Casting directing... how does one do that?

[my fairly obsessed lady]

Hello! My life circumstances have changed and I’m using this as the push I needed to try doing something I’ve been thinking about for a few months now: becoming a casting director. 

The problem is, I have absolutely no idea how to do that!

I've checked the Casting Directors' Guild website and I’ve done a bit of reading online about the skills necessary for the job and I think I tick most of the boxes, but I need a way in. It might be as easy as applying for any casting related jobs, but I thought I would ask here too since some of you are pretty knowledgeable about the industry, and I’m completely lost. I would be extremely grateful for any help, any advice, or any names I could direct my questions to

Thanks in advance!

[sph]

I would say some general industry experience would be preferential. You don't say what industry you are in now or have been in before.

As for breaking into it, do you know anyone in the business at all you could talk to? Have you looked at working as a runner for auditions? That would be a way to get into a "room" with casting directors and ask lots of questions. Are any casting offices offering internships?

[my fairly obsessed lady]

Oct 8, 2024 14:33:08 GMT sph said:

I would say some general industry experience would be preferential. You don't say what industry you are in now or have been in before.

As for breaking into it, do you know anyone in the business at all you could talk to? Have you looked at working as a runner for auditions? That would be a way to get into a "room" with casting directors and ask lots of questions. Are any casting offices offering internships?

I have zero professional industry experience, just a lot of knowledge. And I currently work as a translator which is completely unrelated so that's why I didn't even think of mentioning it 😅 

I know a couple of people who know someone in the industry, I've asked for help too but it's a long shot. And I didn't know that runners were a thing, so I will look into it!

I'm looking at junior positions at the moment, but I haven't applied yet. I haven't looked for a job in almost 6 years so everything it's a bit daunting and I still need to do more research.

[sph]

I mean, by all means apply for those jobs, but even at a junior level they're going to be competitive. You need to find a way to gradually break in and get to know people, ask questions etc.

Being a runner is a good way. A runner basically acts as a go-between in the audition venue. They'll usually be in the waiting room checking in the actors and calling them to the audition room when the casting panel is ready, as well as possibly other little odd jobs like ordering coffee/lunch etc. It's a good way to meet the actors and casting teams. Maybe email a few seeing if they need anyone and ask them to keep you in mind. It's worth following them on instagram as well as sometimes they'll put a call out on their story asking for a last minute runner for the next day.

You can also look online for workshops and seminars given by casting directors about how they got into the business and what they do on a daily basis.

You're essentially going to be on the bottom rung of the ladder here, so you need to really get yourself out there and learn as much as you can.

[gkirrin]

You need to be prepared to start at the bottom, and go via vacancy's advertised at the guild and writing to some casting offices to ask them if they need any runners- the larger offices tend to do that, not the smaller. Theres also a casting course run by the NFTS. Asos- loads of people think they can cast - the reality is that you spend years doing admin, so that " knowledge" you have wouldnt be put into place for a while.

[my fairly obsessed lady]

Thanks so much for the advice! I'm prepared to start at the bottom, I didn't expect to be casting anything myself any time soon.

I did spot a vacancy for a junior role that I intend to apply for, but it's for TV and film. I'm slightly worried that it will be hard to switch to theatre/musicals in the future, but I have to start somewhere. Any experience will be good in the long run I assume!

[anthony40]

I have an Academy-nominated Uncle who has worked in the motion picture industry as a sound recordist for many years.

In all of those years, I have only spent one day 'on set# with him.

Amongst other things, one of the things I remember from that day was that he had a young girl (mid to late teens) working with him on work experience. Maybe that's a way in?

[ChristineH]

I had this info via the Official London Theatre weekly newsletter. If you are in the target age range it may be of use/interest.

Want a career in theatre?
11 November | Royal Opera House & other venues
When you go to see live theatre, the actors performing on stage are just the tip of the iceberg - there are so many offstage roles that are vital to making sure the show goes on.

If you've ever wanted to be part of making theatre, but want to stay out of the spotlight, then TheatreCraft is for you. TheatreCraft is the ultimate hub for discovering and pursuing offstage roles in theatre. Join TheatreCraft24 on 11 November where you'll have the chance to meet employers and professionals, take part in Q&As and workshops and go behind the scenes.

Whether you're a budding theatre enthusiast or an experienced professional looking to network and expand your skills, this event is for you.

www.theatrecraft.org/

[ChristineH]

I also had this recently from ATG:

www.atgtickets.com/shows/work-in-theatre/west-end-creative-learning/