The main function of a casting director is to audition several actors for a single role
and present them, or their audition tape, to the director and producers. They usually
don't have much control over who gets the part (that's usually the producer's
choice) but they do have a lot of control over who gets called in for auditions. They
are a vital part of an actor's career.
On average, they bring in about 10-15 people per role with the exception of leading
roles or series regulars (stars on TV). For leading roles, they will audition many
more actors because the role is more important. Sometimes, your audition will be
taped and the casting director will send their favorites to the producers/director to
let them decide which actor they want for the part. Once all the producers agree on
the individual they want, the role is cast.
Casting Directors are notorious for being extremely busy. If it seems like you're not
their top priority, you probably aren't. Don't take it personally. Since their time is
limited, you should generally avoid idle chitchat and get down to business. If they
initiate conversation, be polite, engage with them, and listen to them. They might
give you vital feedback about the part such as mistakes other actors have made or
direction they'd like you to take. However, if they only want to start the audition,
perform your best, thank them for their consideration, and leave. They will respect
you more for doing your job and not consuming excess time.
If you're thinking about contacting them, follow the guidelines in "Networking".
In the audition, sometimes the casting director can come off as rude or insensitive.
Try not to let this bother you; it doesn't necessarily mean you auditioned poorly. A
casting director's disposition (good or bad) doesn't always determine the outcome
of your audition. Sometimes you'll think your audition was terrible, yet you'll book
the part and other times you'll think you did a great job and never hear from them
again.
Ironic, huh?
Word of advice: don't offer to shake a casting director's hand. Most will turn you
down because they don't want to get sick; they don't like taking a chance because
they meet A LOT of new people every day. Every once in a while a casting director
will be ok with it, but it's not worth the risk of looking inexperienced. So if a casting
director offers a handshake first, accept with a smile but DO NOT be the first to offer.
