The Importance of Casting Calls What Every Actor Should Know About Them:

Some actors wonder about the importance of casting calls to their career.  They may be depending on an agent, chance or knowing someone to get them through the door.  Unfortunately, that's not realistic. 

First, a little explanation about the castings themselves. Casting calls are notices made to the public or to casting agencies that actors are required for an upcoming production. The term can be applied widely, since anyone from a student filmmaker to a major motion picture studio can issue a casting call. The notification can take place in many forms, including industry trades, online bulletin boards, word-of-mouth, agent notification and casting web sites, to name just a few.

As a beginning actor, the importance of casting calls is huge. This is primarily how you will go about getting work.  Later on, after you have worked on several jobs and have a strong acting résumé, you might be able to sign with a talent agent or talent agency who will locate all future work for you.

Once an actor is more experienced, a talent agent may help him look for more opportunities or even drum up auditions for them. Established talent agents have well connected relationships with major casting directors, production companies, studios and other industry insiders. It is the agent's job to use these relationships and contacts to find the best parts for their clients. 

Keep in mind, that in order to get a talent agent, you must already have a fair amount of acting experience and an impressive acting résumé. To get the good looking resume and the experience it demands, you need to locate acting roles on your own by searching out quality and legitimate casting notices, casting calls, and auditions. Where do you find casting calls? Most actors do two things. They diligently read the industry trade magazines and join casting web sites.

There are still a lot of sketchy people out there that know ambitious young actors are looking for their chance at fame.  Unfortunately these people post bogus casting calls where they may coerce you into nudity and other compromised situations. So when in doubt, bring a friend or relative along with you and always let others know where you are going. A good way to safeguard yourself is to avoid responding to small, inexpensive ads and stick with legitimate avenues of pursuit for your goals. 

There are many online resources and well-established casting companies for inexperienced and experienced actors alike. A little diligent research and patience will pay off in the long run.  At the New York Acting School, we are here to help you along in your goals with classes, coaching and more!  Call us today for more information!