8 TIPS to IMPROVE your Castability!

We spoke last about acting as either a hobby or your vocation. Regardless of what it means for you, if you want to book work, a casting director likely will call you in to audition.

1. YOU ARE A SOLUTION — Casting only has time to see about .001% of the actors who are possibly right for any role. If you’re in a competitive market like NY, LA, or London, it’s a huge win whenever you get an audition. Make the most of it!

2. THEY ARE THE H.R. DEPT. — A casting director, despite being an independent contractor most of the time, is governed by the same Labor codes as any Human Resources director. They are conducting job interviews (auditions) in the eyes of the governing labor entities. Be professional!

3. CASTING OFFICES ARE TYPICALLY OVERWHELMED — When I first started, the typical casting director overwhelm was TIME — sorting through hundreds of black and white photos. Today, casting is now wading through thousands of thumbnail images.

4. CASTING DIRECTORS HAVE INSIDE INFORMATION — Actors tend to focus on not getting the job and how they’ve “been rejected.” Honestly, this couldn’t be further from the truth most of the time. For example, on Monday, production might be looking for a 30-something Caucasian male and by the end of the week, the role changes to an elderly Asian woman.

5. NEVER FORGET – IT ONLY TAKES ONE — It only takes one casting director who truly adores you, your talent, and everything about you to potentially change your career. JUST ONE.

6. AVOID “US VS. THEM” MENTALITY — No matter what happens, no matter how many times you audition and don’t get hired, DO NOT MAKE the casting community your enemy. Be their solution, not their problem!

7. CASTING DIRECTORS ARE HUMANS — NOT GODS! — Actors put casting directors on a pedestal and it colors both their interaction and their audition. The only real performance you will ever need is when you hear… “Action.”

8. RESPECTFULLY…CASTING’S POWER IS LIMITED — Film directors, TV Showrunners, Producers know that it is their neck on the line when it comes to who is cast.

CONCLUSION: There are hundreds of eligible actors perfect for every role, so if you’ve been called in for an audition – you’ve already won! Casting directors want you to be brilliant!