BRITT’S 5 TRICKS TO GETTING THE MOST OUT OF A CASTING DIRECTOR WORKSHOP
1. Get Inspired
Realize that it is a time for you to take ownership of your craft, and that you get that chance to be in front of a CD (that you are always hoping a rep would get you). Tune out the white noise of the other actors, just as you would at an audition. Focus. Show ’em what you got. Find the excitement in a chance to be in your craft and show your skills.
2. Withdraw
Don’t give into the tension in the room between the other actors who are fighting for the CD’s attention. When/if you see other actors “showboating” and asking innocuous questions just to get the CD’s attention, don’t participate. Be the professional who shows up, does their work, and has confidence that it will be enough.
3. Find YOUR Scene
Find a scene that resonates with you! When you watch a TV show or a movie and think, “I want to do that kind of work!”, then do it!! Transcribe the scene, bring it in. As long as it is not obnoxiously recognizable, out of your castability, something that the CD cast (big nono), or an intensely climatic moment that will not play well taken out of context, then you should do it. Nothing looks better on you than a story you are passionate about telling. And yes, please find something in the genre of the show that the CD is currently casting. Do your homework.
4. Go Often
At Actor Salon, we suggest starting off with a bang. A multi week workshop gives you a chance to make a stronger impression, right off the bat. If you haven’t been called in around two months later, try to do a one night to remind them of you. After that, move on to your next targeted show. Focused energy shows the greatest return.
5. Maintain the Relationship
Postcards and Twitter are best. I know their are multiple opinions on postcards, but when you get a flyer from Bed Bath and Beyond in the mail every month, you aren’t mad about it, right? You may throw it away if you don’t need it, but when you do need something from that world, they are in your mind, you use the coupon, and they get your business. But on that note, please be reaching out only with positive wins from your career! No messages just to say hello. Share new information that helps brand you as an auditioning, working actor. And lastly, if they give you an email in their workshop, use it sparingly as a direct line to reach out about role you know you are right for, or an invitation to see your work (web series, short film, play, etc.) Don’t over saturate the tool.
