The challenge of a table read is understanding what level of preparation might be expected from you.

Arianna Wellmoney is an Italian actor, playwright and producer based in New York City. A graduate of Campo Teatrale in Milan and The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she co-wrote the original play Extraordinary Aliens, which premiered in Manhattan before being selected for the Hollywood Fringe Festival in Los Angeles.

In this interview, Arianna discusses how to prepare for a table read, why they are important to the production process, and how they can help you develop as an actor.

Key Insights

• A table read is a collaborative first step where actors, writers, and directors discover what works in the script before rehearsals begin.
• Hearing a script aloud reveals pacing issues, character insights, and story problems that are often missed on the page.
• Actors don’t need to memorize lines for a table read, but they should arrive prepared, engaged, and ready to contribute.

Get access to thousands
of high-quality roles.

JOIN FREE TODAY

What Actually Happens at a Table Read

A table read is the first day of production, usually taking place in a room with assigned seating. You’ll be seated around a table, with a script in front of you, which you’ll read out loud from beginning to end. The format for a theater production is exploratory, marking the start of the process. For film and TV it’s more rapid, and executive focus is used to refine the script. 

In Arianna’s 2024 production of the original play He’s Different, the table read was the first time she heard the script come to life through the actors’ voices. Everyone came in prepared, eager to play, and as both the playwright and an actor, she got to hear what was working and what wasn’t. 

“Some jokes landed even better than I had imagined, thanks to the incredibly talented cast and our director, while other moments felt a little awkward and clearly needed more work.”

Typically for established works, table reads will welcome discussion, where actors can talk about what they think is going on and what discoveries they’ve made from hearing the work out loud. With developing new work, she entered into a much more collaborative process. 

Some feedback and ideas were welcomed by her and the director, with some making it into the final script. “It’s a great opportunity to hear how a script breathes, what it wants to become and where the words stop living on the page and start becoming a shared story.”

Why Productions Hold Table Reads

“A table read gives everyone a shared starting point before rehearsals begin. It allows everyone in production to hear the script as an audience would for the first time, and to begin building the world of the play together.” 

As the writer, Arianna is often identifying what works and what still needs attention. She discovers where the comedic moments landed, where pacing needed improvement, or where the relationships between characters needed more clarity. Identifying script problems during the He’s Different table read allowed for rewrites, particularly when actor James Nash spotted a continuity issue. 

“That is one of the biggest advantages of a table read: a room full of talented people examining the story from different perspectives and catching things the writer may have missed.” Hearing the script also taught her patterns about her own writing that she couldn’t have discovered by reading it silently on the page.

What’s Expected of You as an Actor

Memorization isn’t required at the table read, but a level of engagement and enthusiasm is. It’s important to read the script at least once before the table read so you can gauge the level of performance needed and so you aren’t surprised by the events unfolding in the story.

Active listening, and an honest read is preferred over showcasing. You should try to look at who you are talking to, to get a feeling for the connection between characters. At this stage you are just building, so a fully formed character or idea isn’t what a writer or director is expecting. “The biggest thing I look for is curiosity. I do not expect actors to have all the answers on day one.” 

Arianna continues with the expectation for actors to engage with the material, ask questions, and bring their own instincts to the character. “Some of the best moments in my productions have come from actors noticing something in the script that I hadn’t considered. A table read should feel collaborative, rather than performative.” 

The Different Kinds of Table Reads You’ll Encounter

There are distinct contexts for when and where you’ll encounter a table read. A theater production will mark the start of a long rehearsal process with one, because the script is typically explored in stages across a number of dedicated weeks. 

Independent films (and student films) might also hold a table read at the start of pre-production. For projects with a lower budget, there might be more rigidity in this context to enable a smoother and well-organized shoot, with concern for reducing costs. 

A table read for a film or TV production will take place with the entire cast and crew, along with the network executives. The stakes tend to be higher on studio productions at this early stage because there is capital at risk. Before principal photography begins, studios are more inclined to make big changes if something isn’t working in order to reduce these risks.

How to Find and Get Invited to Table Reads

Casting platforms will list staged readings or workshops mainly from theater companies, film schools or writers groups. Building relationships with writers who need actors is a great starting point in getting invited to table reads. 

Arianna has found that being active in the theater community and building genuine relationships has led to a number of lucrative opportunities. “These projects may not always be the most profitable, but it is often where some of the most valuable learning happens.” 

Table reads are essential to help you develop your skills, and as a playwright, Arianna likes to work with actors that are curious and eager to collaborate. She also tells me that they’ve made her a better actor and a better listener through focus on the text.

The necessity to develop skills goes in both directions, for actors and writers. Reach out by submitting for breakdowns, even low-paying staged readings, or get together with friends and do a table read of your favorite play or film. 

What to Do Before and After the Table Read

Even though the table read is the first official read of the script with the other actors, you should be reading the script beforehand, and not just your scenes. Arianna recommends multiple reads, with a second pass focusing on research, highlighting anything you need to look up, such as unfamiliar words. 

She tells me that part of her preparation includes determining the story’s 5 W’s: Who, What, When, Where, and Why. If you feel inclined to read through a third time before the table read, then this is where your character’s point of view can be looked at. 

“You do not need to have every line memorized, but you should be ready to answer any general question about the story or where your character is headed in their journey. I also think it’s important to stay flexible.” 

Being prepared to enter the space with your script, lines highlighted, energized and ready to work is essential. The table read is the first time you and the other actors will hear each other, and make those early discoveries. After the table read, if you have questions or notes, you can take these to the director during rehearsals to show your professionalism and eagerness to engage with the work.

Conclusion

The environment for a table read is the beginning of the process, where everything is new, it’s collaborative and exciting. If you’re unsure about its purpose, it can seem like revisiting a daunting first day at school. The difference between your individual read-through and a table read is a springboard for discovery, where the characters lift off the page.

At the table read, everyone is starting from scratch. Even the writer, despite knowing what is going to happen in the story, is nervous. If you go into your first table read, unsure, curious, an open vessel, that’s okay, because everyone else is right there with you.

Interested in table read opportunities?

Start browsing the latest casting calls:

• Feature Film Casting Calls
• Theatre Auditions
• TV Series Acting Jobs
• Student Film Casting Calls

The post Table Reads Explained: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How to Get in the Room appeared first on Casting Networks.

Now, let’s talk about something crucial: what success actually looks like in your first month. Because we know from experience that new members often have wildly different expectations about how quickly callbacks come, and we want to be straight with you.

When callbacks don’t land in week two, it’s tempting to think the platform is broken. It’s not. But we’ve found that the real difference between members who stick around and those who cancel comes down to one thing: knowing what normal looks like.

Key Insights

• Success in your first month on Casting Networks is measured by consistent activity and learning what fits your type, not by immediate bookings or callbacks.
• A complete, professional profile with strong materials will improve your results far more than submitting to a high volume of roles.
• Thoughtful, targeted submissions and realistic expectations help build the momentum that often leads to callbacks in weeks three and four.

Get access to thousands
of high-quality roles.

JOIN FREE TODAY

Volume Before Results

Here’s the reality: this platform works, but it takes more submissions than you might think. Most working actors see callbacks on 2-5% of submissions, sometimes lower depending on role availability and your type. That means if you submit for 20 roles in your first week, expect maybe one callback. Or zero. Both are completely normal.

This isn’t a platform problem. It’s the industry. Casting directors review dozens, sometimes hundreds, of submissions per role. The odds are inherently long. But here’s what matters: they improve dramatically once you build momentum.

The numbers might feel discouraging at first. You submit, you wait, nothing happens. Then you submit again. And again. Somewhere around submission 50 or 60, something shifts. Then you’ll get a callback. Then two callbacks in the same week. That’s not luck. That’s the compounding effect of consistent activity and a refined submission strategy.

Think of your first month as an information-gathering phase rather than an immediate-results phase. You’re learning which types of roles respond to your submission, which genres align with how casting directors perceive you, and what kind of feedback the platform gives you through interest.

The Mindset Shift

You’re not playing a game with low odds. You’re building a body of work that compounds. Every submission, every callback is a data point that shows what’s working. After four weeks of consistent, targeted submissions, you’ll have real information and momentum.

Members who see success aren’t the ones who submit 100 times in week one and then disappear. They’re the ones who show up week after week, refine their approach based on what they’re learning, and treat the platform as a long-term tool rather than a quick fix.

The actors who stick with Casting Networks and book real work understand that this is a numbers game, but it’s a numbers game you can influence. You influence it through smart targeting, professional presentation, and consistent visibility.

