So you’ve made the decision to hold a casting call. Congratulations! You are about to enter the wonderful world of auditions, where actors will make you laugh, cry, or cringe.
But, before you dive into this exciting endeavor, let’s go over some dos and don’ts to ensure the success of your casting call.
The Do's and Don'ts of Holding a Successful Casting Call
The Do's of Holding a Successful Casting Call
DO be organized. You must first and foremost be organised. This includes having a clear plan for the day, an audition schedule for each actor, and snacks. Snacks, yes. Actors get hungry, and if you don’t feed them, they’ll start chewing on the furniture. And believe me, no one wants that.
Nothing says “unprofessional” like a sloppy casting call. Make a detailed schedule and a list of requirements for each role. And, for the love of all that is holy, please do not double-book actors. That’s a one-way ticket to hell for casting directors.
DO provide clear instructions. Next up, you should provide specific instructions. This includes ensuring that actors understand what they’re auditioning for, what they need to prepare for, and where they need to go.
You’ll end up with a room full of confused actors if you’re vague or unclear, and that’s a recipe for disaster. Furthermore, if an actor auditions for the wrong role because you weren’t clear, you might get some unintentionally hilarious performances.
Actors are not mind readers, so they must understand exactly what you’re looking for in each role. Do you want a dramatic actor, a comedic actor, or a combination of the two? Let them know and save them the trouble of guessing.
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DO make sure your space is comfortable. This includes providing chairs that do not cause back pain, air conditioning that does not freeze everyone, and restrooms that do not make you regret that second cup of coffee. A happy actor is a comfortable actor, and a happy actor is more likely to give a great performance.
When you’re sitting on a folding chair in a stuffy room with no water or snacks, it’s difficult to give your best performance. Be a good host and provide your actors with some creature comforts. You don’t want them to pass out from thirst or hunger.
DO be respectful of actors’ time. This includes sticking to your schedule, not keeping actors waiting for hours, and informing them of when they can expect to hear back from you. If you waste an actor’s time, they’ll remember it, and they’ll tell their actor friends, and you’ll quickly develop a reputation as a casting director who doesn’t respect people’s schedules. That is not a good look.
Actors are busy people who are coming to your casting call to help you. Make sure to start on time and don’t keep them waiting for hours. Unless, of course, you’re trying to weed out the weak by putting them through endurance tests.
DO give actors feedback. This includes telling actors what you liked, what you didn’t like, and what you’d like to see more of.
If you don’t provide feedback, actors will assume they didn’t get the part because they were bad, when it could have been as simple as not matching the look you were going for. Furthermore, if you provide excellent feedback, actors may begin auditioning for your projects solely for the feedback. It’s like receiving a free acting class!
Even if an actor isn’t the right fit for the part, it’s important to provide feedback on their performance. Who knows, maybe they’ll listen to your advice and return to blow your mind at their next audition. Or maybe they’ll tell all their actor friends to ignore your casting calls. You’ll have to take the risk.
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The Don’ts of Holding a Successful Casting Call
DON’T be unprepared. This includes remembering to print scripts, charging your phone, and remembering to wear pants. You do not want to be the casting director who forgot to wear pants to their own casting call, believe me. That is a story that will follow you throughout your career.
This should go without saying, but you’d be surprised how many casting directors arrive at auditions without scripts, headshots, or even a clue as to what they’re looking for. Don’t be like that. Preparation, preparation, preparation.
DON’T be disrespectful. This includes not talking on the phone during an audition, not interrupting an actor in the middle of a scene to take a call, and not farting loudly and blaming it on the dog (even if there is a dog in the room). Respect is reciprocal, and if you show your actors respect, they will reciprocate.
We understand that some actors are terrible. But that doesn’t give you the right to mock or belittle them. Remember that they are human beings with emotions. Unless you’re making a documentary about the worst casting call ever. Continue in that case.
