What to do and what not to do when casting your star

Do’s and Don’ts for a Successful Casting Call

It would be best if you had a plan for the day and an audition schedule for every actor. Snacks, yes. If you don’t give them food, actors will start to chew on furniture. No one wants to see that.

Sloppy casting calls will make you look unprofessional. Create a detailed schedule and list the requirements for each part. Please, for the sake of all that’s holy, do not double-book actors. Casting directors are on a one-way trip to hell if they double book actors.

Do not be afraid to give specific double books. You should make sure that the actors know what they are auditioning for and what they have to do to prepare.

If you are vague or unclear, it will lead to a room of confused actors. This is a recipe for disaster. You might also get some hilarious unintentional performances if you don’t clarify, and an actor auditions for the wrong role.

The actors are not mind-readers, and they need to know exactly what you want in each role. Are you looking for a dramatic actor or a comic actor? Or a combination? Save them the hassle of guessing and let them know.

Make sure that your space is comfortable. That means providing chairs that don’t cause back pain, air conditioners that aren’t freezing, and bathrooms that won’t make you regret the second cup of espresso. A comfortable actor will give a better performance.

It’s hard to perform well when you’re seated on a fold-up chair in an overcrowded room without water or snacks. Don’t forget to provide some creature comforts for your actors. You don’t wish for them to faint from hunger or thirst.

Respect actors’ time by sticking to your schedule and not making them wait for long periods. Also, let them know when they can expect a response from you. You will quickly get a bad reputation as a casting manager if you waste actors’ time. They’ll tell all their friends and spread the word. This is not good.

They are there to assist you. Start on time, and don’t make them wait for hours. You don’t want to put the weak through endurance tests unless you are trying to eliminate them.

Do give feedback to actors. Tell them what you like, dislike, and would like to see.

You may not provide feedback to actors, and they will think they did not get the role because they are bad. However, it could be as simple as they do match the look that you wanted. If you give excellent feedback, some actors will audition for your projects to get the feedback. You’re getting a free acting lesson!

It’s important to give feedback about an actor’s performance, even if they’re not the best fit for the role. Maybe they will listen to your advice and come back to impress you at their next audition. Perhaps they will tell their friends not to bother with your casting call. You will have to accept the risk.

The Don’ts for a Successful Casting Call

Don’t be unprepared. Remember to bring your pants, charge your phone, and print the scripts. You don’t want to be that casting director who forgets to wear pants at their audition. This is a story you will carry with you for the rest of your career.

It’s surprising how many casting directors show up at auditions with no scripts, without headshots, or without any idea of what they are looking for. Do not be like this. Preparation, preparation, preparation.

Do not be disrespectful. For example, do not talk on the phone while an audition is taking place, don’t interrupt an actor during a scene for a call, and don’t fart loudly, blaming the dog. If you treat your actors with respect, they’ll reciprocate.

We know that some actors are awful. You don’t have the right to ridicule or denigrate them. They are still human beings with feelings. You don’t want to make a documentary on the worst casting ever. In that case, continue.

Don’t make promises that you cannot keep. For example, don’t tell an actor they are a sure thing for the role when you already know you won’t cast them. Or, don’t promise an actor a part in exchange for a kitten crate when you already know you will never call them again.

Keep your word if you promise a callback to an actor. You don’t want actors to be rejected by you for being rude. You can always give them something like a Starbucks card if you have to break your promise.

Don’t forget to laugh when an actor performs a dramatic monologue. Tell cheesy stories to lighten up the atmosphere. You could perform a song or dance between auditions. Remember that actors want to work with a casting director who they enjoy being around. You never know when the next triple threat will appear (actors, singers, and dancers), so you can have dance parties whenever you want!

Casting can sometimes be stressful, but it can also be fun. Accept the oddity of the audition and enjoy the opportunity to meet interesting and new people. Take a deep breath, and remember that you’re not performing brain surgery. If you’re not, then why are you holding this casting call?

Do not be rude to actors. It should be obvious, but many casting directors still haven’t figured it out. It’s not okay to behave like an 80s Hollywood executive just because you are in a powerful position. This is not a good idea and will not help you to advance your career.