Your Profile Is Your Resume

Here’s what actually moves the needle: a complete, professional profile.

Casting directors scan submissions in seconds. A missing headshot, incomplete resume, or vague description? They move on. Spend your first week making sure your profile is locked in: professional photo, clear resume sections, a genuine summary of your type and experience.

Your profile photo should be a current headshot that looks like you. This isn’t the place for artistic photos or shots from five years ago. Casting directors need to see who you are right now. If your headshot isn’t professional, investing in one is the single best thing you can do before you start submitting heavily.

Your resume should be complete and honest. List your credits, training, and special skills. If you’re early in your career and don’t have much to list, that’s fine. Be truthful about where you are. Casting directors respect honesty, and they can tell when someone’s padded their resume.

Your summary matters too. Write something genuine that explains your type, your strengths, and what kinds of roles suit you. This isn’t the place for flowery language or attempts to seem like something you’re not. Be specific. “Character actor interested in comedy and drama” is better than “versatile performer seeking all opportunities.”

This matters more than submitting 50 times with an incomplete profile. A polished presence that shows who you are beats volume every time.

Quality Over Speed

Don’t submit for everything. Submit for what makes sense for you.

Targeting the right roles, ones that actually fit your type, experience level, and availability, gets you noticed. Casting directors can tell when someone read the breakdown versus when they’re spray-and-praying. Quality submissions convert higher. Period.

Before you hit submit, ask yourself three questions: Does this role fit my type? Can I actually make this date? Will I regret passing on it? If the answer to all three is yes, submit. If not, move on.

This restraint actually serves you better than blanket submissions. When you submit for roles that make sense, your submission rate looks intentional. Casting directors see your name and think “Oh, this person actually fits what I’m looking for.” When you submit for everything, your name gets lost in the volume, and it signals that you don’t know who you are as an actor.

Month 1 Activity Benchmark

What does “active” look like? Here’s a realistic target:

• 5 to 10 thoughtful submissions per week (not 50)
• A fully completed profile (photo, resume, summary)
• Consistent activity across the full month (not a burst, then silence)

You don’t need to submit 50 times a week. Consistency and accuracy beat volume. Show up every few days, submit for roles that make sense, and let the system work.

If you can commit to this level of activity throughout your first month, you’re setting yourself up for success in month two and beyond. The platform rewards consistency. New members who show steady activity month after month build track records that casting directors recognize.

One More Thing

Success on Casting Networks isn’t overnight. It’s about showing up consistently, targeting smart, and letting the numbers work in your favor. Most of our most active members don’t see real traction until weeks 3 or 4, sometimes later.

This is normal. You’re not doing anything wrong.

Your first month is an investment. You’re building a professional presence, learning how the platform works, and accumulating data about what resonates. By month two, you’ll have real information to work with. By month three, you should be seeing measurable results.

If you have questions about optimizing your profile or submission strategy, our member guides are here. You can also reach out directly to our support team. We’re rooting for you.

The post What to Expect in Your First Month on Casting Networks: A Realistic Guide to Success For New Members appeared first on Casting Networks.

Casting directors may scroll through hundreds—or even thousands—of submissions for a single role, and one image can determine whether they click on your profile or keep moving.

So what makes a great headshot? It should feel authentic, look like you on your best day, and capture the qualities that make you uniquely castable without trying too hard to sell them.

YellowBelly Photo, founded in 2018 by best friends Ross McLaren and Jackson Bews, is a portrait photography company specializing in honest, cinematic headshots for actors and creatives. With studios across London, New York City and Los Angeles, YellowBelly has become known for creating natural, authentic portraits that genuinely reflect the person in front of the camera. 

Built by actors for actors, the company focuses just as much on the experience of the session as the final image itself, creating relaxed, supportive environments where clients can feel comfortable enough to truly be themselves.

We sat down with YellowBelly to talk about everything from what to wear and how to pose, to overcoming nerves and why it’s imperative to trust the process.

Key Insights

• A great headshot doesn’t create a character—it presents an authentic version of you that helps casting directors immediately understand where you fit.
• The most effective headshots look like you on your best day, not an overly polished version of yourself that won’t match the person who walks into the audition room.
• Feeling nervous during a headshot session is completely normal; the goal isn’t to perform for the camera but to feel comfortable enough to let your personality come through.

Get access to thousands
of high-quality roles.

JOIN FREE TODAY

What Makes a Great Headshot?

A headshot is so much more than just a good photo of you, and YellowBelly’s aim has never been to create an overly polished or unrealistic version of someone. Headshots should simply look like you on a really good day. 

“The job of the photograph is to get you in the room for roles you genuinely have a chance of getting, and then it’s the casting director’s job to imagine you in the part.”

Authenticity is also a key component, and YellowBelly’s vision has always been to create honest, authentic portraits that genuinely capture the person in front of the camera. A headshot should show who you are, not who you think the industry wants you to be.

Why Does Your Headshot Matter So Much in the Casting Process?

“Headshots are one of the most important tools an actor has. They’re often the very first thing a casting director, and sometimes even a director or producer, will see. Instantly, people begin imagining whether they can see you as the character on the page, so first impressions really do matter.”

A headshot that creates a strong impression means connecting to casting with a photo that actually looks like you, and brings something more that makes you stand out among a large number of submissions.

“A strong headshot helps someone immediately connect you to the world of the script and the kinds of roles you genuinely suit. That’s why we always say your headshots should reflect how you actually look day to day.” 

If your headshot looks vastly different from you, the disconnect can appear at the audition stage. If you’ve changed significantly, YellowBelly recommends getting them updated at least every two to three years.

What Should You Wear to Your Session?

What you are wearing in your headshot can feel like a permanent choice that affects your castability for the next few years. While you might feel pressure to wear your nicest, fanciest outfit, a common mistake is going out and buying brand-new clothes. 

“While you obviously want to look your best, often those aren’t clothes you naturally wear or feel comfortable in day to day. Even if you love the item, you’re not used to moving, sitting or relaxing in it yet, and that can subtly affect how natural you feel in front of the camera.”

Bring lots of options so they can see what colors, textures and tones work best with your skin tone and different backdrops. Avoid busy patterns, and distracting jewelry or logos, but make sure to reflect your personality, as that is how you will show up for an audition. “Ultimately wear clothes that make you feel like yourself.”

How Should You Prepare Your Hair, Makeup, and Grooming for a Headshot Session?

Headshots should ultimately look like you, so your hair and makeup should be prepared in a way that models after your daily look. While using a makeup artist is completely subjective, it’s important to trial your look before your session. 

“Generally, we don’t tend to recommend using a makeup artist for headshots, not because they aren’t incredibly talented, but because they naturally won’t do your makeup exactly how you’d normally wear it day to day. In the UK, it’s relatively uncommon, whereas in the States we’ve found around 40% of clients choose to bring one to their session.”

Whether you choose to use one or not, you can restyle and touch up your look at your session, and clean-shaven looks [are best] for versatility. Concerns about temporary blemishes, or tired eyes can be edited during the retouching process. [Avoid] heavier makeup or intense looks, which can compromise the honest, authentic look that YellowBelly does so well. 

What Expressions and Poses Work Best?

“For us, this process is all about making somebody feel comfortable and relaxed as quickly as possible. Once you’re in the session, the photographer’s job is to put you at ease, whether that’s putting music on, chatting about life, or simply creating an environment that doesn’t feel overly intense or performative.”

While there are specific styles of headshots, it’s important to connect to the camera overall. For a commercial look: warm, approachable with a slight smile. For a theatrical look: direct, serious and emotionally grounded. The best expressions come naturally through conversation, rather than from overthinking style. 

“People sometimes connect being uncomfortable in front of the camera with somehow being a bad actor, but the two things really aren’t related at all. Headshots aren’t about performing, and the less somebody feels like they’re performing, the more authentic the photographs become.” 

It’s also important to think about what you want out of your session and to express that. “All of our photographers are highly experienced at recognizing what works well on camera, and naturally we’ll always adjust things throughout the session if a client wants to explore a certain look or feeling.”

How Many Headshots Do You Need, and How Often Should You Update Them?

Headshots are an investment, and each time you get headshots done you’ll gain confidence, experience and assurance in what you want or don’t want.

The standard number is typically between 2-4. More can overwhelm, and less doesn’t show enough range. They should be updated at least every 2-3 years, factoring age and any drastic changes, including hair or physical appearance. 

