Blog: Casting

Artios Awards: An Opportunity to Evolve Your Relationship with Casting Directors

By , March 04, 2024

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Casting director relationships are the backbone of a successful performance career. Whether you are just starting to build a professional career or continuing to rejuvenate an already flourishing career, casting directors are your most valuable friends. Professional updates to casting directors that you have already met or those that you have targeted to introduce your talent to are a valuable PR tool to enhance your career momentum. You are your first Press Agent!

Until your career has reached name recognition or you book a high-profile starring role, you are your best publicist. You have 3 desirable press agent qualities - you are passionate about your work, are your number one client and you are affordable. As an aspiring actor, this is one of the most important practices to commit to doing. Being your own press agent from the very start of your career will not only accelerate your success but will keep you feeling in the game when auditions and work are on a low cycle. Making follow-up notes and project research a part of your weekly career work is a habit to cultivate and grow.

There are many ways to professionally follow up with casting directors after auditions, meetings, and career news and bookings. Up-To-Date Actor members have access to our extensive resource section with tips, advice, and examples for cover letters, follow-ups, and more. One opportunity that is often overlooked is sending a congratulations email to casting directors for an Artios Award Nomination and Win.

Can a Non-Union Actor Submit for Union Film, TV, or Theatre Projects?

By , January 21, 2024

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In the world of acting, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, one question that often arises is whether a non-union actor can submit for union film, TV, or theatre projects. It's a topic that has sparked debates and discussions in the entertainment industry for years. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll explore the intricacies of this issue, examining the pros and cons, and provide guidance for non-union actors aspiring to break into the world of union productions.

How to Reach Out to Theatre Casting Directors

By , July 01, 2022

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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.

Can You Directly Reach Out to Film/TV Casting Directors?

By , June 20, 2022

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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.