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The process of reaching out to casting directors for theatre project submissions differs slightly from that of general Film/TV project submissions.

One similarity is your ability to research and get specific! Like television, there is a lot of information available prior to a theatre production. As a theatre performer, you should be prepared with a list of 5-10 roles in specific plays that you are right for. Look to the roles you have already worked on in acting class.

For most theatre audition notices the roles and storyline will already be available, which makes it easier to be more specific in the submission for a particular role. Up-To-Date Actor lists public EPA and audition notices for union regional theatre projects. EPAs and audition notices are great, but don't let that be your only option! If you don't see an upcoming audition but are interested in a certain production, call the producing company or regional theatre directly.

The life of an actor requires continuously putting yourself out there to gain visibility and recognition. To get cast in a production, it used to be par for the course for actors to send general submissions to casting directors via mass mailers with their headshots, resumes, and cover letters enclosed. Casting directors and agents would then sift through the mail, select the actors they were interested in, and invite them to perform as a means of getting to know this new talent.

The "general submission" practice has since fallen by the wayside, especially in New York City and Los Angeles, and has been replaced with the rising success of paid networking seminars. While this was the norm for a while, the pandemic uprooted things once again, making it all the more important to understand how to navigate the nuances of "Specific General Submission," as well as proper etiquette for crafting a cover letter, whether to mail or email a submission and how to follow up with casting directors at networking events.

Navigating the world of acting can be challenging for even the most experienced of actors. The Film/TV/Theatre industries are fickle and dynamic. As a working actor, it is your responsibility to do everything you can to grow your acting career. Part of that means partnering with the right talent agent.

Having the right representation can make all the difference in your success. The Up-To-Date Actor has an extensive database filled with talent agencies, but it is on you to find representation that is the best fit.