The cost of headshots on average is between $200-$500, but they can reach upwards of $1,000 per session, depending on location, photographer and package type. 

What Are the Most Common Mistakes to Avoid?

Casting directors want to see an authentic image that represents the person who is going to walk into the audition room. Common mistakes to avoid are headshots that are overly airbrushed or edited strangely by leaving watermarks behind, or by not using the industry standard 8×10.  

Avoid clothes that lean too heavily toward character or type, or wearing glasses or using props that not only obstruct your face, but hide your personality. Another major red flag is using group shots, full body shots or selfies instead of a professional headshot photo. 

“I think one of the most common misconceptions is that if you feel nervous during a headshot session, it means you’re going to do a “bad” job in your photos, and that really isn’t the case. As long as the images look and feel like you, then you’ve achieved what a good headshot is supposed to do.”

How Do You Upload and Optimize Your Headshots on Casting Platforms?

Selecting the right headshot to use can be an overwhelming experience. Once you get your gallery, you spend an unusual amount of time looking at images of yourself, trying to pick your retouched images and eventually choosing which of these will be your primary headshot. 

The selection should look like you and represent the roles you’ll be put up for, while showcasing a range so that you can use the right one for specific castings. The photographer will have a selection if you’ve requested this add-on, and you can make your choices from here. It’s ideal to go through the images at first glance and pick your favorites. 

Send this list to your agent/manager and friends and family (especially industry related). Note any overlap between selections, and try to avoid choosing photos that are too simple, or ones that just “look nice.” Try not to spend long agonizing over the choices: you can always select more to be retouched later.

When the time comes to upload your selections to casting platforms, make sure to use the correct file format and resolution. Most sites use JPEG images, under 2MB at around 2000×1500 pixels. If you’re unsure, you can ask your photographer for copies in the correct format.

What Should You Look for When Choosing a Photographer?

Choose a photographer whose work you connect to. Do your research, peruse their portfolio, ask friends about their experience and if they’re happy with the outcome. For actors of color, you want to identify whether they’ve worked with a client who has a similar skin tone to you, see what light they use and what color backdrops they work with. 

What sets YellowBelly apart (and makes the choice that much easier) is their collaborative and supportive approach. They get inundated with emails from actors with concerns about being “bad at headshots,” and they understand that there’s a vulnerable quality to having your headshots taken.

“That’s why such a huge part of our job is simply making people feel comfortable. Every photographer works differently, but the thing we pride ourselves on most is creating sessions that feel relaxed, calm, and genuinely enjoyable.” 

You can find out more about YellowBelly Photography here: https://www.yellowbellyphoto.com/

The post What Makes a Great Headshot with YellowBelly Photography appeared first on Casting Networks.

In most auditions, being familiar with the sides is a key component for preparation. During a cold read, you don’t have that opportunity, and that’s the point.

While it is possible to practice in anticipation of a cold read, it’s important to allow your process to unfold in the moment. It’s not about connecting to the script as fast as possible or reciting a perfect read. Casting directors want to see you come in, act on impulse, stay present and respond naturally to the material.

Key Insights

• Casting directors use cold reads to evaluate how an actor responds under pressure, and what their process looks like. It’s not about giving a polished performance on the first take.
• The 90-second preparation window before a cold read has a learnable structure, and actors who use it strategically are more likely to do well during a cold read.
• Cold-reading mistakes that actors make include mishandling the material, overthinking and misunderstanding the purpose of a cold-read audition.

Get access to thousands
of high-quality roles.

JOIN FREE TODAY

What Casting Directors Are Actually Evaluating During a Cold Read

Casting directors are usually evaluating instinct, specificity of choice and coachability under pressure. It’s not about being line-accurate or perfectly polished in record time. Even reaching this stage of an audition  means you’ve cleared a shortlist and they want to test a different skill.

They want to see if you can take direction on the fly. A safe cold read means an actor has recited the lines well and completed the task. But a truly good cold read, done well, means an actor has listened, trusted in their own ability and made something of the lines, even under pressure.

Casting director Kim Williams advises to make strong, confident choices: “If you go a little bigger than necessary, it’s okay. We can pull you back from that, but at least we know there’s something there that can be worked with.” 

Once you understand what a cold read is, and what it is being used for, you can prepare for them ahead of time. Planning strategically will help exercise the muscle and show off the skills that are being evaluated at the audition.

How to Prepare for a Cold Read: A Step-by-Step Framework 

While it isn’t possible to learn a character’s entire backstory, or memorize a Shakespearean monologue in 90 seconds or less, you can prepare for a cold read by applying this framework, splitting the time evenly across three steps:

Step 1 – Once you’re handed the material, read through it and identify the scene’s dramatic event, plus any drastic changes between the first and last line. This way, you can plot your emotional journey. 

Step 2 – Identify what your character wants and the obstacle for the scene. Don’t worry about backstory or context you don’t have.

Step 3 – Mark two or three specific words or phrases to commit to. Highlight these with physical or vocal anchors, so that you can have performance moments where you articulate your choices.

Reading out loud as many times as you can in one minute might seem like a good use of time, but it’s actually hindering your progress. Repetition is a memorization technique, and is not helpful for a cold-read exercise. 

Theater Cold Reads and TV Cold Reads

For theater auditions, directors expect fuller commitment and page independence when it comes to cold reads. You should be able to read from the sides with confidence, while owning the space. The ability to make choices under pressure is being evaluated here as it translates to what performing on stage can feel like.

A cold read for a TV production requires a different approach. Although it’s essentially the same type of task, what’s actually being looked at is not just about you. Casting will look at how you fit within an existing ensemble dynamic. They might have you read for a different role, or read a new scene, so they can gauge your responsiveness. Or maybe they need to hear you read a few more times before they make their choice. 

Casting director Jessica Sherman says a lack of knowledge when it comes to the casting process is a common mistake actors make before they come in: “There have been approximately 30 people who have had to sign off to say you were the right person. The best person may not always be the one who gets the role. The person that everyone can agree on gets the role. Having that background information is a huge asset to actors, because it takes the pressure off a little bit, as far as their experience in the room.”

Five Cold Reading Mistakes

1. Over Apologizing Before or After the Read – It’s not about “getting it right,” so apologizing for a pre-conceived notion of “getting it wrong” signals low self trust and a lack of understanding for what is being asked of you. 
2. Keeping your Eyes on the Page – A cold read is an audition task, not a reading assessment, so you need to engage with your audience. Even imperfect eye contact during key beats is better than delivering to the paper.
3. Making a Non-Committal Choice – Making a neutral choice because you feel like you need more time to understand the backstory or context, shows casting that you don’t understand what is being asked of you. Even strong and wrong is better than a careful nothing.
4. Over Selling It – Trying to impress casting with your quick memorization skills is also a common mistake actors make. The confidence is great, but it’s not a memorization test. Apply the confidence to the choices you’re making.
5. Rushing or Panicking – Actors who dislike this part of an audition might try to get through it as fast as possible. Panic can also be brought on by pressure — casting directors know you haven’t had long with the material so they’ll apply some grace. Take a breath.

How to Practice Cold Reading

To practice cold reading, you can use published scripts from TV episodes or short monologues from classic plays. For scenes, you can work with a reader, or use an app to help give you a condition-matched practice system. Apps like ActOnCue don’t replace the human element of working with an actor or partner, but they will help you develop the mechanical skills you need to be prepared for future auditions. 

Georgy, founder of, ActOnCue, recommends his app to help with self taping, learning lines and picking up cues: “To build your cold-reading muscle through regular practice, you can load any scene or play, break it down, and analyze how characters are constructed, training your own instincts for making interesting choices quickly. The more scenes you work through, the sharper your ability to pick up a new piece of material and make strong choices on the spot.”

What Happens After the Cold Read

After a cold read, you are usually given directorial notes and then asked to reread or apply the same style and approach to reading the sides. Try not to focus too much on the aftermath of a cold read, it’s usually so the casting team can see if you take the note, and not because you’ve done anything wrong.

Casting directors will report to directors and showrunners with notes on an actor’s coachability, instinct and technical execution. You want positive feedback that you made bold choices, and adjusted immediately when redirected. 

Most actors don’t get specific feedback after an audition, so you can expect much of the same after a cold read. Think about auditioning as always auditioning for the next job, echoing what casting director Lyndsey Baldasare says here: “Keep doing consistent work, and keep being a team player. It all factors in. I know some actors feel like they’re putting these tapes out and nobody’s watching them, but we are. You’re not gonna get 100% of the jobs you go out for, but if you’re good at what you do, people will find you.”

