Too often, actors view casting directors as the obstacle to their success; the one thing that stands between them and the gig they know is theirs. But that attitude is all wrong and doesn’t do any good for you, your career, or the CD. Instead, internalize these seven tips from casting and Backstage Experts to break down the barrier between you and the person sitting on the other side of that table.
You guys are on the same team.
“Actors and casting directors are team players. Unfortunately, many actors think, Please, call me in to audition. You’re so important to me and my career. Let me put you up on this pedestal. Oh my gosh, please, no! We are equals in this game, my friends. Treat casting directors as if they are your friends. Don’t try to impress us. Don’t bow down to us. Don’t try to shake our hands. Don’t be aggressive. It’s not up to a casting director whether you book the job or not. That decision is up to our clients. If you look and do good in an audition, then I look good to my clients. Just be real. We like that. It’s just that simple.” —Ken Lazer, veteran casting director and Backstage Expert
Focus on these four principles:
“You’re not in there to get it right. You’re in there to show them what your understanding is of what’s right.
“You’re not in there to get the job. You’re in there to win the entire room for the bigger picture.
“You’re not the thermometer. You’re the thermostat.
“An audition is an opportunity to perform, to act, to do what you do—not to please.” —Clay Banks, acting coach and Backstage Expert
Try to let them in.
“In the privacy of our homes, we’re weird and sexual and complex and messy and obnoxious and loud and freaky. (And in New York you might even see all that on the subway!) But when it comes to auditioning, we pull it all together and put on a perfect face.
“Stop doing that. It results in zero possibility, no life force, and no access to anything you want. Instead, let it all hang out.
“When you do, a casting director or director or producer sees a spark of your unique humanity and gains insight into how to further open the actor up.
“But if you remain a closed system, you’ve lost access to anything that’s remotely interesting. And you give the casting director no other choice but to utter, ‘Next!’ ” —Anthony Meindl, writer, director, producer, and Backstage Expert
Do not expect copious praise.
“Require no stroking, coddling, or love. We’re there to work. Don’t take it personally when we’re not touchy-feely. Know that we love actors and that’s truly why we’re here.” —Risa Bramon Garcia, director, producer, casting director, teacher, and Backstage Expert
Do not take more than you are given.
“Focus on building collaborative, mutually beneficial relationships with casting directors. Do not expect casting directors to spend a great deal of time with you in person, on the phone, or over email ‘managing’ your career, no matter how much they like you. I can’t tell you how many times I have picked up a check after giving advice for over an hour. It can be an energy drain.” —Brette Goldstein, casting director and Backstage Expert
Do your CD research.
“You should know the name of every CD in your city and what they cast, are about to cast, and have cast. You should know who everyone quoted in this article is. Know which directors, choreographers, and companies they have relationships with. All of this information will help guide you in the future.
“Assistants and associates are your best in and do most of the grunt work. Don’t be a snob. These are the people who have the ear of CD. I’ve seen so many actors be rude to the associates, but today’s assistant is tomorrow’s CD.” —JV Mercanti, director, head of acting for the musical theater program at Pace School of the Performing Arts, and Backstage Expert
Remember: This is not for them.
“The mindset of asking for permission to act has to shift into a belief that you have been invited to bring in your talent and your experience, to offer your point of view to the narrative, to collaborate in the process of telling a story, and to find the humanity in a role that can likely use some. Once you embrace that and realize there is no show or film without actors taking ownership of the words and the world they inhabit, you’ll be able to show up with amazing creative power.
“Showing up in an audition room like that takes years of practice and a deep love of the work. But it also takes letting go of caring. It’s not that you don’t care about the work. You care deeply...you have to. But you have to let go of all the fear of rejection and of trying to satisfy the breakdown, the casting director, your manager, your mother.” —Risa Bramon Garcia and Steve Braun, co-owners of the BGB Studio and Backstage Experts
Ready to get cast? Apply to casting calls on Backstage!