I’ve read so many “year-end” and “let’s review our resolutions” articles in the last few weeks, it’s caused me to reflect on what’s important to me at work. A colleague of mine, New York casting director Susan Shopmaker, took a break from her usual political tweets and posted a tweet that bears repeating: “To every #actor I met/saw in 2016: Thank you. Your discipline & hard work made some tough words spring to life. #HAPPYNEWYEAR w/ respect, S.”
This brought a huge smile to my face. Here’s my list of what I’m grateful for:
1. My readers. Throughout the years, my column has consisted of advice to keep you on the right side of the tracks in the audition room and when navigating the business. Your spot-on feedback has been tremendous and it keeps me on track.
2. Your preparation. Whenever I hear a casting director asked for their No. 1 pet peeve, they invariably say, “lack of preparation.” I’ve been working in this business as a casting director, producer, teacher, and acting coach on your behalf for several decades. With my ear to the ground within our community, I’ve noticed that times have truly changed and actors are more prepared than in years past. They come in mostly off-book and ready to play. I’m grateful.
3. Your work. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that acting is easy. It just looks that way if you’re well trained. At the end of a day of casting, I am constantly gobsmacked by the work I get to see in the room. It makes me excited to shepherd you through the process and help you get the job.
4. Your bravery. I love meeting new actors and I’m continually in awe of your talent and humanity. That you come into my office and essentially bare your soul amazes me.
5. Your vulnerability. It knocks me out when an actor comes into the audition room and breaks open. When you reveal what’s true and in your heart, it bonds us as humans.
READ: Why Your Great Audition Didn’t Book That Role
6. The laughter. Never have I laughed more than in the audition room. It is so much fun to see what you bring in—what you and only you have created.
7. “You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” The famous quote from “The Help” applies to you more than ever. It’s such a tough and frustrating business. I can’t imagine going on a job interview (or several!) every day and having all the job applicants in the waiting room. The odds of you getting the role are, unfortunately, very slim and you keep going back to the well of creativity: your need to tell the story. You are storytellers and I am grateful you share that with us.
Known for her work in film and television, producer and casting director Marci Liroff has worked with some of the most successful directors in the world such as Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, Mark Waters, Christopher Nolan, Brad Bird, and Herbert Ross. While working at Fenton-Feinberg Casting, she, along with Mike Fenton, cast such films as “A Christmas Story,” “Poltergeist,” “E.T. – The Extra Terrestrial,” “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” and “Blade Runner.” After establishing her own casting company in 1983, Liroff cast “Footloose,” “St. Elmo's Fire,” “Pretty in Pink,” “The Iron Giant,” “The Spitfire Grill," “Untamed Heart," “Freaky Friday,” “Mean Girls,” “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past,” “Mr. Popper’s Penguins,” “Vampire Academy,” and the upcoming “The Sublime and Beautiful,” which she produced as well.
Liroff is also an acting coach, and her three-night Audition Bootcamp has empowered actors to view the audition process in a new light. The class spawned an online course available at Udemy entitled "How To Audition For Film and Television: Audition Bootcamp." Visit Liroff online at marciliroff.com, follow her on Twitter @marciliroff and Facebook, and watch her advice videos on YouTube. You can also read her blog.
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