8 simple rules for every actor

Amazing & talented actor reads that a film or commercial is actively casting and he/she exclaims: “I AM PERFECT FOR THAT! I MUST BE SEEN!” Well,

Here are 8 simple rules actors must know:

1. Do not call the casting office. I repeat, do NOT call the project’s casting office.

2. Research. Look at the casting office’s website and read every single word. There is a lot of great information. A ton, in fact. Take the time to take it in.

3. Do not call or text the cell phones of the casting office’s staff. This is absolutely rude and a misuse of confidential phone numbers.

4. Learn the basics of the biz. View videos like the ones on our arvold YouTube page, listen to podcasts, notably Bonnie Gillespie’s, and for parents of child actors, visit nonprofit and informational websites like BizParents  and read everything. These are all fabulous ways to learn accurate information.

5. Do not use social media to contact a casting director. Do not post links to your headshot and do not private message the CD or anyone working in the casting office. This is a sure way to be viewed as an actor who has no boundaries. And that will not help you.

6. Read carefully the submission directions and respond exactly as asked. This is your first interaction with the casting office. Make a great impression by being a pro.

7. Do not try to “get around the noise” by emailing another email address for the casting company other than the project’s specified email address (usually noted in the submission instructions). You are wasting the time of all others in the company that have to reply and direct you to the proper email address. If you don’t know what this means, re-read #6 above.

8. Know you ARE being considered. There are a zillion reasons you may not be called in for the project. And sometimes, when it is right, you ARE called in.