Warner Bros. Television is offering an astonishing opportunity for graduating acting students who had their final year interrupted by the spread of COVID-19: the major studio will be reviewing audition materials from the Class of 2020 coming out of undergrad, graduate, or conservatory training programs.
Traditionally, schools with robust theater training programs offer end-of-year showcases where students strut their stuff for audiences of agents and scouts in major entertainment hubs like New York City and Los Angeles; Warner Bros.’ initiative is an attempt to counteract the loss, the casting call says.
According to Deadline, the studio not only directed the notice to well-established actor training institutions, but they also included traditionally underrepresented (and under-funded) programs such as historically black universities and colleges.
However, it didn’t take long for the digital flyer to circulate outside internal department listservs and onto social media streams en masse, raising awareness of the initiative. Warner Bros. is committing to reviewing every qualified application.
The initiative isn’t just good PR for Warner Bros., it could mean unparalleled access to potential new talent for the company’s casting directors. In recent years, the general public has become increasingly aware of a diversity problem in Hollywood. Major studios have been challenged to feature new talent from representative communities, not just in front of the camera but behind it too. The casting call only requests a headshot, résumé, and “brief introduction.” No video audition is required.
A select pool of applicants will be invited to audition for the studio’s casting department, where they could get their big break. It is unclear whether the auditions will be in person, as social distancing restrictions limit the normal functions of Hollywood.
Warner Bros. Television is the studio behind such iconic television shows as “Friends” and “The Big Bang Theory,” along with current hits like “Watchmen” and “Ellen.”
To qualify, actors 18 years or older must email résumé, headshot, 100-word-or-less introduction to WBTVCasting@warnerbros.com.
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