From the progressive productions of the ACT Contemporary Theatre to the thriving indie film scene scattered across Queen Anne, the soggy streets of Seattle offer a plethora of opportunities for aspiring actors. Here’s a breakdown of Seattle acting, from where to train to how to find gigs.
The path to becoming an actor in Seattle offers unique opportunities with a Pacific Northwest flair. To start your journey:
1. Familiarize yourself with the local scene.
Seattle’s acting scene is “a close-knit community,” according to Megan Rosenfeld, head of the Seattle branch of Amey René Casting. The industry is expanding steadily, with both productions and actors sometimes choosing the city over traditional hubs like L.A. and New York.
2. Train.
Sign up for acting classes to refine your skill set, meet other people in the industry, and increase your marketability. Some of the best acting classes in Seattle are offered by:
- Freehold Theatre Lab
- Cornish College of the Arts
- Seattle Rep (Seattle Repertory Theatre)
- Unexpected Productions
- Taproot Theatre Company
- Theatre Puget Sound
- Seattle Children’s Theatre
- Book-It Repertory Theatre
- Mirror Stage Company
3. Prepare your materials.
Your headshot, acting résumé, and demo reel will help you stand out like the Space Needle to Seattle casting directors, such as:
- Amey René Casting
- Foreground Background LLC
- Jodi Rothfield Casting
- Kalles Levine Casting
- Nike Imoru Casting
4. Network with fellow actors.
Seattle’s acting scene thrives on connections. “If you meet one person, it’ll kind of tumble into meeting others,” adds Rosenfeld. To build a network of like-minded peers, join in-person and virtual groups like:
- Seattle Theatre Artists
- SAG-AFTRA Seattle Local
- Actors Growth Lab Seattle
5. Submit to auditions and casting calls.
Use our Seattle casting call database to find opportunities for gigs. Who knows? You might be the star of the next Rain City–based hit, such as “Frasier,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Kimi,” or, of course, “Sleepless in Seattle.”
There’s also a booming theater scene that includes touring Broadway productions and local legends 5th Avenue Theatre and Book-It Rep, as well as successful film projects.
Your best bet, though, might be looking for opportunities in commercials, which CD Amey René calls “the biggest thing in Seattle.” The city’s commercial credits include big players such as Nike, US Airways, MasterCard, Nissan, Toyota, and gas supplier Summit Natural.
6. Sign with an agent.
Seek representation at Seattle’s top talent agencies, such as:
- Big Fish NW Talent Agency
- TCM Models & Talent
- Dramatic Artists Agency
- TC Talent (formerly Topo Swope Talent)
- Colleen Bell Agency
- The Actors Group
Agents based in the city will know the inside scoop on its acting scene and help you navigate its nuances… rain or shine.
7. Make connections.
Looking up the projects happening in and around the area, or finding agents or production company employees and reaching out, are never frowned upon. “If there’s a new actor in town, someone will come to us and tell us to bring them in,” says René. Success in Seattle “is about having good social skills and making people like you,” she adds, with the benefit of less competition and easier entry into the scene compared to larger markets.