Conclusion

Cold reads might feel like an obstacle in the middle of the audition process you have to overcome. But they’re not there to catch you or throw you off. They’re used to evaluate you as an actor, to see how you operate in your process, without the time to overthink.

Casting directors are often the ones that want the actor to succeed in the audition, and David Rapaport  is a key example of that: “To me, the opportunity to find people, to dig, to go through that process, that’s what keeps me hungry and motivated. I think I’m afraid I’m going to miss that one person who has that one thing that’s going to break out, and I’m not gonna be able to talk about them in an interview one day.”

When you understand the format of a cold read and how it works in the overall casting process, you focus less on the wrong thing. An actor that is better prepared for a cold read will generally do better in the room. Use skills that are unique to you, trust your instincts, and show casting what makes you the right actor for the role.

*More on ActOnCue:

ActOnCue is not designed to replace the magic of working with a human actor/partner. Real acting is about connection and authentic reaction, and nothing will ever change that. Our focus is on a different part of the process: the audition grind. The world of casting is a numbers game. It’s a funnel designed to quickly find a “role fit,” and so much of it is out of your control. Casting directors aren’t measuring how many hours you rehearsed; they’re looking for a match, often in the first few seconds of your self tape. That’s where ActOnCue comes in.

Ready to put these audition tips into practice?

Explore:

• Theatre Casting Calls
• TV Show Audition Opportunities
• Vertical Short Acting Jobs

The post How to Prepare for a Cold Read Audition in 90 Seconds or Less appeared first on Casting Networks.

Through production and right up until you’ve wrapped, cast and crew will notice how you behaved, how you treated people, and how easy or difficult you were to work with.

We caught up with actor Rupi Lal on his experience working with Tim Burton in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, how he remained professional on set (even when sitting next to the legendary Danny DeVito), and why it’s so important to establish a strong working relationship with casting directors.

Acting since the age of seven, Rupi graduated from The Rose Bruford Drama School in the U.K. His television debut was in the CBBC’s Brum followed by roles in the BBC’s Red Rose, Dexter Procter: The Ten-Year-Old Doctor and BBC Radio’s The Archers. In his first feature film, he played Astrid’s Doctor, working opposite Jenna Ortega, Catherine O’Hara, Danny DeVito and Michael Keaton in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.  

Film sets can be a highly stressful environment, but according to Rupi, maintaining a high level of decorum and professionalism ensures that any feedback that gets back to casting is positive, helps you be remembered, and opens you up to future opportunities.

Key Insights

• Casting directors will often hear feedback from production about you, both positive and negative. Each project helps create a professional record.
• Set etiquette can mean different rules, depending on the type of role you’ve booked. Understanding where you fit into the hierarchy can help you know what is expected, before you get to set.
• Prepare an on-set check list: check your call time, sides and wardrobe. Being organized before you walk on to the set can go a long way.

Get access to thousands
of high-quality roles.

JOIN FREE TODAY

Why Film Set Etiquette Starts Before You Arrive on Set

Your reputation from the perspective of production starts to build from the moment you audition, and you’re leaving an impression with every interaction you have. Have you been punctual? Are you coming across as confident and professional? Talent is important, but your work ethic has a strong influence on whether or not a casting director considers you for another opportunity in the future. 

Understanding film set etiquette begins with understanding what is expected from you, even at the audition stage. “With an audition, self tape or recall, obviously you’d want to give a good account of yourself and your talent,” Rupi says.

“The main thing to think about is, what do you bring to the role that’s unique? The ident can be just as important as the actual scene or the action. Initially, you want them to want to work with you.” 

Start planting the seeds of your professional record early. This way a cohesive experience of what it’s like to work with you can be traced throughout the process, from audition to production. Rupi described working with Tim Burton as “a dream come true,” with the feedback being instantaneous.

He felt like he was appreciated, from being greeted with a smile and a “Hey Doc!” every day, to Tim eventually shaking his hand and thanking him for his work. On his final day, Burton even signed a piece of costume. Rupi took it home and had framed.

The Hierarchy on Set and Why Actors Need to Understand It

While you’re on set, there are key crew roles that you will come into contact with. Rupi advises to get to know names: production assistants, the costume department, makeup team and the assistant director. While the crew’s specific roles might differ in terms of proximity, you should be treating everyone with the same level of respect.

An AD might run the floor, so they are your primary point of contact, but this shouldn’t mean that your professionalism is dialed up for them and lapses for the key grip.

According to Rupi, “This all helps make everyone feel comfortable and confident in you and your capabilities, and in turn, helps you feel a part of the whole team.” 

Until he got to the set of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Rupi had never worked on a feature film, but that didn’t seem to matter to director Tim Burton in terms of respect.

“Tim was brilliant with me, really nice and made things super clear. I don’t know if he knew it was my first-ever feature film, but I never felt like it was an issue.”

You might feel out of your depth, especially if it’s your first time on a big set. Ask for support, as there are rules you might not know or find difficult to keep track of.

Etiquette Rules by Role: Background, Day Player and Principal

A production can operate as its own eco system, with energy being transferred from department to department. Any disruption to the set can be felt throughout. Background actors usually spend a lot of time in holding, waiting to be placed into a scene, requiring patience and endurance for long days.

Day players are expected to come in prepared, ready to work and wrap on the same day, whereas principal roles entail a more collaborative dynamic with the director. Preparation is still important, but there is an element of active engagement required.

Union vs. Non-Union Sets: Different Rules, Different Stakes

SAG-AFTRA sets have specific contractual protocols, and these can include meal penalties, designated rest or holding areas, and turnaround rules. It’s important to know these rules and inform production if you’re unsure about anything. 

While there is a less formal expectation around non-union actors, professionalism is still observed, and any violations can lead to legal or financial consequences. These rules not only ensure a safe set environment for you, but for the others around you.

Actors deliberately in violation of these protocols could get reported to the on-set union rep, which can affect working on a SAG-AFTRA set in the future. 

What Casting Directors Actually Hear Back From Productions

Being late or rude can generate negative feedback, and anything that includes poor behavior is most likely being passed on to the casting director. Being disrespectful or endangering the cast and crew by ignoring safety rules or making unreasonable requests not only stalls production, but can keep you from being rehired.

Avoid any behavior that you know you shouldn’t be engaging in, especially on set where there are eyes everywhere. Rupi has “seen moments when fellow actors are on their phones while on set, taking photos. Now obviously nothing should be posted online, but from reading my contracts before going on set, I’m aware your phone should be kept in your dressing room at all times, and mine always is.’” 

Rupi has since established a strong working relationship with the highly talented and well-respected casting director Sophie Holland. The conversations happening about him aren’t just about his talent, but how he held himself to account in a high-stakes environment by being reliable and pleasant to be around.

The Consequences Gap: What Actually Happens When You Break These Rules

What are the consequences for actors who break these rules? It all depends on the behavior, and being late, showing up to set without knowing your lines, or being rude to the cast or crew are likely to get back to the casting team, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t recover and repair your working relationships.

If you’ve made a genuine mistake, take accountability. Talk to production or the director, and rectify the situation when you can. One-time offenses are usually forgivable, but if your behavior has done irreparable damage or harm, there can be serious, sometimes legal consequences.

For actors who have engaged in aggressive or violent behavior, sexual misconduct or drug use over a long period of time, consequences can include being fired from the set or even legal action, and can cause the unraveling of a career. 

Practical Pre-Set Checklist: What to Do Before You Walk on a Film Set

The foundation for creating a professional record is to make sure you are arriving on set as prepared as possible. Here is a checklist to help you arrive ready to work:

• Check your call time, confirm your pick up, and arrive 5 to 10 minutes before if you can to give yourself time to settle in.
• Go over your sides, and check the call sheet for the shot list so you know when you’ll be filming your scenes. Check to see if it’s before or after lunch, and plan wisely.
• Check what time you’re in makeup and/or wardrobe. Bring appropriate undergarments and check if you need to arrive with washed hair/clean shaven/unvarnished nails, etc.
• Check the call sheet for the contact names/information for the actors you’ll be working with, the director, assistant director and production assistant.
• Pack a bag with essentials like water, snacks, reading or activities for downtime, comfy shoes or clothes to wear in between setups.
• Practice digital hygiene. Keep your phone off or silenced, don’t use social media, no posting on set or photography.

