often flooded with submissions—sometimes within minutes. By the time a job has been open for a few hours, there might already be dozens or even hundreds of auditions in their inbox. Casting directors don’t always listen to every single audition; sometimes they’ll pick their favorites from the first batch they hear.
That means being early can put you right in front of their ears before fatigue or “audition burnout” sets in.
Rule of thumb: Submit within the first 12–24 hours whenever possible. The sooner, the better.
But Don’t Rush at the Cost of Quality
While speed is important, it should never outweigh quality. Sending a sloppy audition just to be “first in line” will hurt you more than help. A rushed read with background noise, poor editing, or awkward pacing can get skipped immediately.
Take the time to:
- Read the specs carefully (tone, pacing, energy, file format).
- Do multiple takes until it feels natural and confident.
- Edit cleanly so the audio is polished.
Think of it like being the first guest to arrive at a party—great, but not if you show up with your shirt inside out and food on your face.
When It’s Okay to Be “Later”
Sometimes you don’t see the audition right away, or life gets in the way. Don’t panic! Even if you’re not first, you can still book the job. A standout performance can rise above the rest, even if it’s audition #300.
Casting directors do listen to late submissions if the project timeline allows, especially if they haven’t found the voice they’re looking for.
Balance Is Everything
Think of auditions like a game of timing and polish:
- Best case: You record and submit within the first few hours.
- Good case: You submit within the first day, with a clean, strong read.
- Still worth it: You submit later, but deliver an excellent audition.
Final Takeaway
Don’t sit on auditions for days, but don’t rush them so quickly that you sacrifice quality. Aim for fast and polished. The sweet spot is recording and submitting within hours—while still giving yourself enough breathing room to make it your best performance.