8 Tips From a Small Time Casting Director

I am a member of an Off-off Broadway theatre company, and every year we do open call auditions (EPAs).  This is a big year for us: two full shows, and four readings to cast.
We had our first day this weekend, and I wanted to pass on some tips from the point of view of casting director, me.

1 - Be prepared to chat.  When casting a season, we can only get so much information from the monologue.  I tried to engage every actor in chit-chat to get an idea of who they were.  Quite a few people just couldn't do it; they were nervous, or assumed we were in a hurry.  No matter how good the monologue, those actors didn't make the cut.

2 - Don't rush out of the room.  This is a big problem!  People were reaching for the door before I had a chance to ask them for a second monologue or to ask them any questions.  In most cases, I just let them go.  Those aren't the kind of people who are going to be easy to work with.

3 - Don't ask me to be a facebook friend.  I listed my company email address, and mailing address.  This is my preferred way to being contacted.  I don't know you; we're not friends.

4 - Do follow up by email or mail.  Followups give me  a chance to remember the best auditions.  And it shows eagerness, and professionalism.

5 - Dress well.  Let me know you care about the impression you make.

6 - Be prepared with a contrasting monologue. If the first one shows talent, I may wanted to see more range.   We're casting a whole season - lots of roles!

7 - If you only have one monologue, that's okay.  But it should be warm.  No rape, no molestation, no excessive cursing.

8 - Ask questions if you like. Research the company, and try to figure out how you'd fit.

We're in the Off-off Broadway community, and we build the company through auditions like this.  Think about that when you audition.  We want talented, fun, nice people to stick with us for years.  You are not just someone we're going to hire and drop.

I guess, in that way, it's different from most auditions you'll go on.

I hope this helps, and maybe I'll see you for our second day.