Rupi cleverly refers to these steps as “doing the things that require no talent.” Checking what time you should arrive, who you are working with, and what scenes you are filming that day are essential to building a professional record, one where you are known as a reliable actor that contributes to the efficiency of a film set.

Think about every appearance as part of your audition for a casting director’s future submission. While it can be daunting to step on set for the first time, it’s also an environment filled with support.

Ask for help if you need it. Observe other actors, learn as you go, and be the kind of actor that contributes to a healthy work environment.

Build solid relationships, and like it has for Rupi, this can result in regular opportunities where your work is valued and respected. Send in self-tape requests promptly (“the sooner the better”), and be known as an actor that takes your on-set presence seriously.

As a lifelong fan of the Batman films who got to work with director Tim Burton, Rupi shares, “Know your worth, your capabilities, what you’re after and go for it!” Keep striving toward an immaculate professional record, you never know when, or how it’ll pay off.

Want to start working on film sets?

Explore current:

• Feature Film Casting Calls
• Documentary Job Opportunities in Los Angeles
• Auditions for Extras
• Short Film Acting Jobs

The post Film Set Etiquette: What Actors Need to Know Before Their First Day on Set appeared first on Casting Networks.

Fake casting calls are increasingly sophisticated, mimicking the language, logos, and communication style of legitimate productions. Fortunately, there are steps to take if you’ve been scammed. We break it all down for you here.

Whether you received a suspicious DM, came across a listing that felt off, or are already wondering if you’ve responded to something fraudulent, this guide breaks down exactly what fake casting calls look like, how to verify any opportunity before you engage, and what to do if something has already gone wrong.

Key Insights

• Fake casting calls often rely on vague project details, unofficial communication channels, and urgent pressure tactics to trick actors into sharing money or personal information.
• Legitimate casting notices include verifiable production details, professional submission processes, and clear pay or union information that can be cross-checked through trusted industry platforms.
• The safest way to avoid scams is to verify every opportunity independently, never pay upfront for auditions, and rely primarily on established casting platforms, unions, and professional representation.

Get access to thousands
of high-quality roles.

JOIN FREE TODAY

What Fake Casting Calls Actually Look Like

The most effective casting scams don’t look obviously fake. That’s the point. They’re designed to feel plausible enough that a busy actor might not slow down to question them.

A few patterns show up consistently.

Vague or unverifiable project descriptions. Legitimate productions have details: a working title, a production company, a shooting location, a general timeline. Scam listings describe projects in aspirational but hollow terms. “A major streaming series” with no named production company. “A high-profile feature film” with no director attached. When you can’t confirm any of those details with a basic search, that’s a signal.

Contact through personal or unofficial channels. A real casting director working on a real project communicates through professional channels, not a personal Gmail account, a WhatsApp message out of nowhere, or a DM from an account created last month. If the first contact is an Instagram account with 47 followers and stock photos, pause.

Copycat language and fake branding. Scammers frequently lift the names of actual casting directors or production companies and slightly alter them. You might see a notice referencing “Casting by [real CD name]” that links to a domain registered two weeks ago. The email domain doesn’t match the company. The logo is blurry or stretched. These details are easy to miss when you’re excited about an opportunity, which is exactly why they work.

Suspiciously easy access to the role. Real casting has competition. If a listing promises you’re already shortlisted, that you’re “perfect for this role” before submitting anything, or that the job is essentially yours pending a few steps, those “steps” are the scam.

The Most Common Red Flags in Casting Notices

Red flags show up at every stage: in the listing itself, during the inquiry process, and after you’ve expressed interest.

In the listing:

• No union affiliation or non-union status stated
• Compensation described as “exposure,” “a great opportunity,” or left entirely vague
• Required fees framed as registration costs, materials fees, or headshot packages
• An unusually wide role description designed to match as many people as possible

During the inquiry:

• Pressure to respond quickly, with language like “slots are filling fast” or “we need confirmation by tonight”
• Requests for your Social Security number, bank account details, or a copy of your ID before any contract has been signed
• Being asked to pay upfront for anything: coaching, photos, training, or access to the audition itself

After you’ve expressed interest:

• A sudden request to move the conversation off the platform to personal email, text, or a third-party app
• Follow-up messages that feel scripted or generic, as if they’re being sent to hundreds of people simultaneously
• An “offer” that arrives before you’ve actually auditioned for anything

One of the most persistent scams in the industry is the pay-to-audition model. For a deeper breakdown of how those schemes work and how to recognize them, Casting Networks has covered this in detail here.

How Legitimate Casting Calls Are Structured

The best defense against a scam is knowing what a real casting notice looks like. Legitimate calls have a consistent structure, and once you know it, the gaps in fake listings become obvious.

“Basically, there have been people making accounts on social media, often Instagram, but other platforms as well, pretending to be well-known casting directors, and then reaching out to actors, saying things kind of like, ‘Oh, I have this opportunity for you, you should audition for this big-name director,’” explains Destiny Lilly, the president of Casting Society (CSA).

“At some point, usually in that conversation back and forth, they would ask for money. ‘Oh, I need this amount of money to get your travel to LA for your screen test,’ or, ‘We need this to process a visa for you to work abroad,’ or something like that.”

Specific project details. A working title, or at minimum a production company name. A general genre and format (film, TV, commercial, theater) and a network or distributor if it’s been announced. A shooting location and a general production window.

Clear role descriptions. Actual character breakdowns with age range, physical description, and character context. Not “looking for all types,” but a specific role with a specific function in the story.

Professional submission instructions. Real casting is conducted through platforms built for it. Sites like Casting Networks have verification processes and accountability structures that protect both actors and the productions posting to them. Instructions will tell you exactly what to submit and through which channel.

Union and pay information. SAG-AFTRA productions are required to post under union guidelines. Non-union productions should still clearly state working conditions and compensation. If pay is entirely absent from a listing, that warrants a direct question before you submit anything.

Casting directors working on legitimate projects don’t need to cut corners. The listing reflects that. “The thing that’s really difficult,” Lilly says, “is that there’s not a lot that we can actually do about it, because we don’t know who’s behind it. When someone asks for money like that, that becomes fraud. So it becomes a legal issue.” 

How to Verify Whether a Casting Call Is Real

Before you respond to any listing that arrived through an unofficial channel or carries any of the red flags above, run through this checklist. It takes about five minutes.

Search the production company or casting director independently. Not the name in the message. Open a separate browser and search it on your own. Does the production company have a professional website? Is the casting director listed on IMDb Pro with a verifiable credit history? If the name returns nothing, or returns something that doesn’t match what was sent to you, that’s a problem.

Cross-reference the role on established platforms. If a production is real and actively casting, the breakdown likely exists on Casting Networks, Actors Access, or Backstage. Finding it there is a strong signal that it’s legitimate. If it only exists in a DM or on a site you’ve never heard of, proceed carefully.

Check the production on IMDb. Real projects, even ones in early development, typically have an IMDb page or at least a mention in the trades. Search the title and see what comes up.

Look up the company through the Better Business Bureau or your state’s business registry. For production companies claiming to be local, a quick BBB or state registry search can confirm whether they’re a legitimate registered business.

Verify union affiliation. SAG-AFTRA’s website allows you to search for signatory productions. If a listing claims to be a union shoot and the production doesn’t appear there, contact the union directly before proceeding.

For a broader look at where and how to find verified opportunities, Casting Networks’ guide to finding legitimate casting calls is a useful reference.

What to Do If You’ve Already Responded to a Fake Casting Call

If something felt off after the fact, or you’re reading this because a situation has already gone sideways, here is what to do.

Stop contact immediately. Don’t send any additional information. Don’t try to recover money or materials by continuing to engage. Cut off communication and preserve everything you have.

Screenshot and document everything. Save the original listing, every message, every email, and every profile or account that contacted you. You will need this documentation to report what happened.

Report it to the right places:

• The FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov handles fraud and identity theft
• SAG-AFTRA if the scam impersonated a union production or casting director
• The Casting Society of America (CSA), which has processes for investigating and flagging fraudulent activity and accepts reports directly from actors
• Casting Networks, which can investigate suspicious listings and accounts
• The platform where you encountered the listing, whether that’s a social media site, a third-party casting board, or an email provider

Monitor for identity theft. If you shared personal information including your full name, address, Social Security number, or financial details, place a fraud alert with the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) and monitor your accounts closely. Free credit reports are available at annualcreditreport.com.

Tell other actors. The casting community often hears about active scams from peers before any official warning is issued. Share what happened in actor forums, union groups, or directly with colleagues. It helps protect the whole community.

