Konstantin Stanislavski once said, “There are no small roles, only small players.” In a SAG-AFTRA Q&A, acclaimed casting directors were asked if it’s true that there are no small parts. Here are their responses.
Ellen Lewis, The Queen’s Gambit
Ellen Lewis, who recently won an Emmy for her outstanding casting work on The Queen’s Gambit, answered, “Correct, there are no small parts. I have to say for myself, I enjoy casting many types of the smaller and smallest parts more than the leads. There’s always pressure actually about the leads. So I think that those smaller parts are what make the texture of whatever it is that we’re working on.” Tending to such casting details certainly has paid off for Lewis. Indeed, the hit coming-of-age miniseries received an Emmy, as did Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance in the show. Lewis asserts, “Anya [Taylor-Joy] definitely carries [The Queen’s Gambit] and you’re drawn to her. But everybody who surrounds her [is] compelling and interesting I think in their own way and make her story that much richer.”
Russell Scott, The Handmaid’s Tale
The Handmaid’s Tale casting director Russell Scott agrees with Lewis, insisting small roles are “just as important, and a lot of times they’re even more difficult to cast than the leads.”
Robert Sterne, The Crown
The Crown casting director Robert Sterne added, “I think that’s true. A couple of directors have said to me, ‘You know, it’s the casting of the smaller parts that makes something really good ultimately.’ If you really populate the world well then it makes a huge difference, absolutely.”
Not only was Sterne’s exceptional work on The Crown awarded an Emmy this year, but five of the actors he cast took home the trophy as well—namely, Olivia Coleman, Josh O’Connor, Gillian Anderson, Tobias Menzies, and Claire Foy.
Kelly Valentine Hendry, Bridgerton
Bridgerton casting director Kelly Valentine Hendry explained the importance of filling small parts with care. “It’s that population of the world. You’re backing up what you’re putting up there,” she said. “I always say when you’re creating a world, you’ve got to imagine the doors shutting at night, the lights going off, and all those little people in the villages or towns all exist. And two lines, three lines, two days — it’s all important.”
However, Robert Sterne acknowledged just how tricky it can be to take limited material and convert it into a compelling performance. He continued, “[Small parts] are really hard for the actors to do because [you don’t have] a good page to warm up on and a few good scenes to warm up in. But to come in and deliver something that is really real and true and adds to the texture of the thing and do it right, it’s quite a challenge, I think.”
Russell Scott said, “Yeah, and if you have someone who’s not up to that challenge, it can immediately take you out of the world, which is the last thing you want.”
Sarah Finn, WandaVision
WandaVision and The Mandalorian casting director Sarah Finn added, “I agree. For the actors to prepare, often not being able to read the whole script or having all the context of the line and yet to fill it out for themselves and bring something that feels like a full-lived experience when it’s a line or two is especially challenging and so important.”
Actors playing seemingly insignificant parts like a receptionist, waitress, doorman, taxi driver, bank teller, florist, or a coffee shop worker can remind themselves just how impactful their performance can be to a project. And making the most of these minor roles is also important because a noteworthy performance can lead to bigger and better parts—co-starring, guest-starring, recurring roles, and more. Each step of the way, performers get their names out there and keep building a body of work, increasing their chances of landing more choice roles.
Want to get your acting career started? Sign up or login to Casting Frontier and start auditioning today!
Related articles:
‘Squid Game’ Breaks the Record for Most Viewership
Ewan McGregor on Becoming Halston
Tips to Reignite Your Passion for Acting
