Commercial Scripts for Auditions

“How to Nail Commercial Auditions: Scripts That Sell (and Get You Cast!)”

Let’s talk about commercials. You know, those 15 to 30 seconds of magic that make you crave a burger, trust a skincare product, or hum a jingle for days. As an actor, commercial auditions are a unique beast. They’re not about baring your soul in a Shakespearean soliloquy—they’re about selling a vibe, a feeling, or a product, all while being likable in record time.

But here’s the kicker: most actors bomb commercial auditions because they treat them like mini-movies. They overact, oversell, or worse—they forget they’re talking to a real person on the other side of the screen.

In this post, we’re breaking down how to choose (and crush) commercial scripts for auditions—so you can book gigs, pad your resume, and maybe even afford that avocado toast habit.

Why Commercial Scripts Are Different

Commercial auditions aren’t about you—they’re about the product. Your job? Make the viewer think, “I need this!” without sounding like a robot or a used-car salesman. Here’s what sets commercial scripts apart:

Short and Snappy: You’ve got 10–30 seconds to connect. Every word matters.
Tone is Everything: Are you the “friendly neighbor,” the “trusted expert,” or the “goofy parent”? The script’s tone dictates your delivery.
They’re Selling a Feeling: Commercials aren’t just hawking products—they’re selling happiness, relief, confidence, or FOMO.

How to Choose the Right Commercial Script

1. Match the Brand’s Vibe

Before you even pick a script, research the brand. Are they sleek and corporate (think Apple) or quirky and irreverent (think Old Spice)? Your delivery should mirror their existing ads.

Example:
Tech Brand: “Stay ahead of the curve. With [Product Name], the future is now.” (Deliver with calm confidence.)
Fast Food: “Crave the crunch? You’ll never stop at one.” (Playful, energetic, maybe even a little messy.)

2. Focus on Relatability

Commercials thrive on “Hey, that’s me!” moments. Choose scripts that let you embody someone the audience recognizes:

The exhausted parent who needs coffee.
The gym newbie who finally feels confident.
The traveler who discovers a game-changing app.

3. Avoid Overused Scripts

Casting directors groan when they hear:

“Hi, I’m [Name], and I’m a busy mom!”
“For just $19.99, you can…”
Instead, look for fresh angles.

Killer Commercial Script Examples (And How to Deliver Them)

1. The “Everyday Hero” Script

Product: Laundry Detergent
Script: “Between soccer practice, art class, and muddy paw prints… my washing machine’s a superhero. Thank goodness [Brand] tackles every stain. Pause, smirk Even glitter.”

Delivery: Warm, slightly exhausted parent vibe. Throw in an eye roll at “glitter.”

2. The “Subtle Flex” Script

Product: Luxury Car
Script: “You don’t drive it. You feel it.” Pause, lean in slightly “Meet the new [Model Name].”

Delivery: Low-key confident. Think James Bond at a coffee shop.

3. The “Quirky Problem-Solver” Script

Product: Meal Delivery Kit
Script: “My cooking skills? Let’s just say I once burned cereal. Laugh But with [Brand], I’m basically Gordon Ramsay. Minus the yelling.”

Delivery: Self-deprecating humor with a wink.

3 Tips to Stand Out in Commercial Auditions

1. Talk to the Camera Like It’s Your Best Friend

Commercials thrive on intimacy. Imagine you’re telling a secret to someone you trust. No shouting, no robotic smiles—just genuine connection.

2. Master the “One-Take Wonder”

Casting directors watch hundreds of tapes. Hook them in the first 3 seconds. Pro tip: Start mid-action, like you’re already in the scene.

Example: Hold up a coffee mug and jump right into, “Monday mornings used to hate me…”

3. Adapt on the Fly

Directors might ask for “less salesy” or “more energy” on the spot. Practice the same script in 3 different tones:

Friendly
Authoritative
Whimsical

The Secret No One Tells You: Commercials Love Imperfection

Unlike theater or film, commercials often want you to sound real, not polished. Stumble over a word? Laugh it off. Flub a line? Say, “Let me try that again”—if it fits the brand’s vibe. Some of the most iconic ads feel unscripted (looking at you, “I’m not a doctor, but I play one on TV”).

Final Thought: Be the Person They Want to Hang With

Commercial casting isn’t just about your acting chops—it’s about whether you feel like someone viewers would invite into their living room. So relax, have fun, and remember: You’re not selling a product. You’re selling a moment.

Now go book that toothpaste ad. (And maybe send me a free tube?)