Where Working Actors Actually Find Legitimate Roles

The most practical long-term protection against fake casting calls is building your sourcing process around verified platforms. When most of your opportunities come through trusted channels, unsolicited outreach from unknown sources becomes easier to identify and dismiss.

Established casting platforms. Casting Networks, Actors Access, and Backstage vet the projects and casting professionals who post to their sites. Submissions go through the platform, which means your personal contact information stays protected. These should be your primary channels for finding and responding to legitimate work.

Agent and manager relationships. A good agent or manager acts as a filter. They have established relationships with casting directors and production companies and are unlikely to send you out on anything they haven’t verified. If you’re represented, that relationship is one of your strongest protections. If you’re not yet, building toward representation is a meaningful long-term investment in your career safety as much as your career development.

Union resources. SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity both provide member resources for finding legitimate work and verifying productions. If you’re a union member, use those channels and stay current on scam alerts the unions issue.

Industry directories and IMDb Pro. Maintaining an updated IMDb Pro profile and engaging with legitimate industry directories puts you in circulation with professionals who operate through official channels, which naturally reduces your exposure to unofficial ones where scams originate.

Final Takeaways

Staying alert is part of working professionally in this industry right now. Scams have gotten more sophisticated, but so have the tools and organizations working to counter them.

Your career should be focused on your craft. Protecting your time, your information, and your safety is part of making sure it stays that way.

For more information visit our support page.

Looking for acting opportunities?

Browse current:

• New York Casting Calls
• Vertical Short Auditions
• Job Opportunities for Voiceover Acting
• Casting Calls for Background Work

The post Casting Call Scams: How to Spot Them and What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted appeared first on Casting Networks.

Launching on May 29, Miss You, Love You stars Allison Janney as Diane, a blunt, grieving widow in Santa Fe who is forced to plan her husband’s funeral after her estranged son avoids coming home and sends his personal assistant, Jamie (Andrew Rannells), in his place.

At a press conference attended by Casting Networks, the trio discussed their industry relationships, the innovative way they approached rehearsal, and how personal history can shape a film’s story and the casting process.  

Key Insights

• Treating a film like a stage play, including memorizing the entire script before shooting, can free actors to stay emotionally present during long, uninterrupted takes.
• Silence and physical behavior often communicate more than dialogue, and strong directors know when to trust actors enough to remove unnecessary lines.
• Long-term industry relationships and artistic alignment can influence casting just as much as traditional auditions or formal searches.

Get access to thousands
of high-quality roles.

JOIN FREE TODAY

Rash, who won an Oscar for best adapted screenplay alongside Nat Faxon and Alexander Payne for The Descendants, got the idea to write Miss You, Love You from an incident eight years ago when his own father passed away. His sister had a work-related conflict, so she sent her assistant, whom no one in the family knew, and who didn’t know a single family member. Rash thought it was an interesting lens to build a story from.

“I started crafting the story of Diane based on little things from my own life, and then Jamie is a lot of me,” confessed Rash. “Writing is therapy. You pull from what you know, and then, of course, the actors elevate it and make it their own.”

When the characters of Diane and Jamie first began taking shape on the page, the voices Rash heard were unmistakably those of Janney and Rannells. 

Rash previously worked with Janney on the 2013 film The Way Way Back, which he co-wrote and co-directed with Faxon. “Allison and I, we knew each other socially through a mutual friend, so I met her very early on in my time in LA,” Rash stated. “And obviously, The Way, Way Back.”

While he did not know Rannells, Rash was familiar with the actor’s work on Broadway, including performances in The Book of Mormon, Falsettos and Gutenberg! The Musical!, among others. 

Casting the twice Tony-nominated Rannells was a matter of artistic alignment. “I didn’t know Andrew personally, but he was the perfect version of Jamie in my mind. I was just lucky enough that he reacted [to the project] as well,” Rash recalled.

For the two actors, the attraction to the material was instant, driven by the opportunity to tackle the layered characters. “For me, I’ve never been offered a role of this size, and this scope of Diane’s journey is quite extraordinary,” Janney shared. “Everything about Diane, all the different layers and the dark humor, was so appealing because Jim’s writing is so perfect and there’s not any fat in there anywhere.”

Rannells experienced a similar sense of validation while reading the script. “I had never been trusted with this much material in a film or on television before,” he admitted. “It was very exciting. I knew that it was going to be a very unique challenge, but then when Jim was like, ‘And it’s [with] Allison Janney,’ I was like, ‘Well, yes!’”

The “Off-Book” Strategy: Treating Film Like a Play

Faced with an incredibly tight 17-day shooting schedule, Janney and Rannells decided on an unconventional preparation strategy. Because the script was originally conceived as a play, and because the production required filming massive, multi-page sequences all at once, the two leads chose to treat the film exactly like a live theatrical production.

“We were very fortunate [Jim] gave us the time and the space to rehearse it like a play,” Rannells said. “Allison and I spoke before we got started and had the same idea, that the only way to do this was just to memorize the entire script.”

Janney added that committing to that decision and following through before setting foot on set was something she’d never attempted on a film project. “This is the first time I’ve done something like this. We took all of January 2024 to memorize the entire script. Then we showed up in Albuquerque, we hit the ground running, ready to play. It was so crucial to approach something like this off-book.”

This type of preparation allowed the actors to deliver uninterrupted 15-minute takes on set. “This was a movie where we shot large chunks, so we did 13 pages one day,” Rash noted. “These two basically did a 15-minute play for us … so the crew was watching a little playlet. It was about them finding moments, and fast.”

Technical Blocking 

This thorough preparation helped immensely on set in terms of blocking and camera moves. During a pivotal emotional argument right before the funeral scene, where the characters confront each other over long-held resentments, Rash and DP Danny Moder mapped the camera mechanics to mirror the escalating emotional stakes.

Rash detailed how the group spent roughly three days breaking down the choreography of that specific fight. “We started with the table, going around the table, and that allowed [the actors] to do the scene,” Rash explained.

He purposefully withheld dynamic camera movements until a specific narrative shift occurred. “We didn’t introduce handheld until [Diane] gets up with the salad,” Rash revealed. “That allowed us to do the next chapter, which was them pretty much boxing around the room.”

Because the long takes captured uninterrupted emotional arcs, the actors could explore non-verbal storytelling. Janney noted that Rash sometimes even cut dialogue on the fly because the actors’ physical choices made those lines redundant.

“Jim would say, ‘You don’t need to say that, because you’re doing it,’” Janney remembered. “He would take lines out of the script because the silence was so full already with what was happening.”

That observation and script adjustment was an actor’s dream. “I love silences,” said Janney.  “[These two characters] are so loud with what’s going on inside of them. Silences are earned.”

Rannells agreed, crediting Rash’s restraint in the editing room for keeping those pauses intact. “Actors love to pause, but it usually gets cut,” he observed. “It was exciting to see that Jim had chosen to leave those moments in. That’s to Jim’s credit that he saw what was happening and felt they were important.”

A working actor himself, Rash, who has appeared in projects like Abbott Elementary, Loot and Bros, understood that. He explained that shooting long takes gave him the ultimate flexibility to let the characters breathe.

“It just depends on how much Diane wants to be exposed at this moment … or how much Jamie wants to be vulnerable.”

The first-time pairing between Janney and Rannells also led to another project together for the duo. As production for Miss You, Love You wrapped, the two were invited to join the cast of director Paul Feig’s Another Simple Favor, which filmed in Rome.

Janney recalled turning to her co-star and asking, “Should we? Should we go to Rome?”

They did.

“We finished Miss You, Love You, and then we went to Rome together,” Rannells said, adding that the easy creative shorthand they developed on set quickly evolved into an equally relaxed off-screen friendship. “I got to walk around Rome with Allison and watch her shop!”

The post How Allison Janney and Andrew Rannells Prepared Like Theater Actors to Master Long-Take Film Scenes appeared first on Casting Networks.

Acting coach Amy Lydon is a classically trained performer who still acts. Lyndon’s technique is broken down into 15 guidelines, all of which are covered in her book, first published in 2009.

With actors having a natural angst around the audition process, Lyndon’s entire focus is not just on alleviating that anxiety, but also on helping actors create their own atmosphere to maximize their own potential in that audition.

She spoke to us from Los Angeles.

Key Insights

• Great acting alone is not enough to book television work. Actors must also understand tone, genre, pacing, and how to audition specifically for camera.
• The Lyndon Technique teaches actors to create an emotional “bubble” that blocks out outside energy and keeps them fully connected to the scene.
• Active listening, emotional discipline, and script breakdown skills help performers stay present frame-by-frame instead of relying on traditional rehearsal-heavy methods.

