Pesky Q & A

Posted on 09. Apr, 2010 by sethcaskey in Posts

Holy crap it’s been a long time since I’ve updated this blog. Lots of great things have been happening in the past couple of months, which unfortunately has redirected much of my time. (read: excuse) That aside, I would like to continue my thoughts on getting the most out of casting director workshops.

Let’s get started.

Regardless of the format that you choose, each CD workshop you attend will have some sort of question and answer time. This is where actors can ask questions, learn about current projects and any specifics about the CDs particular office.

At first glance, this would appear to be a fairly straightforward time of the eventing. Oh, but it’s not….If there’s one thing that I hear from CDs all the time is that they can smell desperation a mile away. Actors who come into an audition or a meeting needing or wanting approval is an immediate turn-off.

So here’s the thing. (And I’m going to be brutally honest here.)

• Don’t use this time to suck up.
• Don’t try and impress the CD.
• Don’t be a desperate actor.

Seriously folks. I cringe out of embarrassment when I hear some of the questions people ask.

My #1 recommendation to for getting the most out of a casting director workshop is: Beeeeee yourself!

Yes, there is some important information that you should walk out knowing (and for that I have put together a little form if you care to use it). But remember, CDs are there to get to know you as a person.

Fact:

1. A casting director is never going to hire you on the spot. Ever.
2. It is HIGHLY* unlikely that you are going to be offered an audition on the spot.
3. There is no job on the line. It’s not a interview. It’s simply an opportunity for a person (casting director) to meet and connect with another person (new actor). Period.
4. Take all of the pressure off of yourself of getting this person to like you and trying to impress them – and just have fun!

I know that sounds too simple to be true, but I promise you – less is more.

1. Be a nice, fun PERSON.
2. Do good work.
3. Ask intelligent and appropriate questions.
4. Trust that you are enough.

If this sounds harsh, I apologize. After having done literally hundreds of casting director workshops, it pains me to know a wonderfully talented actor who tries too hard to make a good impression and ends up achieving the opposite.

That’s it?

So that you know that I’m not just venting, but am attempting to provide something useful with this post – I have put together a little download for you. This is a mash-up of something a friend gave me a while back along with some great questions that you should ask a CD. Enjoy.

• Sample CD Workshop Q & A

Tags: 2010, acting, audition, casting, casting assistant, casting associate, realityofdoing, sethcaskey, workshops