AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CASTING AGENTS

Are you having trouble breaking into the world of auditions? One of the often overlooked pieces of the puzzle in the audition world is the Casting Agent. Learn how to break the code!

The definition of a casting agent is: A person who finds jobs for actors, models, and other people in various entertainment businesses. A Casting Agent is not the same as an Agent. An Agent represents a single actor and helps to get them auditions for the projects that Casting Agents are casting. In larger cities, with major productions being mounted weekly, it is impossible for Producers and Directors to cast their many projects themselves. In this case, the process of selecting audition candidates for roles is given to a casting agency. The agency consists of a specialized staff in charge of all of the organizational work behind mounting large scale auditions. They are in charge of everything from booking studios for auditions to scheduling individual time slots for actors to audition in. Often well-known, well trusted casting agencies run the early stage auditions for any project, bringing the higher level creative team in after many cuts have already been made. This saves the production team hours and hours of time. Casting Agents are great people for actors to get to know. Often casting agents take submissions from agents for their projects, but also recommend and call in outside actors appropriate for projects they are casting.

• Get to know who the casting agent/agency is for any project that you think you would be appropriate for. Take a look online and in programs for who the casting agent is for any project.

• There are several “guides” printed yearly, including the Ross Reports, who list every casting agency in the city. They often list major projects, mailing addresses and contact names for each agency.

• Mail headshots and resumes to targeted casting agents every 6 months to a year. Try to send different shots each time you do a mailing. Include a brief note about the work you have done since your last mailing. Market yourself and keep it fresh.

• Most of the reputable acting schools and studios in any major city host workshops with casting directors. This is an excellent way to introduce yourself personally and professionally to any casting director. Be sure to fully research who the casting directors are involved with a particular class. Often, less reputable studios will call in low level casting assistants. A few well placed calls or searches online will let you know if your money will be well spent on any particular class.

• Another great way to get to know casting and casting agents in general is to work in their offices. Offer to intern as an audition reader, an office assistant or audition gofer. This is a way to get into the world of casting and understand it more fully.

• Visit the Casting Society of America website http://www.castingsociety.com for more in-depth understanding of casting for film, television and stage.

The bottom line about learning casting in any major city is that it is a pavement pounding job. The players change in the blink of an eye and word of mouth reputation will be important information. Talk to fellow actors about what they know of casting, workshops and showcases. Use your time and money wisely as you research the landscape of casting in your city. Make connections with casting agents and keep them up. Casting Agents can often be a performer’s best ally in the fight to obtain the “perfect” audition.