Get access to thousands
of high-quality roles.

JOIN FREE TODAY

What’s the story behind the Lyndon Technique?

There are two parts to it. One is the philosophy of booking. Not a lot of people talk about the philosophy because they’re too busy working on you, the actor.

There’s the business aspect of it, understanding that you have to hold on to who you are as person, what are you contributing, and how to infuse that in your work.

Part of the reason that actors have a problem booking when they used to primarily go in the room was picking up the energy of everybody around them. Actors are sensitive, they sometimes pick it up as judgment. So rather than viewing this as being attentive and listening, they were seeing it as, I’m sitting here, judging you, and it cost people jobs.

So what you teach has nothing to do with craft?

Correct. You want to train in Meisner and all that stuff, that’s great. Then go do theater, but then train properly. If you want to book television, we’re not afforded the opportunity to sit around and rehearse or discuss. A lot of the times, the audition time is 48 hours, 24 hours turnaround. So these people that have been working on creating a character development over three months, they’re SOL.

What is the core of your technique?

This technique teaches you how to break down a script, how to create the world around you. One of the guidelines is the environment, but it’s not just the environment. It’s where are you in this environment? How do I hear?

The technique is all about staying in your lane, doing your point of view, which is life. When you have a fight, you don’t sit around going, “Oh, we’re having a conflict.” You try to beat the other person. It’s all about creating this world that you live in and having people come to you.

Where are you emotionally when the camera finds you, and where are you in the next frame, in the next frame, in the next frame, in the next frame? The more you can create the world where you are, it’s not moment to moment. It really is frame by frame.

A big part of this is getting yourself to a place as a performer where it doesn’t matter what is happening in the room around you. You are creating a bubble, let’s say, a three-foot radius around you, and anything outside of that should not affect in any way the thing that you’re doing?

Correct. And it’s all about your homework. So if you’re not marinating on where things are for you in a deep, emotional way, you’re not going to be fully invested, and you’re going to feel the energy of everybody else, right? That’s why one of the guidelines is, what am I feeling in the beginning, middle and end?

An actor is a walking, talking, emotional vehicle for the writer. How are you going to be that channel if you’re worried about all this other stuff that has nothing to do with the character? If you reconstruct a fight that you had with somebody, you will be clear on that.

You’re going to be actively listening so you could come back and and win that argument.

The secret to good acting is actively listening.

There you go, and that’s the construction of life. So this thing with beats and intention? I don’t deal with that at all. You have to understand, I trained with Stella Adler. I jumped on a train at 16 to study at the neighborhood playhouses in New York City.

I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Syracuse University. I studied Shakespeare in London. But none of that matters if you do not know how to book a job. It doesn’t matter where you’ve trained.

It matters how you can access your emotional vehicle and place it in the right place, in the script, and let go.

Are there exercises or drills you can give to people to work on these things? Or is it just as simple as “become a more active listener”? 

I think you just need to practice it in your real life. Actors are so busy going after the prize, that they’ve missed the whole love of the process. One of the biggest compliments that I get from my students is them thanking me for bringing the love of acting and being an artist back to them.

Part of that is understanding behavior, starting with your own. That’s why I have people writing down next to the other person’s dialogue, “How am I hearing what this other person is saying?” It keeps you in the scene. It also helps you get off book, because your next line is absolutely going to be exactly what it is based on what you just heard.

I do have this great exercise. I call it the Walgreen’s Exercise. You start out in your car with a heavy, heavy emotion, you’re about to cry, but you have to hold it because you want to go to Walgreens and buy two things and talk to the cashier while you’re holding it the whole time.

You’re actively doing something, talking to somebody, buying something, and then you get to your car, close the door and break down. Now that is discipline, and you have to be disciplined enough to know how to hold on to your emotions.

Is that how an actor books work?

No, that’s how people take notice [of] you. You book work by understanding the genre and the tone of the show. You can’t expect to book television if you’re not watching television.

After a while you’ll understand, Okay, well, is this Mayor of Kingstown or is it Tracker? People don’t understand that so much of booking has nothing to do with acting. There’s tone and style and genre and network, there’s a pace and a formula.

There’s also the question you have to ask yourself: “Why am I there?”

Being a great actor is not good enough. Are you a great actor for that? It’s harder now because of self tapes and streaming and all that, but that just means you work harder, and get even more specific.

I would think that your technique would work for self tapes, because there’s nobody around, and you have to focus on the same space that you would if you were on television.

Absolutely. There’s this square, okay? I talk a lot about what you can do in this square. Before COVID, I was teaching in the theater for 25 years, and the last six years I’ve been on Zoom, and it’s been the best thing.

People are booking from Zoom, but also, as you say, this is the same square as your self tape. You can study Stella Adler, you can study Stanislavski, but it’s not necessarily going to help you book if you don’t understand this box right here.

I’m here to help you book and understand this square and what you can do with it, and how it’s going to get you hired.

Ready to put these audition tips into practice?

Explore:

• TV Show Casting Calls
• Los Angeles Theatre Auditions
• Job Opportunities for Vertical Shorts
• A Practical Guide to Learning Lines Quickly

The post How The Amy Lyndon Technique Helps Actors Book More Auditions appeared first on Casting Networks.

Actress Christina Villa, studied acting at the Actors Studio Drama School in New York and learned first-hand what it takes. She has since relocated to Los Angeles, but that New York mentality never left her. 

It’s that mentality that has led to her casting in the 2025 Dolph Lundgren action Netflix film Wanted Man, as well as the sci-fi thriller Spark, currently playing on Amazon Prime. She still carries the lessons she learned in New York, lessons that have served her well.

She spoke to us from her home in LA. 

Key Insights

• Building an acting career in New York requires persistence, community, and a willingness to consistently put yourself in the room.
• Christina Villa credits her growth to intense craft training, continuous self-development, and learning directly from working actors and casting professionals.
• Success came not from one breakthrough moment, but from years of networking, showcases, self-tapes, and showing up professionally at every opportunity.

Get access to thousands
of high-quality roles.

JOIN FREE TODAY

What first got you into acting?

My mom was a singer, and so she would perform at local venues and stuff. Sometimes she would have us come on stage with her. I was actually a pretty shy kid, but there was something different about performing. [I said to myself], “‘Oh, I have to do what mom’s doing,’ which is, ‘Don’t get nervous, and don’t be shy, and just do it.’” My mom eventually stopped singing, and I put it aside around middle school age. 

I went to [college] in Austin, at UT. I got my degree in communications, specifically PR, and I just started seeing people actually be artists as they’re in their lives, and going to different improv shows, and there’s music venues everywhere. Upon graduation, I was just not excited about becoming a publicist.

When I was interning, I would sometimes be on commercial sets and think, I want to be that person in front of the camera.

What changed?

I took my first acting class, and I just loved it. I loved being on set. Then I just decided I’m gonna pursue this. I don’t come from money or anything, so I have to support myself. I’ll keep working with a full-time job, and while I’m doing that, I’ll also do theater.

I found a book called Breaking Into Acting for Dummies, and that’s where I learned what a demo reel was and what a casting director was. I knew I could do student films to get footage for my reel, and I need to go do theater so that I can sharpen my skills.

I started doing that, acting any way that I could, wherever I was, and that eventually led me to applying to grad school in New York, and I got my MFA there in acting at the Actors Studio. 

Was there more to your education?

It’s definitely an industry where you can’t do it by yourself. You have to have community and reach out to people and ask questions and just be out there knocking on doors. Whenever I met somebody doing what I wanted to do, I’d invite them for coffee, ask them how they got their start, where they’re going and what they’re doing, and just learning along the way. It’s really been one foot in front of the other.

Why the Actors Studio?

When I started taking acting classes and actually learning the craft of it — Strasberg, Stanislavski, Stella Adler, Meisner, they all originated in New York. That lit a little bit of a match there. It really culminated for me when I saw Al Pacino speak at the Plaza Classic Film Festival in El Paso.

I reached out to an acting teacher that I had in Austin, Amber DuPuy, who gave me a list of schools that she thought I could do well at. One of them was Pace University, and I saw that they had the Actors Studio Drama School. 

Once you got to New York, what was that experience like?

I was focused on my studies. I did a couple of little student films here and there, just to start developing my reel. But that program was very intense. It wasn’t something you could just phone in. You had to immerse yourself, and then I was also working part time. I started to realize that the students doing the best were the ones constantly working.