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DON’T make promises you can’t keep. This includes not telling an actor they’re a shoo-in for the part when you know you’re not going to cast them, not promising an actor a role in exchange for a crate of kittens when you know you’re never going to call them back, and not promising an actor a role in exchange for a crate of kittens when you know you’re never going to call them back (unless you really want a crate of kittens, in which case, go for it).
If you promise an actor a callback, make sure you keep your word. Actors face enough rejection as it is; you don’t want to add to it by being a jerk. If you must break a promise, at least give them a Starbucks gift card or something.
DON’T forget to have fun! When an actor is performing a dramatic monologue, make funny faces behind the camera. To lighten the mood, tell cheesy jokes. In between auditions, you could even perform a song and dance. Remember that actors are people, and they want to work with casting directors who are enjoyable to be around. Plus, you never know when you’ll come across the next big triple threat (actor, singer, dancer), giving you an excuse to have spontaneous dance parties all the time!
Casting can be stressful at times, but it can also be a lot of fun. Accept the strangeness of the audition process and relish the chance to meet new and interesting people. If you find yourself becoming overly stressed, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are not performing brain surgery. Unless, of course, you are, in which case, why are you holding a casting call?
Don’t be a jerk. This includes not hitting on actors, staring at their bodies, or making inappropriate remarks. This should go without saying, but some casting directors have yet to figure it out. You don’t get to act like a sleazy Hollywood executive from the 1980s just because you’re in a position of power. It’s not a good look, and it won’t help you advance your career in the long run.
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FAQs
A. Absolutely not! You’re a professional casting director, not a couch potato. Put on some real pants and show some respect for the actors who are coming to audition for you.
A: Only if you want to get sued. Don’t be that casting director who puts actors in harm’s way just to get a cool shot for your reel. Keep it safe, people.
A: Sure, if you want to make enemies with all the other actors who auditioned. Remember, fairness and impartiality are key to holding a successful casting call. Don’t play favorites, or you’ll end up with a cast full of resentful actors.
A: Yes, but don’t lead them on. Be honest about your doubts, and give them a clear idea of what you’re looking for. And if you end up not casting them, make sure to let them know in a timely and respectful manner.
A: Sure, if you want to look like a distracted teenager. Keep your attention focused on the actors in front of you, and save the phone scrolling for later.
A: Yes, but make sure they’re not stale or expired. Nobody wants to eat a moldy granola bar while trying to deliver a killer monologue.
A: Only if you want to see some seriously awkward and uncomfortable moments. Remember, actors are not circus performers. Don’t ask them to do something that makes them uncomfortable or puts them in a vulnerable position.
A: Sure, if you want to make your actors feel uncomfortable and unsafe. Invest in a proper casting space, or at least a rented studio, to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone involved.
A: Absolutely, but do it in a respectful and helpful manner. Remember, actors are putting themselves out there, and they deserve feedback that is both constructive and kind.
A: No, unless you want to be accused of nepotism and lose all credibility as a casting director. Keep your personal relationships separate from your professional ones, and cast based on talent, not family ties.
Conclusion
Let’s start with the “dos” of holding a successful casting call. Essentially, you want to be organized, give clear instructions, ensure that the space is comfortable, respect the actors’ time, and provide feedback. It’s all fairly simple, but it’s surprisingly easy to get wrong if you’re not paying attention.
Now for the “don’ts.” These are the things you should avoid if you want to hold a successful casting call. Don’t be unprepared, disrespectful, or make promises you can’t keep, and remember to have fun! These may appear to be common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people get them wrong.
And finally, the conclusion. Simply be a decent human being if you want to hold a successful casting call. Remember to treat your actors well, to be prepared, and to have fun. If you can pull that off, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a casting director superstar.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a casting call for my new mockumentary about a group of actors who think they’re auditioning for different roles but are actually auditioning for the same one. Trust me, it’s going to be hilarious.
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About the author: Trent (IMDB | Youtube) has spent 10+ years working on an assortment of film and television projects. He writes about his experiences to help (and amuse) others. If he’s not working, he’s either traveling, reading or writing about travel/film, or planning travel/film projects.
