Wow, what an enlightening experience! I learned more in a few days of helping out than I would have taking a class in casting. I have a newfound respect for each person working on the project. I gave my time freely for several days (minimum 10 hours a day) to a casting director at Westside Casting over a two-month period. It was so helpful. I learned the right and wrong way to treat the person at the door [who is] signing people in at the casting (I mean they really do talk to the agent later and say this person was such and such at the door). I learned that submitting yourself on everything you “think” you are right for is not the same as submitting yourself on what you really “fit.” I also learned how much frustration comes to the casting director (or her assistant) when she goes through all the submissions and sees so many wrong faces (What a waste of everyone’s time)! And they remember those who always submit on everything.

The most valuable experience that made all the free hours worth it was when I was allowed to stay in a session with a director, producer, ad agency rep, and client and watch firsthand how they narrowed the field, the topics they talked about (looks, range, depth, ability, easiness to work with). And believe me when I say range matters but easiness to work with in the end was the most important thing. I learned how it isn’t always what they think they are looking for that gets the actor the job, but what the actor brings to the room that is different than all the rest within the criteria of what they are looking for.

I heard things from the other casting directors and assistants [on how important it is] to think [about] who you are, not who you think they want you to be. And the number one thing I learned is that casting directors are real people who have lives outside of casting and that they are a step in the process that ends with the client. If you get a callback, make the most of who you are and work that to your advantage. The casting director wants it to be you [who gets the job because] they want their work on this project to be done so they can move on. So, walk in and know that it stops with you. You are the one. A winning attitude can make a tremendous amount of difference.

I have increased my callbacks and bookings since working for the casting director. I highly recommend it to everyone who wants to learn how to move to the next level by gathering inside information. Once the scariness of what happens in the casting process is torn down, actors can be more relaxed and be themselves — not to mention the relationships you can make with all the people in the place you are working! I mean you never know when you may be right for a role with them or one of the others in the building. Having them remember that you worked there and met them perhaps last month could help your chances when it comes down to the final two. I know for me, it helped increase the likelihood of being called in for roles I never considered myself for and also stopped me from submitting on roles I knew they would never see me in.

Of course this is my point of view and it worked for me. I hope it works for everyone who is serious about moving up a level… or two.