After class, I was constantly booking studio space so that I can go and take my two-hour block to create different elements of whatever scene I was working on. The method gets misconstrued, but what it’s really about is basically building a house.

You have to have a good foundation. You have to know who your character is, but also building from the outside in, too. You had to put a lot of time into your work, and that’s definitely laid down a foundation for me.

When you finished the program, did you find representation?

Yeah, so I when I graduated, I found that I had to really look within and say, “How bad do you want this?” Because I wasn’t one of the students that got called into a meeting after our showcase. That realization, that everybody was getting calls, and I wasn’t, knocked the wind out of me.

Well? What did you do?

I had to hit the pavement on my own and just figure it out. I bumped into some walls, but it was really just Actors Connection, One on One, The Actor’s Green Room, doing all those things to get to know casting directors, doing showcases.

I did plenty of showcases. I worked full time at a mattress store on East 60th, and that’s how I was able to fund all these different things, but I was able to meet agents and casting directors by doing everything I could.

So it was just always saying yes, anything that got you in front of people, got you on stage, and it might get you in front of the right person who’s going to notice you and put you in something? 

I was called in for FBI for a costar [role] and Jonathan Strauss’ office was casting. [Casting director] Alexis Atkinson was there for my audition, and I got a callback. I didn’t get the part, but I got an email from her asking if I would be interested in working with her.

She’d check out my headshots, my reel, and then we’d work on self tapes together, because at the time I had an agent that I submitted to, and she would get me auditions. It really was just one foot in front of the other.

This person giving me a tip over here, this person over here a referral. I definitely was not shy about asking for help. I feel New York was definitely planting all the seeds.

How did you get the agent?

I had seen that somebody booked a costar [role] on one of those procedural shows. I thought, “Well, I fit that world, because I’ve been called into that world, so let’s see who their agent is.” I submitted to their agent, and she got back to me within minutes. She was looking for my type.

I think that serves as such a good example for anyone who might be reading this, about doing research and pounding the pavement.

Yeah, and sometimes you feel overwhelmed because you’re not sure and think, “Well, what do I do?” It’s not linear. Again, put that foot in front of the other, and then just see what happens. If you’re doing something and it’s right for you, then the door will open, and if it’s not, the door will close, and then you’ll just have to walk down the hall and see if any doors open over there.

There’s no formula where it’s A plus B equals C. I’m still trying to meet more people and knock on more doors, but it’s helpful that now others are willing to go to bat for me with the people that they know, and I think that’s something to really keep in mind, is that when people go to bat for you, you need to be able to show up.

Somebody who’s on time, somebody who does their part, and who’s constantly working on their craft.

Do you still find you think of yourself as a New York actress?

I think I always will. It has community. People were always so open to lend a hand. Just reach out and say, “Hey, why don’t you come to this workshop with me?” Or, “Can you come to this event with me?” So I try to make sure that I pay that forward as well. I think a big aspect of being a New York actor is really desiring and creating community in artistic spaces.

When somebody is your friend in New York, they’re really your friend, and that’s super valuable. And obviously in New York, you can go into a small theater and see amazing work, and I think that’s just something to always strive for, that you’re working at that level, no matter where you’re at.

Looking for acting opportunities in New York?

Browse current:

• New York City Casting Calls
• NYC Background Actor Jobs
• Theatre Auditions
• New York TV Series Casting Calls

The post Acting in New York: What You Need to Know to Succeed appeared first on Casting Networks.

There are some general misconceptions about background acting. Legendary casting director Rose Rosen walks us through the process of how you can become a background actor.

Key Insights

• Casting directors care more about reliability, professionalism, and adaptability than trying to “steal the scene.”
• Your behavior on set, wardrobe choices, and ability to follow direction directly affect whether you get booked again.
• Successful background actors treat extra work like a real industry job and use it to build connections, experience, and opportunities.

Get access to thousands
of high-quality roles.

JOIN FREE TODAY

The First Step: How To Get Into Background Acting

Depending on where you live, do some research about who hires background. Is it agents? Is it casting directors? “Follow them on social media,” Rosen says. “Get involved. Then sign up. We all love a list. This is how we live.” If there’s more than one such service, sign up for all of them. “

There’s no exclusivity on this,” she reassures. “Nobody cares. If you happen to live in a bigger city and there’s more than one or two of them, sign up with all of them. Go deep.”

Know How To Dress

Plain wardrobe is your friend here. Anything with a logo? Lose it. Can’t use them. “I was at a film festival,” Rosen recalls, “I’m watching the shorts block, and in this cute little movie, the girl had a Barbie T-shirt on in featured background. I thought, ‘Really? You couldn’t turn that inside out?’”

What You Should Be Thinking About With Your Headshots

The simple truth is that they should look like you. Not too airbrushed or altered, just nice photos of you, as you really look. “Plain is your friend here,” Rosen says. “

And make sure it represents you well. When I was working with Tim Burton, we were choosing featured background, and had these photo arrays. He wanted to pick them out one by one, because these people would recur at their homes. Mowing their lawn, doing the things people do. He would literally sit there, look at the photos, then at the people, and say, ‘Wait, is this you?’ So many people don’t look like their headshots, and that’s a big problem.” 

This was a bigger problem before, when headshots cost a lot of money. Now, you can take quality shots with your phone. “Use a plain background, look like yourself, wear something clean and nice, a simple outfit, that’s it,” she advises.

“As light makeup as you can and still be comfortable. No characters, nothing. We want to just see that you’re you, and then the proof is in the pudding when you show up, right?

Showing Up: Know the Rules of Being on a Set

One of the best ways to be noticed on a set is to not be noticed. Ask your agent or casting directors what the rules are before showing up, but also use common sense. Don’t eat before the principal actors. Don’t take up the director’s time with questions.

Find out the rules ahead of time, and follow them, and understand that they want to move you out, so go there as quickly as possible. “Sometimes you’re going to be pissed because you don’t get the same food as other people,” she says.

“They’ll brown bag the extras if there are a lot of them, and serve hot food to the crew. It’s common sense, mostly, but definitely have somebody run you through this stuff ahead of time. Once you’re there, the less questions, the better. Show up and do your job. If they’re calling for you on set and somehow you’re not available, or not within earshot [and] nobody can find you, that’s a problem.”

Using Background as a Springboard To Something Bigger

Background acting and principal acting are, in fact, two different kind of skills and two different kinds of trajectories, so you should approach it in two different ways. “I love the retired people who just decide they want to do background. They get with some agents and certain casting companies that hire background. They’re in a proper city that needs that.” 

Of course, if you’re in a smaller community, the opportunities might not be as plentiful, but even if you’re in the middle of nowhere, a movie or TV show could come to town, so you can keep your eyes open for those kinds of things. “That would be a fun day for you, but typically in a bigger city that’s doing some movies, you could figure this out anyway,” Rosen observes. 

For a person who wants to be a speaking actor, starting out in background is an excellent educational opportunity. “You get to see what everybody does on set,” she says. “You get to see set etiquette and make sure you are an observational person, not a participating one. Because you need to watch what [everyone] is doing on the set. This is huge, and I recommend every actor do it a couple of times at the beginning, at least.” 

Also, if you need money, keep doing it, but don’t put it on your resume if you want to get speaking roles. “I know people trying to make their insurance are doing some background,” Rosen says. “None of it matters. If you want to be a background actor, great. Do that. If you want to be a principal actor, there are different skill sets to learn, but learning how to be on set is a huge skill set that is the best vantage point.”

The Best Way To Build a Consistent Career in Background Acting

Do all the things: sign up with the agents, follow the casting directors that do that in your area, read the newspapers, or whatever passes for them these days, which will tell you when something is coming to town. “Every time something happens locally here, people reach out to me,” Rosen says. “Those jobs are out there. Apply for them and show up.”

Building a career, or even an avocation as a background actor is like any other creative endeavor. It takes discipline and attention to detail. It also takes the ability to follow direction and do what you’re told. It’s not for everyone, but if it strikes you as something you want to do, there are plenty of chances to do it in most states.

One way to keep on top of things is with the help of Casting Networks, where your profile could help you get work as well.

Ready to get started in background acting?

Explore current:

• Background Actor Casting Calls
• Los Angeles Extras Auditions
• New York City Background Acting Opportunities
• Atlanta Extra Jobs

The post How to Become a Background Actor: What Casting Directors Actually See appeared first on Casting Networks.