Model agency open casting: Dates, preparation and presentation
An open model agency casting is your chance – whether you have never stood in front of a camera before or already have some experience. Those who wonder if they have what it takes to be a model will receive an honest, professional assessment here, without pre-selection, without exploitation, and without hidden costs. In this guide, you will learn everything about the process, the correct preparation, and what really happens on an open casting day.
What is an open model agency casting?
At an open casting, a model agency generally invites everyone to apply. There is no prior filtering based on height, measurements, or experience. Everyone – whether 1.60 m or 1.85 m tall, whether a career starter or a career changer – gets the opportunity to present themselves personally. This fundamentally distinguishes the open format from the closed casting, to which only pre-selected candidates are allowed to attend.
Important: A serious open casting costs you nothing. If an agency charges fees for participation, that is a clear warning sign. Find out in advance whether it is a reputable model agency, and read up on what model agencies are allowed to charge – and what they are not. A model agency without fees is the standard at professional agencies.
Open vs. closed casting compared
| Merkmal | Offenes Casting | Geschlossenes Casting |
|---|---|---|
| Zugang | Open to all | By invitation only |
| Pre-selection | Keine | Ja, z. B. nach Größe oder Maßen |
| Experience required | Nein | Oft ja |
| Costs | Free (with reputable agencies) | Free (with serious agencies) |
| Wartezeit | Can be longer | Mostly short and rhythmic. |
| Opportunities for Newcomers | Sehr hoch | Gering |
Who should attend an open casting?
The open format is especially suitable for people who want to find out for the first time whether a career as a model is realistic. You don’t need to meet model measurements and requirements based on glossy magazines. Many successful models were discovered at open castings without ever having stood on a runway before. It is also the right first step for curvy models and everyone interested in modeling in larger sizes.
How does an open model casting work?
The process of an open casting usually follows a fixed structure – from the announcement to the final decision. If you know what to expect, you can approach the day more relaxed.
Weeks before the casting date
Already several weeks in advance, you will learn about the appointment via the agency’s website, through social media, or through special casting newsletters. Add it immediately to your calendar and prepare early. Read up on how to properly prepare for a casting, and take care of a professional model portfolio in good time, if you already have photos. Even without a portfolio, you can participate in an open casting – current snapshots taken with a smartphone often suffice as a first reference.
The Casting Day Itself
On the day of the casting, you appear at the specified time. At large open castings, there may be queues – therefore, plan sufficient buffer time. The process typically consists of three phases:
- Registration and filling out a short form
- Polaroid photos or spontaneous shots on site
- A short personal conversation with a scout or Booker
The conversation is not about catching you off guard. The agency wants to find out who you are, how you move, and how you look on camera. Personality counts at least as much as appearance. If you’re interested in runway and catwalk, you can certainly mention that – bookers appreciate clear ideas.
After the Casting
Not every casting ends immediately with an offer or rejection. Sometimes the agency will get back to you within a few days, sometimes it takes longer. Those who receive an offer will be invited to a more detailed conversation, where the next steps as a model will be discussed. Important: A serious agency will never pressure you to sign immediately.
“The most important thing at an open casting is not perfect looks – it’s the way someone enters the room. Confidence and naturalness don’t replace experience, but they open doors that no portfolio can.”
Preparation for the Open Casting
Whoever is prepared makes a positive impression. The good news: You don’t need to be a makeup expert and don’t need an expensive outfit. Authenticity beats perfection. Nevertheless, there are some points you should pay attention to.
Choosing the right outfit
Wear tight, single-colored clothing that emphasizes your silhouette – no flashy patterns, no logos. Women ideally appear in a single-colored bodysuit or a simple top with jeans; men in a fitted T-shirt and well-fitting pants. Heeled shoes for women are recommended, but not mandatory.
Photos and documents
If you already have photos, bring them – in printed form or on the tablet. A finished model portfolio for the casting is a plus, but not a requirement. Current, unedited images in natural light are often preferable to professional glossy photos because they show how you really look.
Mental preparation
Even if it sounds banal: sleep well before the casting, eat something, and come rested. Nervousness is normal – it shows that the matter is important to you. Also, inform yourself about the requirements to become a model, so that you can ask targeted questions during the conversation.
Casting Checklist: What You Need on the Casting Day
- ☐ Bring your ID or passport
- ☐ Wear simple, form-fitting clothing
- ☐ Heeled shoes (women) or flat leather shoes (men)
- ☐ Have an up-to-date, unedited photo on your smartphone
- ☐ Bring a portfolio, if available
- ☐ Note down your body measurements (height, weight, clothing size)
- ☐ Have your contact details ready and organized
- ☐ Plan enough time (including waiting time)
- ☐ Prepare questions for the agency
Open Castings in Germany and Internationally
Open castings regularly take place in all major German cities. Anyone living in the capital can directly contact a model agency in Berlin. In the north, model agencies in Hamburg are an option, while in the Rhine-Main area, it’s worth looking for become a model in Frankfurt. Internationally, there are also opportunities: those with big ambitions can find out about become a model in London or become a model in New York.
Open castings often take place near major fashion events. Around the Fashion Week Berlin or the Big 4 Fashion Weeks – including New York Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week and London Fashion Week – agencies are especially active in searching for new faces.
Some agencies like CM Models host their own formats. Learn more about Casting at CM Models and how to position yourself optimally. Alternatively, you can also directly apply to a Top Model agency or read up on how you should contact a model agency.
If you are unsure whether you want to pursue modeling as a full-time career or try it out first as a side job, read our guide on modeling as a side job and find out about model salaries. And if you’re still unsure whether a minimum height is required: there are also model agencies without a minimum height as well as specialized agencies that accept low minimum heights.
Ready for your first step? Apply now and take your chance.
Frequently asked questions about open model casting
What should I absolutely not do at an open casting?
Avoid heavy makeup, overpowering perfumes, and exaggerated outfits. Don’t arrive late and switch your phone to silent mode. Equally important: Don’t be a quiet mouse. Bookers remember people with presence—not perfect silence.
Do I need a portfolio for the open casting?
No. A professional portfolio is an advantage, but not a requirement. Current, natural photos from your smartphone are usually sufficient to make a first impression. The agency typically takes their own Polaroids on site.
How long does an open casting last?
The personal conversation with the Booker usually lasts only five to ten minutes. The total time including waiting time can, however, vary between one to three hours depending on the crowd. Plan your day accordingly and bring patience.
What happens if I get rejected at the open casting?
A rejection doesn’t mean the end. Different agencies are looking for different types – what doesn’t fit one agency might be exactly right for another. Use the feedback, improve your preparation with our guide to preparing for casting, and try again. Many successful models were rejected on their first attempt.
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