My Cart
You have nothing in your cart.
Common Questions
Some common questions answered about the "business" of being an actor, and about our website!
Q) What questions should/ should not asked of a casting person?
A) The casting directors are here to answer any questions you have about the business and how their office works. It is really uncomfortable when actors ask them personal questions (either about the casting director or about the actor himself). JThink of it like a job interview. If it doesn't apply to the whole class, i.e., do you think I need new headshots- ask that when you are in the room one on one with them after you do your scene. Always be concise with your questions/conversations. Be respectful of the class’s time and the CD’s time. Don’t talk just to talk.
- You should always have done your research on whatever CD and/or show you are about to meet whether it is a workshop or an audition. You should be prepared and know who you are meeting. Look them up on IMDB and check Actors Access, CastingAbout or nowcasting for things they have worked on and are currently casting
- A workshop is your chance to get specific. To get to know a particular CD and their office. Have fun and be your charming self.
Q) Should I send blind submissions (that is, send a general letter and headshot just to get it in front of the casting director?)
A) Tricky question. While you always want to get your stuff out there, unless you know the casting person (met them in a workshop, etc.), chances are the headshot and resume will end up in the trash. During pilot season, unless there is a SPECIFIC role on a SPECIFIC project, you're wasting your money and the casting director's time. Send the headshot during down time, or to update a picture or resume that you had previously given a casting person, The best way to stay in touch is to send a postcard when you have something to report. See below.
Q) Postcards? How often and to whom?
A) Have something to say- just went to producers on Criminal Minds, or just booked a film. Be sure to send out postcards about a week before your episode airs so it has time to get there, and so the casting person has time to set their Tivo or VCR. Don't just send one saying "keep me in mind for your upcoming projects". Thank-you notes are good when you've been called in for an audition. Also a good idea to send postcards every 6 weeks to CD’s you’ve met before or those that cast shows you think you’d be right for. NOT SHOWS YOU LIKE, BUT SHOWS ON WHICH YOU’D BE CAST---THERE IS A DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And please, don’t send too many- you'll end up on their "crazy" list of people who want to apparently wall paper a casting directors wall in their pictures. Use your better judgement.
*Samuel French also has Casting Director books useful for mass mailings.
Q) I'm looking for an agent- how do I get one?
A) There are agent and manager books available at Samuel French that list who is looking for what and what they accept. Industry referrals are fantastic- producers, directors, and casting director referrals especially. Make sure that the person knows you well if you are going to approach them about this. If you met them once at an audition or a one day workshop, they probably would not be very comfortable recommending you. However, if they cast you in something, or if you took a three-week class with them and they loved your work, then it's okay to ask for their help; especially if they offer. The other way? Go to agent nights, prepare an amazing scene, and make them an offer they can't refuse- YOU!
Q) What does it mean when an actor is green?
A) "Green" means that he or she is inexperienced.
Q) Who are you reading for if you are pre-reading?
A) Pre-reads are always with the casting director. Directors, writers, producers are only at the Producer sessions and beyond (if that. Some office cast off tape).
Q) What percent does an agent take from an actor's paycheck?
A)10%
Q) What percent does a manager take from an actor's paycheck?
A)15% or more as there is no legal parameters restricting managers!
Q) What's on an actor's demo reel?
A) An actors demo reel is just like a commercial break. Preferred length is one minute BUT NO MORE THAN three minutes in length. It’s a montage of television, film, and commercial clips designed to sell a specific product: the actor. Keep it short and sweet, and Keep the footage professional.
Q) How do I cancel a workshop?
A) To cancel a workshop: sign in on the the main page, then click on MY ACCOUNT, and MY WORKSHOPS.
You are registered for this event.
You may cancel this event and receive credit.
Q) What questions should not/ should be asked of a casting person?
A) The casting directors are here to answer any questions you have about the business and how their office works. It is really uncomfortable when actors ask them personal questions (either about the casting director or about the actor himself). JThink of it like a job interview. If it doesn't apply to the whole class, i.e., do you think I need new headshots- ask that when you are in the room one on one with them after you do your scene. Always be concise with your questions/conversations. Be respectful of the class’s time and the CD’s time. Don’t talk just to talk.
• You should always have done your research on whatever CD and/or show you are about to meet whether it is a workshop or an audition. You should be prepared and know who you are meeting. Look them up on IMDB and check Actors access or nowcasting for things they have worked on and are currently casting
• A workshop is your chance to get specific. To get to know a particular CD and their office. Have fun and be your charming self.
Q) Should I send blind submissions (that is, send a general letter and headshot just to get it in front of the casting director?)
A) Tricky question. While you always want to get your stuff out there, unless you know the casting person (met them in a workshop, etc.), chances are the headshot and resume will end up in the trash. During pilot season, unless there is a SPECIFIC role on a SPECIFIC project, you're wasting your money and the casting director's time. Send the headshot during down time, or to update a picture or resume that you had previously given a casting person, The best way to stay in touch is to send a postcard when you have something to report. See below.
