hen looking through audition notices and creating mailing labels, you probably notice that some casting directors' names are followed with the initials "CSA." But what is CSA, and what does it mean for you? CSA is an abbreviation for the Casting Society of America, an organization of theatrical casting directors. The term "theatrical" does not mean that these casting directors seek out actors for jobs in theatre only. Instead, "theatrical" has come to mean work for film, television, and theatre. These are the kinds of roles that are often called "legit" in New York.
SA is not a formal union but more of a networking and resource group for casting directors. There are more than 350 CSA members worldwide, although there are at least twice as many casting directors operating in the United States. To be eligible, a prospective member must be listed as the primary casting director in two years of stage or screen credits. He or she must also provide letters of recommendation from at least two current CSA members who are familiar with the candidate's body of work. Therefore, when you are working with a casting director who is a member, you are assured that you are in the hands of a seasoned professional.
his is not to say casting directors who are not members are unprofessional—in fact, several top CDs are not CSA members—but anybody can hang a shingle as a casting director without any qualifications or history. However, when you are just getting started, many of the projects you are auditioning for will not have an established casting director. Producers of small plays and independent films often do their own casting and are therefore unlikely to be listed in any casting directories. This does not mean you should avoid them. Indeed, you need to work with these other fledgling artists to gain experience.
ou may not be at the point in your career where you are working with members of CSA, but if you get cast in enough projects, eventually they will want to work with you. Until then, be wary of people casting out of their homes. Some perfectly decent projects cut corners thusly, but if you get a bad feeling from a situation, it's best to trust your instincts. Also, make sure someone else is aware of where you are going; it may not hurt to have someone accompany you at least as far as the front door. These words of caution are not meant to scare you so much as they are meant to make you aware that people occasionally take advantage of the power a casting director wields.