Casting About

First a word of warning: While the actors among you might find the subject matter of this entry interesting, those of you who are non actors may find it about as much fun as watching paint dry. With that disclaimer out of the way, I'll proceed

In the LA Casting Director's Guide, which is published every two months, there are literally hundreds of casting directors listed. Besides all the pertinent contact information, the guide lists most casting director's likes and dislikes (more about that later), as well as what project(s) they are currently working on, and what projects they have worked on. In essence, it's a capsule of what each casting director is all about.

I have had several discussions with my acting coach, as to what is an actor's objective when you audition for one of these casting directors. At first look, it might seem like there is only one reason to audition, and that is to be cast in the role for which you are auditioning. Well, yes and no. Actually, there are two objectives.

To be sure, you want to be cast in the role, and through your talent, preparation, and professional conduct you do everything in your power to be into the character, give a good audition, and to make that happen. Of course, there are often conditions concerning an audition which are not within your power to influence. I am reminded of the experience of one of my past acting coaches. A very talented actor, she went into an audition and did exceedingly well. She was not cast, and then one day when talking with a friend who had been at the audition as an assistant to the casting director, she found out why. Yes, the friend said, she clearly had the best audition for the role, but she reminded the director (who was acting as the casting director for the film) so much of his ex wife that he couldn't stand to be in the same room with her. Actually, she was doomed the moment she walked through the door. Actors have no control over things like that and should only concentrate over what the can control.

If giving a good enough audition to be cast in the role is one objective, what is the other? Quite simply, it to earn the right to be considered by that casting director in the future when roles which fit your type arise. You may not be cast in the role for which you auditioned for a number of reasons. However, if you do a good job at the audition, and if you are confident and professional at all times (remember, an audition starts from the moment you walk through the door of the casting director's studio, and not when you say your first line) the casting director will have a favorable impression of you and will be willing to see you for other roles in the future.

As I said, in the Casting Director's Guide are listed the likes and dislikes for many (but not all) of the casting directors listed. They vary some, but there are several fairly universal dislikes, and one trait they all seem to like.

As for the dislikes, one is actors coming before them who have had the sides long enough to be prepared for the audition, but are not. They have not sufficiently studied the scene, or broken it down. They shoot from the hip, and hope that will be good enough. They have not done their homework. This is not a way to win a role, or to be asked back for future projects. A second dislike is being touched. Remember, casting directors may see fifty people a day and being pawed by fifty people is not something that any of us would want. At an audition for a film in which I was later cast, the director offered his hand at the end of the audition, and I shook hands with him. If a director or casting director makes a gesture like that, of course follow through with it, but don't touch them uninvited. A third dislike is obvious. Casting directors dislike actors who are not on time. There is an old adage for actors which goes like this: If you are early, you're on time....If you are on time, you're late....if you are late, you're fired. Good advice.

Again, while there were other things that casting directors like, this one was mentioned more often than any other. Casting directors like actors who are confident. This doesn't mean smug or over the top, just actors who exhibit a calm, confident manner. If you think about it, we all feel more comfortable with confident people than with those who are not.

One final thought about casting directors. Some actors seem to feel that a casting director is the enemy, when in truth, just the opposite is true. Their job is not an easy one and they are quite pleased when an actor comes before them and does the audition in a way that knocks their socks off. They want you to succeed, not fail. Many will offer some direction, and cast in the role or not, an actor should regard each audition as a learning tool. Our moms used to tell us to "Do our best, and have fun." Mom was right, as that's excellent advice for an actor in an audition.

See you soon...........