How to Get Feedback from Casting Directors

11/5/2018

Aren't you curious about what casting directors think of you?

We audition way more than we actually book jobs, which means a large percentage of our auditions are met with rejection.

Those rejections can leaving you wondering a million questions, all of which you want answers to, but how can you get them?

In this post, I'll tell you exactly how I've gotten great feedback multiple times without looking or feeling desperate.

TO ASK OR NOT TO ASK

Most actors think they should ask for feedback. I disagree.

I do NOT recommend directly asking casting for feedback about your auditions.

Why?

Because casting directors are freaking busy! They do not have time to answer every request for feedback they receive.

If they want to give you feedback, they'll most likely do it in the audition room. I have never once asked for it, and I think that's a big reason why I've actually gotten it.

If they really loved an audition, or select only a very small pool of talent for a project, then they may email you feedback after the project is cast.

I had a CD email me via my agent, which means my agent saw their positive review as well. Score!

Additionally, I do not recommend that you email your agent asking them to get feedback for you. CD's will most likely email feedback about you to your agent, and then your agent will forward it to you. I know this from personal experience.

Just keep doing your thang! Let the feedback come naturally.

DO YOUR JOB

Remember what I just told you about casting giving you feedback in the room? This happened to me recently.

A casting director told me how thankful they were for me because I made them look good to their clients. Why? Because I show up prepared.

I know my lines. I try to dress appropriately for the audition without going overboard. I know my lines. I do my best to take casting's notes. I know my lines. I've learned to prepare at least four different takes. Did I mention that I know my freaking lines?

Casting offices need dependable talent to show to their clients. Note that I didn't say talented. I said dependable. Talented is a bonus.

We must remember that the casting office was hired by the client. They work for the client. Casting is not there to cater to us, but rather we are there to help casting meet a client's needs.

BE LIKABLE

I cannot express to you how important it is to be likable.

Here are a few pure gold likability tips:

Smile
Say hello
Learn names
Keep convos short
Ask smart, specific questions...if any
Read the casting info before asking questions
Stay quiet in the waiting area
Pee before you sign in
Park 15 minutes early
Go inside 10 minutes early
Nicely say goodbye and thank you
LEAVE

I've seen actors show their butts, make excuses, and not know their lines in a casting office. I've also felt the tension in the room when they left. I can just about guarantee you that they're hardly ever invited back, short of a misunderstanding and very well written apology.

Being likable gets you invited back multiple times, which allows casting to get familiar with you opening up the door for them to give you feedback.

Be likable. Get feedback.

TAKE ACTION

Based on what you've read here today, what do you need to change? Comment to let me know.

Screenshot that likability list so you have it on hand at your next audition.

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