Q) Postcards? How often and to whom?
A) Have something to say- just went to producers on Criminal Minds, or just booked a film. Be sure to send out postcards about a week before your episode airs so it has time to get there, and so the casting person has time to set their Tivo or VCR. Don't just send one saying "keep me in mind for your upcoming projects". Thank-you notes are good when you've been called in for an audition. Also a good idea to send postcards every 6 weeks to CD’s you’ve met before or those that cast shows you think you’d be right for. NOT SHOWS YOU LIKE, BUT SHOWS ON WHICH YOU’D BE CAST---THERE IS A DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And please, don’t send too many- you'll end up on their "crazy" list of people who want to apparently wall paper a casting directors wall in their pictures. Use your better judgement.
*Samuel French also has Casting Director books useful for mass mailings.
Q) What questions should not/ should be asked of a casting person?
A) The casting directors are here to answer any questions you have about the business and how their office works. It is really uncomfortable when actors ask them personal questions (either about the casting director or about the actor himself). JThink of it like a job interview. If it doesn't apply to the whole class, i.e., do you think I need new headshots- ask that when you are in the room one on one with them after you do your scene. Always be concise with your questions/conversations. Be respectful of the class’s time and the CD’s time. Don’t talk just to talk.
• You should always have done your research on whatever CD and/or show you are about to meet whether it is a workshop or an audition. You should be prepared and know who you are meeting. Look them up on IMDB and check Actors access or nowcasting for things they have worked on and are currently casting
• A workshop is your chance to get specific. To get to know a particular CD and their office. Have fun and be your charming self.
Q) Should I send blind submissions (that is, send a general letter and headshot just to get it in front of the casting director?)
A) Tricky question. While you always want to get your stuff out there, unless you know the casting person (met them in a workshop, etc.), chances are the headshot and resume will end up in the trash. During pilot season, unless there is a SPECIFIC role on a SPECIFIC project, you're wasting your money and the casting director's time. Send the headshot during down time, or to update a picture or resume that you had previously given a casting person, The best way to stay in touch is to send a postcard when you have something to report. See below.
Q) Postcards? How often and to whom?
A) Have something to say- just went to producers on Criminal Minds, or just booked a film. Be sure to send out postcards about a week before your episode airs so it has time to get there, and so the casting person has time to set their Tivo or VCR. Don't just send one saying "keep me in mind for your upcoming projects". Thank-you notes are good when you've been called in for an audition. Also a good idea to send postcards every 6 weeks to CD’s you’ve met before or those that cast shows you think you’d be right for. NOT SHOWS YOU LIKE, BUT SHOWS ON WHICH YOU’D BE CAST---THERE IS A DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And please, don’t send too many- you'll end up on their "crazy" list of people who want to apparently wall paper a casting directors wall in their pictures. Use your better judgement.
*Samuel French also has Casting Director books useful for mass mailings.
Q) What questions should not/ should be asked of a casting person?
A) The casting directors are here to answer any questions you have about the business and how their office works. It is really uncomfortable when actors ask them personal questions (either about the casting director or about the actor himself). JThink of it like a job interview. If it doesn't apply to the whole class, i.e., do you think I need new headshots- ask that when you are in the room one on one with them after you do your scene. Always be concise with your questions/conversations. Be respectful of the class’s time and the CD’s time. Don’t talk just to talk.
• You should always have done your research on whatever CD and/or show you are about to meet whether it is a workshop or an audition. You should be prepared and know who you are meeting. Look them up on IMDB and check Actors access or nowcasting for things they have worked on and are currently casting
• A workshop is your chance to get specific. To get to know a particular CD and their office. Have fun and be your charming self.
Q) Should I send blind submissions (that is, send a general letter and headshot just to get it in front of the casting director?)
A) Tricky question. While you always want to get your stuff out there, unless you know the casting person (met them in a workshop, etc.), chances are the headshot and resume will end up in the trash. During pilot season, unless there is a SPECIFIC role on a SPECIFIC project, you're wasting your money and the casting director's time. Send the headshot during down time, or to update a picture or resume that you had previously given a casting person, The best way to stay in touch is to send a postcard when you have something to report. See below.
Q) Postcards? How often and to whom?
A) Have something to say- just went to producers on Criminal Minds, or just booked a film. Be sure to send out postcards about a week before your episode airs so it has time to get there, and so the casting person has time to set their Tivo or VCR. Don't just send one saying "keep me in mind for your upcoming projects". Thank-you notes are good when you've been called in for an audition. Also a good idea to send postcards every 6 weeks to CD’s you’ve met before or those that cast shows you think you’d be right for. NOT SHOWS YOU LIKE, BUT SHOWS ON WHICH YOU’D BE CAST---THERE IS A DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And please, don’t send too many- you'll end up on their "crazy" list of people who want to apparently wall paper a casting directors wall in their pictures. Use your better judgement.
*Samuel French also has Casting Director books useful for mass mailings.
