Casting directors gravitate toward their job out of a love and appreciation for actors. They’re also quick to assure performers that they’re rooting for their career success. Casting directors are constantly keeping up with their knowledge of actors and performances to see how they’re progressing over time, and they make notes about talent for potential future projects.
Acting and casting are all about relationships. Although performers depend on casting directors to help move their acting careers forward, they must be aware of proper etiquette when interacting with casting professionals.
Each casting director has different work styles and preferences. That said, there are general practices to keep in mind when it comes to the casting process. Here are some tips for interacting with casting directors in an agreeable, empowering way.
Respect Casting’s Policies
The casting business is a very busy world that demands long hours with tight deadlines and a lot of pressure. For every role that comes their way, a casting department can see hundreds of self tapes. They’re often on a time crunch trying to cast multiple roles simultaneously for multiple projects that include film production, television production, theater and commercial casting. These projects could be in the works, such as upcoming movies, or active productions such as a hit television series.
If a casting office says it doesn’t accept unsolicited phone calls or walk-ins, it’s because they are very busy. If actors need to occasionally contact a casting director, it shouldn’t be more than a short email on a weekday, taking time to correct any spelling errors. You may not reach the casting director, but a casting assistant or another member of the casting staff may be able to assist you.
If you’re new to acting, don’t expect to contact an award-winning casting director about how to get a talent agent or which talent agency is looking for new actors. The first step to becoming a working actor is by gaining experience with acting and refining your craft.
Audition Questions to Avoid
Casting will often provide the answers to basic questions before auditions, such as a designated callback date. They do this specifically to avoid wasting time answering the same question over and over again. Pay close attention to all their communications before auditioning to avoid asking something you are expected to already know.
If you have a relevant and appropriate question, avoid prefacing it with, “Can I ask you a question?” This query can rub casting the wrong way as it is inadvertently two questions. It’s better to cut to the chase and ask the real question from the start.
Another question to avoid is, “What kind of emotion would you like the character to have in line X?” Your performance will answer that question. Make a creative choice and commit to it boldly.
Beneficial Audition Questions to Ask
It’s okay to ask direct questions about, say, the job’s pay rate, which has the potential to affect which casting calls you may want to submit to. Another direct, clear, concise question might be, “The role asks for a specific ethnicity, but no preference is given about an accent. Do you want me to use an accent?” or “Can I play with the material?” or “Can I add a tag at the end?”
Keep Your Materials Up to Date
Make sure your profile across all casting platforms such as Casting Frontier is current, including your resume, headshots, demo reel, audio sample, special talents and, if you have one, a link to your website. Don’t forget to stay on top of your IMDb page as well.
Give yourself credit for everything you’ve earned to date, and make sure casting can easily access this valuable information.
Read and Follow the Submission Instructions
This includes how casting wants you to label your work. It’s not a great look when casting has to relabel your auditions, and can take you out of consideration before your work is reviewed.
Talent often take themselves out of the running by making tiny mistakes because they missed a detail. This seems like a lack of interest in the required submission protocol. Show that you’re a professional who is responsive to what is asked of you.
Avoid Critiquing on Your Performance
At virtual or in-person auditions, there’s nothing that gets under casting’s skin more than hearing actors judge their own performances. Avoid saying, “That was a bad take,” “I can do it again,” or “I can try something else.”
These can be interpreted as “There’s nothing worthwhile about my performance,” and it communicates a lack of self-confidence. It’s casting’s job to evaluate your performance, not yours. For all you know, casting thought you were great and wants to book you because of your captivating performance.
What makes actors so compelling is that they are human, with all the vulnerabilities that come along with that. Believe in yourself and your ability to grow and keep preparing for your auditions. Casting tell you when you need another take.
However, there are exceptions. Some casting directors and their casting associates will give second chances. Remember, if you’re a great fit for the role, casting will overlook a stutter or stumble.
Approach Your Auditions with a Generous Spirit
It’s understandable that actors may feel a need to be validated during an audition. Sometimes performers may be tempted to ask for feedback, especially during stressful times.
However, this can inadvertently communicate neediness. Instead, make it a priority to come prepared to the audition phase, ready to make choices, adapt and bring abundance, eager to give. Casting will appreciate it and your booking ratio is likely to improve from a confident perspective.
Want to get your acting career started? Sign up or log in to Casting Frontier and start auditioning today!
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